Position paper: Anti-corruption agencies in Australia
Anti-corruption agencies (ACAs) are a vital part of Australia’s national integrity system, relied on by community and government to lead the exposure of official corruption, head off emergent corruption risks, and ensure action to build confidence in Australia’s corruption resilience.
However there is growing confusion – in government and publicly – about the adequacy of Australia’s institutional arrangements for fighting corruption, including:
- variable, inconsistent or missing legal definitions of official corruption;
- whether ACA’s efforts are properly prioritised, proactive and coordinated with other agencies;
- insufficient confidence that action is being taken to deal properly with individuals who engage in or benefit from corrupt conduct that is uncovered;
- whether ACAs have the right powers, sufficient resources and necessary independence from government;
- adequacy of accountability, oversight and performance assurance arrangements; and
- gaps in arrangements at the Australian federal government level…