Reflections on the Asia Pacific Integrity School 2024
Helen Ngo attended the Asia-Pacific Integrity School in Brisbane in August 2024. The Asia-Pacific Integrity School is a collaborative initiative involving Griffith University, Transparency International chapters from the Asia-Pacific region, the Transnational Research Institute on Corruption (TRIC) based at ANU, and sponsoring agencies including Australia Awards Indonesia (DFAT) and the UN Office on Drugs & Crime (PNG Office).
Attended by over 50 mid-career professionals, the programs equipped people to with the knowledge to lead and implement integrity, good governance and anti-corruption measures across the Asia-Pacific.
Here, Helen reflects on her experience learning from integrity experts around Australia and the Asia-Pacific.
Reflection: Integrity Systems and Financial Crime
Over the course of five days, participants engaged in theoretical learnings, practical case study presentations and networking opportunities.
The week kicked off with an exploration of the foundational concepts that constitute a national integrity system. Participants were introduced to the traditional and networked approaches to understanding corruption risk. Through thought-provoking discussions and workshops, attendees were encouraged to reflect on their own perceptions of corruption and the specific challenges faced in their regional jurisdictions. We had interesting discussions involving differing opinions on how to best tackle corruption. These friendly disagreements highlighted the challenges faced by different jurisdictions and highlighted everyone’s shared commitment to finding effective solutions tailored to their local contexts.
Day two took a deeper dive into practical examples of successful strategies for addressing corruption. Notable case studies included the prosecution of a former government official, highlighting the complexities faced by prosecutors in the legal landscape. Participants learned valuable lessons from the challenges encountered along the way.
Another case study focused on the reforms to Australia’s integrity systems, particularly in response to the controversial Robodebt scheme. This discussion provided critical insights into what went wrong, and the mechanisms put in place to rectify these issues, offering a blueprint for other jurisdictions to reference and tailor to their individual circumstances.
As the program progressed, day three brought to light the emerging issues and challenges of corruption across borders. Through the lens of Sri Lanka’s experience with asset recovery, participants gained a broader understanding of the interconnectedness of corruption issues globally. This session emphasised the importance of collaboration and shared strategies in the fight against corruption.
Day four involved institutional visits to the Public Sector Commission and the Commonwealth Law Courts. Participants had the unique opportunity to witness integrity systems in action, gaining firsthand insight into how these institutions operate and the challenges they face. These visits helped to ground the theoretical knowledge gained earlier in the week in real-world applications, enhancing participants’ understanding of integrity mechanisms.
During the final day participants were encouraged to reflect on what integrity means to them personally and professionally. This reflective practice not only solidified the knowledge gained throughout the week but also fostered a deeper commitment to uphold integrity within their own jurisdictions.
One of the most significant takeaways from my recent experience at the Asia Pacific Integrity School is that no jurisdiction can or will ever have the “perfect” integrity system. Corruption, like any other form of crime, is constantly evolving, especially as technology advances.
The pillars of a National Integrity System and Financial Crime
During the integrity school, we explored the core components of a national integrity system, known as the “pillars”, which include institutions like the legislative, judiciary, public sector, law enforcement, anti-corruption agencies, and others. These pillars hold equal responsibility in maintaining the rule of law.
Through networking with participants from various countries and sectors, I was able to see how integrity systems across different jurisdictions are at different stages of maturity. During the Public Sector Commission site visit, Australia demonstrated it is further along the integrity spectrum, having built a level of trust that allows for merit-based recruitment. These processes are often embedded within our everyday practices. In some ways, we take for granted that our system functions have a built-in level of integrity, and trust that the process will be fair. Despite the progress Australia has made with the design of its integrity frameworks, we still struggle with addressing the unintended consequences as part of its operating effectiveness. For example, there are opportunities to learn from current and former whistleblowers to enhance the protection of whistleblowers.
Culture and Values: The cornerstone of addressing corruption
One lesson I took from this experience is the importance of culture and values in effectively addressing corruption. Although the design and of institutions and legislative frameworks are important, they must be underpinned by a culture that values transparency, accountability, and fairness. The most memorable piece of reflection I had related to how well Australia has embedded its integrity processes into the ordinary course of business.
Meaningful Change: Tailoring solutions for the Pacific
Australia plays an active role in shaping the integrity framework, not just within its own borders but across the Asia-Pacific region. Through aid and government programs that support the development of anti-corruption and financial crime infrastructure in neighbouring jurisdictions, Australia has an opportunity to strengthen the region’s response to corruption and crime.
However, one key insight I gained from speaking with participants from other countries is that we cannot simply “copy and paste” Australia’s solutions into other jurisdictions. The challenges and context in the Pacific are unique, requiring tailored approaches. Solutions that are small but effective will have a bigger, more sustainable impact in the long term. It’s not an easy task, but by creating context-specific infrastructure and legal frameworks, we can build stronger integrity systems that reflect the needs of each jurisdiction.
A feedback loop for change
Addressing corruption is not a one-time solution. It requires a continuous feedback loop, where systems are regularly reviewed and adapted to counter emerging trends and threats. Corruption is always changing, and so must the mechanisms designed to combat it. Australia’s integrity system may be more advanced than some, but it is not without its own challenges. Corruption here is no longer about passing a brown paper bag to a politician. It’s more sophisticated and subtle. During one of the interactive workshops, it was interesting reflecting on what corruption could look like in Australia, particularly in the consulting space. Combatting corporate crime and corruption in the modern context is no longer limited to just politicians receiving a brown paper bag of funds. The public sector is often involved in procurement processes for government contracts both domestically and internationally. There is often a lack of awareness in corporate Australia that government contract holders are defined as ‘public officials’ for the purposes of the National Anti-Corruption Act. This essentially means the bar for what constitutes corrupt acts is lower, increasing the private sector’s liability. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) have observed trends of corruption stemming from the procurement stage, particularly given the large amount of money associated with government tenders, as well as recruitment of senior positions. This prompted me to reflect on how the definition of corruption has evolved and its connection to my work within the private sector.
Conclusion
My experience at the Integrity School reinforced that the fight against corruption requires a multifaceted approach – one that combines strong institutional frameworks, cultural change, and an adaptive feedback loop that keeps pace with emerging trends. The Integrity School was an incredible opportunity to meet and meet with individuals driven to design and implement change practices across the Asia Pacific – together with Australia, we can create an impact where we can.
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