Bribery and corruption in Australian local councils

Abstract

This paper explores public concerns about corruption and bribery in Australian local government and provides guidance for policy-makers on how to control bribery and corruption. Lack of regulation is a major reason why local councils are not taking appropriate anti-corruption or bribery measures. The author urges regulators to impose radical and mandatory requirements, especially reporting requirements, on local councils. Australia should also look to other countries for successful measures to curb bribery and corruption.

Keywords:

• Australia
• bribery
• corruption
• disclosure
• local councils

Notes

* Although Cressey's (1953) fraud triangle is old, researchers still find it important for explaining contemporary fraud (see, for example, Srivastava et al., 2009; Dellaportas, 2013).