For the first time, the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) is inviting Victoria’s elected representatives – members of Parliament and Councillors – to participate in its Perceptions of Corruption Survey.
Launching the survey, Executive Director Prevention and Communication at IBAC, Linda Timothy said the voluntary survey built on IBAC’s previous surveys on perceptions of corruption but this would be the first time MPs and councillors had been asked for their views.
Dr Timothy said IBAC was seeking the opinions of MPs and Councillors to better understand their knowledge of corruption; their perceptions about the extent of corruption; and their awareness and attitudes towards reporting corruption.
“It is important to hear the views of Victoria’s elected representatives so we can identify gaps in our knowledge and discover opportunities to address corruption risks and vulnerabilities in the public sector,” Dr Timothy said.
“When we understand these knowledge gaps, we can better target our prevention and education efforts to these areas,” she said.
“We want everyone to understand what corruption is, what to look out for, how to report it, and feel confident that they will be listened to and protected if they speak to IBAC about suspected corruption.”
Dr Timothy called on MPs and Councillors to complete the short online survey, which is open until early June.
She said the Commission regularly undertook community and stakeholder surveys to inform the development of prevention and communication initiatives to improve the public sector’s resistance to corruption and misconduct.
“In 2022, IBAC published the results of its survey of 12,000 State and local government employees, Victoria Police employees, suppliers, and the Victorian community,” the Executive Director said.
“We strongly encourage Victoria’s elected representatives to participate in the anonymous survey so the community has an understanding of these important issues and IBAC can support the public sector to strengthen its resistance to corruption.”
The results of IBAC’s 2022 Perceptions of Corruption Survey can be accessed at this PS News link.
