You can help prevent corruption

Everyone can help prevent public sector corruption. If you’re a public sector employee, a government supplier or a member of the public, you can learn about it and take action to prevent it.

Stopping corruption means more public funds will be spent as intended – maintaining Victoria's schools, hospitals, roads and other vital public services and projects.

Where do I start?

Start by informing yourself and others about what corruption is and IBAC's role.

Learn how to spot weaknesses that make corruption more likely and red flags it's happening. Learn about the impacts of corruption across the public sector.

Find more helpful information and resources below. Or browse by sector and activity in our resource centre.

  • Posters, videos and banners are available to help raise awareness of public sector corruption risks and encourage reporting in your community or workplace.

    Presentations from leading experts in the field of corruption prevention, and other information materials, are available to help Victorian public sector employees identify, report and prevent corruption.

  • By making a complaint you can help expose public sector corruption and misconduct.

    IBAC uses the information in complaints to identify broader trends and patterns of corruption. We use our analysis and intelligence to warn the public sector about where and how corruption might be happening in their organisations.

    Speaking up and making a complaint helps to:

    • expose corrupt activities and risks
    • keep the public sector honest, transparent and accountable
    • stop dishonest practices 
    • ensure public sector employees act in the public interest.


    We understand it can be hard to speak up and report wrongdoing. IBAC will treat your information carefully. There are protections available when you make a disclosure that’s in the public interest, as well as ways to protect your privacy when you report. 

     

  • If you work for a state government department or agency, a council or a member of parliament, you must report wrongdoing. You need to be aware of, and meet, the standards expected of you as a public sector employee. These include:


    These standards will help you decide if you have witnessed corrupt behaviour.

  • If you are a manager or leader in the Victorian public sector, you must prevent corruption in your organisation. Principal officers have mandatory reporting obligations.

    Leaders have the best understanding of the work environment and must:

    • identify and remove (or mitigate) any work area, or organisation specific, risks 
    • promote public sector values as per the Public Administration Act 2004, the Code of conduct, local policies and procedures
    • establish and maintain a corruption-resistant culture.


    Find out how your agency could be vulnerable.

  • Heads of departments and councils (and other public bodies) must notify IBAC if they suspect corruption.

    The Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police must notify us if there is a complaint about corrupt conduct or misconduct.