Australia’s anti-corruption chiefs have backed a set of fundamental principles.

At the Australian Public Sector Anti-Corruption Conference in Darwin, commissioners from Australia's 10 independent anti-corruption and integrity agencies unveiled the Fundamental Principles of Australian Anti-Corruption Commissions. 

These twelve principles aim to provide a robust framework for legislation and policy that will govern the operations of anti-corruption bodies across the nation.

The twelve principles outline essential capabilities for commissions to function independently and effectively. Key elements include:

  • The ability to receive and consider referrals from anyone.

  • The authority to initiate investigations independently.

  • A mandatory reporting obligation for public sector agency heads to report suspected corruption.

  • Protections for whistleblowers and witnesses.

  • Coercive powers to obtain information and evidence.

  • The ability to refer matters to prosecuting authorities.

  • The capacity to make recommendations.

  • The capability to report on investigations and issue public statements.

  • A corruption prevention and education function.

  • A sufficient and predictable budget.

  • Transparency in appointments.

  • Effective and proportionate oversight.

The release follows a collaborative review by Australia's anti-corruption commissioners of best practice principles first introduced in December 2022. 

One significant addition is the fourth principle, which focuses on protecting whistleblowers and witnesses. 

“A person who refers information or gives evidence to a commission should be immune from any criminal, civil, administrative, or disciplinary liability, and from the enforcement against them of contractual rights or remedies, for doing so,” the principle states.

Principle eight highlights the importance of transparency, stipulating that commissions must be able to communicate their work to the community through public statements and reports. This transparency is crucial to expose corrupt conduct, identify potential risks, and dispel unfounded allegations.

The twelve principles draw inspiration from the Jakarta Principles for Anti-Corruption Commissions, which ensure the independence and effectiveness of such agencies. 

These principles align with the commitments under the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), to which Australia is a signatory. 

More details of the fundamental principles are accessible here.