IBAC’s latest ”perceptions of corruption” survey reveals some serious concerns for Victoria. Photo: File.
A survey of more than 9000 Victorians has revealed a widespread belief that public sector corruption occurs in the state and that it poses workplace problems.
Rising opinions are also suggesting official corruption is becoming more problematic for businesses bidding for government contracts.
The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) has released the results of its most recent ‘’perceptions of corruption’’ survey.
Respondents to the survey series in 2024 came from across state and local government employees, Victoria Police staff, business suppliers to government and the Victorian community.
A previous survey of this group was conducted in 2022.
The workplace behaviours identified in the survey as being most likely to be a ‘’high risk’’ include breach of professional boundaries, inaction, and favouritism or nepotism.
Three-quarters of Victorian Government employees surveyed consider their organisation is vulnerable to corruption and misconduct.
Forty-one per cent of business suppliers to the government have decided not to bid on a contract in the past 12 months due to concern about possible corruption – an increase from 34 per cent in 2022.
IBAC deputy commissioner David Wolf said it was evident corruption was increasingly perceived as a problem at work. However, he was hopeful the results could help raise awareness and drive initiatives for change.
“While it’s clear that there’s a widespread opinion of corruption and an increasing belief that it’s a problem in Victoria, there is an opportunity for public sector agencies, local councils and Victoria Police to address corruption risks and vulnerabilities and enhance their own approach to corruption prevention,” he said.
“The findings should help agencies identify gaps and opportunities to address perceived weakening ethical cultures across different sectors, as well as enhance their prevention and education efforts.
“An area where we would like to see improvement is in the reporting of corruption or misconduct.
“Results showed that across all survey groups, participants exhibited strong intentions to report corruption and misconduct but lacked the confidence to do so.
“There also appears to be uncertainty around the likely outcomes from making a report, and adequate protections for those who make a report.
“This tells us that these areas should be a priority for support and education so that anyone who suspects corruption or misconduct feels confident to report it and that it will be taken seriously.”
IBAC periodically conducts ‘’perceptions of corruption’’ surveys to explore the perceived prevalence of public sector corruption and police misconduct, as well as the understanding of these types of behaviours.
The surveys also explore the awareness and perceptions people have of IBAC.
Within IBAC, the survey results are used to help inform prevention and education activities.
Mr Wolf said concerns about corruption and misconduct could undermine trust in Victoria’s public sector and police.
He added that reporting of suspected corruption or police misconduct also depended on people’s awareness of these problems, how to report, and confidence they would be taken seriously and protected.
IBAC is Victoria’s agency responsible for preventing and exposing public sector corruption and police misconduct.
The survey results in detail for each sector can be found on the IBAC website.
