The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) has released the results of its most recent 'perceptions of corruption' surveys revealing a widespread opinion that corruption occurs in Victoria and an increasing opinion that it poses a problem in the workplace and when bidding for government contracts.
Over 9000 people participated in the surveys in 2024, with participants including state and local government employees, Victoria Police employees, business suppliers to government and the Victorian community. A previous survey to this group was conducted in 2022.
The behaviours in the workplace identified as 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. While 41 per cent of business suppliers to government have decided not to bid on a contract in the last 12 months due to concern about possible corruption (an increase from 34 per cent in 2022).
The 'perceptions of corruption' surveys are periodically conducted by IBAC to explore the perceived prevalence of public sector corruption and police misconduct and the understanding of these types of behaviours. The surveys also explore the awareness and perceptions of IBAC.
IBAC Deputy Commissioner David Wolf said it was evident that corruption was increasingly perceived as a problem at work but 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," Deputy Commissioner Wolf 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."
Within IBAC, the survey results are used to help inform prevention and education activities.
Concerns about corruption and misconduct can undermine trust in Victoria's public sector and police. Reporting of suspected corruption or police misconduct also depends on people's awareness of these problems, how to report, and confidence they'll be taken seriously and protected.
