THE HON BRENDAN O’CONNOR MP

MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND JUSTICE

MEDIA RELEASE

Friday, 9 December 2011

INTERNATIONAL ANTI-CORRUPTION DAY 

Today is International Anti-Corruption Day, marking the 8th Anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention against Corruption by the United Nations General Assembly. 

Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor said that while Australia had an admirable anti-corruption record, no country could afford to be complacent. 

“To boost Australia’s fight against corruption, I announced in September the development of a National Anti-Corruption Plan, a comprehensive framework which will bring together Australian agencies that work on anti-corruption measures,” Mr O’Connor said.  

“It is fitting that on International Anti-Corruption Day the Government has taken an important step in the development of the Plan by holding a public consultation session.” 

A range of government and non-government stakeholders, including representatives from business and academia, attended the forum which was held in Canberra today.

“The National Anti-Corruption Plan will strengthen the Australian Government’s capacity to identify and address corruption risks,” Mr O’Connor said. 

“Combating corruption and its effects, both at home and overseas, contributes to global economic stability, encourages investment and maintains public confidence.

“Today’s event marks the first step in a public consultation exercise designed to gain the insight and experience of a wide range of stakeholders in assessing and addressing emerging corruption threats.” 

Mr O’Connor encouraged all interested parties to make submissions on the National Anti-Corruption Plan.

Public submissions can be submitted to anti-corruptionsection@ag.gov.au or by mail until 30 March 2012. 

Further information regarding the consultation process can be found at www.ag.gov.au/anticorruptionplan.

Media Adviser:Maria Hawthorne     0407 015 986  Maria.Hawthorne@ag.gov.au

Recent Developments: Assessing the 'facilitation payments' defence under Australian Foreign Bribery law

On 15 November 2011, the Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Brendan O'Connor MP, launched a public consultation paper to seek stakeholder views on possible changes to Australia's anti-foreign bribery laws. The Australian Government is committed to stamping out corruption and has a comprehensive anti-corruption system for the public and private sectors.

Even though Australia has an admirable anti-corruption record, it is important to consider possible additional measures, including assessing Australia's anti-bribery laws.

Consultation paper

The Government is examining Australia's anti-bribery legislation, in accordance with Australia's commitment to combating corruption at home and abroad and our international obligations.

In particular, the Government is reviewing:

• the treatment of 'facilitation payments' under Australian law
• the factors that influence whether a benefit is 'legitimately due' to the recipient
  • the current requirement to identify a particular foreign public official in order to establish an   offence, and
• the role of dishonesty in domestic corruption offences.

The public consultation paper is provided by the Attorney-General's Department.

Submissions are being accepted by the Attorney-General's Department until 15 December 2011 on the issues raised in the consultation paper.