Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. Corruption in our federal system of government is one of Australia’s greatest challenges. It undermines good government, distorts public policy, frustrates business opportunities and leads to waste, mismanagement and exploitation.
In 2022, Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index revealed Australia is in 18th place, scoring just 73 points on the 100-point scale. This is the worst result Australia has recorded.
To be clear, the national anti-corruption commission is the most important integrity reform we’ve seen in the past forty years.
While the proposed legislation is 90 per cent there, our submission details important areas that will make the national anti-corruption commission as effective as possible in combatting corruption.
On public hearings. It’s important to note that holding public hearings, or partial public hearings, will be important to build the public’s trust in the NACC, bring new evidence to light and investigate corruption effectively.’
Our research finds that the proposed NACC legislation as it stands presents the most restrictive test, repeat most restrictive test, for public hearings in the country – bar South Australia, which has no public hearings.