Is corruption rising in Australia?

#1004 for broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 7 Dec 2014

One of the endemic problems associated with human nature is the temptation to gain personal benefit from corrupt conduct – whether it’s shady business deals, or politicians and police swayed by monetary gifts, or students cheating and rorting the education system.

In the past two years, Australia has dropped from seventh place to number 11 in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, which ranks countries on public perceptions of public sector corruption.

As well as alleged links between unions and organised crime, irregularities with Reserve Bank companies, and Australian Wheat Board corruption, there are questions about Australia’s inconsistent political donation and disclosure regimes, prompting calls for “stronger independent federal leadership, coordination and oversight” to root out corruption.

For justice and fairness to prevail, corruption in all its forms must be ruthlessly resisted and outlawed. We cannot be neutral – either we oppose corruption, or we tacitly or actively support it, and contribute to a culture of injustice and greed.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.