Strategic corruption priorities are areas of focus the Commission has determined to have the greatest potential impact on corruption in the Commonwealth public sector. These priorities will be reviewed at intervals, and will be reported on in greater detail in the Commission's 2024-28 Corporate Plan.
The strategic corruption priorities are informed by the Commission’s intelligence gathering, data analysis, and engagement with stakeholders, and give cohesion and consistency to the Commission’s activities, aid prioritisation, and provide direction to proactive efforts. The strategic corruption priorities for 2024-25 are:
Corruption affecting vulnerable people
The government provides support, care and protection to a range of vulnerable people. These include:
- people with disability
- of lower socio-economic status
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people
- people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- the young and old.
Corruption in provision of services to vulnerable people reduces the volume and quality of government support, adds to exploitation, and exacerbates systemic disadvantage and inequality.
Corruption at the border
Effective management of Australia’s border facilitates legitimate trade, travel and immigration. Corruption at the border can undermine these efforts, exposing Australia to serious national security, criminal, economic, environmental and social harms.
Corruption in senior public official decision-making
Senior public officials have considerable authority and substantial resources at their disposal. Corruption in their decision-making—whether for personal gain, due to a conflict of interest or for other private benefit—can have serious economic and social impacts. Even the perception of corruption can significantly harm trust in government.
Corruption relating to contractors and consultants
Consultants to government often have access to sensitive information, and the ability to misuse it for their own benefit or the benefit of their clients. This priority focuses the Commission on the close relationships between contractors, consultants, and the departments awarding them contracts, as well as the lack of regulation in this area.
Corruption in complex procurements
The Australian Government spends tens of billions of dollars on procurements each year, and even more on grants. Corruption in procurement can lead to substantial financial loss and waste, decreased service quality and reduced confidence in government. ‘Complex’ procurements are high value, require niche expertise, rely on a limited number of providers, or have complexity in funding or governance arrangements.
Corruption in the environmental sector
Climate change, habitat loss, invasive species pollution and resource extraction are leading to a deteriorating Australian environment. Although the extent of corruption in the environment sector is unknown, the friction between economic growth and environmental protection—combined with complexities in funding, governance and oversight arrangements—make it a vulnerable area.
This priority focuses the Commission on decisions and allocation of resources in environmental protection and natural resource management.