26 Feb

Corruption Perceptions Index 2023: part two

Courtheath's blog
By

The 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), published by Transparency International, highlights that the global effort to counter corruption is at a standstill, with most countries making little to no progress against public sector corruption.

In the final of our two-part blog series, we examine the performance of the Asia Pacific region, with a focus on Australia, in particular, the 2023 CPI rankings, findings, and trends. The index ranks 180 countries and territories based on expert and businessperson perceptions of corruption trends. Scores range from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). A score below 50 indicates serious corruption problems.

Asia Pacific Region

The Asia Pacific region is seeing a plateau in its CPI scores, reflecting a worldwide pattern of stagnation or decline in anti-corruption efforts. Transparency International reports that:

  • For the fifth consecutive year, the average CPI score for the region remains unchanged at 45 out of 100.
  • Sixty-eight per cent of countries within Asia and the Pacific score below 50 on the CPI.
  • Nations with consistently high scores, like New Zealand (85) and Singapore (83), continue to lead globally.

Notably, New Zealand achieved its lowest score to date in 2023, a decrease from 87 in 2022 and 91 in 2015, aligning with the global trend.

The low scores in the region are attributed to various factors, including elected officials' inadequate delivery of anti-corruption commitments, the suppression of civil liberties, and climate change challenges exacerbated by geopolitical tensions.

The forthcoming elections in several key countries including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Solomon Islands, South Korea, and Taiwan, present a crucial moment for enforcing anti-corruption measures or risking their unchecked expansion. These elections could be a watershed moment for renewing anti-corruption drives and strengthening democratic values.

Country Rankings in the Asia Pacific Region

New Zealand (85), and Singapore (83), rank among the highest globally. Other nations at the higher end of the index include Australia and Hong Kong, both scoring 75, Japan at 73, Bhutan at 68, Taiwan at 67, and South Korea at 63. North Korea with a score of 17 and Myanmar at 20, the latter having declined by 10 points since 2017, are at the lower end of the index. Afghanistan, also scoring 20, is currently experiencing one of the most severe humanitarian crises in history.

Australia’s Status

“Australia’s corruption fight is at a crossroad,” states Transparency International. Ranked 14th with a score of 75 (for the second consecutive year), Australia’s performance, though notable, has not improved recently, especially when compared to its score of 85 in 2012.

Clancy Moore, CEO of Transparency International Australia, praised the establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), electoral reform commitments, and the Third Open Government Action Plan.

However, Moore also outlined instances of alleged corruption, such as the accusations involving the former MP Stuart Robert, the PWC incident, and the Robo Debt issue.

Transparency International also report:

“The views of the 9 independent data sources and thousands of experts that make up the CPI’s Australian score are in line with recent polling conducted by Transparency International Australia showing 76% of Australians think corruption in government is a ‘quite big’ or ‘very big’ problem.”

Australia’s fight against corruption

To strengthen its democracy and tackle corruption, Transparency International advises Australia to:

  • Increase transparency on political donations and campaign expenditure and stop the ‘revolving doors’ of lobbying;
  • Protect people who blow the whistle on corruption;
  • Stop corrupt officials and criminals from laundering money through poker machines, casinos and real estate, and;
  • Promote democracy through Australia’s aid program.

The Corruption Perceptions Index 2023 highlights the necessity for a united and enduring commitment to eradicate corruption. The report details the present difficulties and calls for governments and citizens to emphasise fairness, responsibility, and adherence to legal principles in building an equitable society.

Resources

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Image: Transparency International

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A participant in the UN Global Compact, CourtHeath seeks to raise awareness about the Sustainable Development Goals and the principles of the Global Compact with business and government organisations in Victoria.

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Written by Elizabeth Tower and Wendy Cavenett

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[#CPI2023, #TransparencyInternational, #publicsectorcorruption]

CourtHeath Consulting

CourtHeath Consulting provides expert procurement and probity advice to government and not for profit organisations. We provide specialist consulting services about procurement issues and organisational procurement operations – as well as management of simple and complex tender processes. Our probity audit and advisory services help clients meet government probity standards especially regarding conflict of interest, confidentiality, ethical conduct and corruption risks.