Bribery of Foreign Public Officials is a crime

Corruption is a serious global problem.  Too often corruption is described as ‘white collar crime’ or ‘the cost of doing business’, which masks the devastating impact corruption has on real people and their families.  It affects everything from employment opportunities to access to vital medical supplies.  Moreover, the destabilising effect corruption has on a developing economy does not stop at national borders but instead spreads within the region and beyond.  For these reasons, the Australian Government is proud to be taking a leadership role within the region to combat corruption, including through the Australian aid program. 

Our commitment to fighting corruption also has a strong domestic focus.  Over the last decade, the Australian Government has ratified the key international instruments relating to corruption:  the United Nations Convention against Corruption, the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions.  Our domestic laws meet our obligations under these treaties and target corruption here and overseas.  Bribery of a public foreign official is a serious criminal offence that carries heavy penalties.

Raising the level of awareness about corrupt practices and their effects – including foreign bribery – is a critical element in the fight against corruption.  The Australian Government believes that its awareness raising initiatives, together with strong legislative measures, will have long term benefits for all Australians and our economy. 

The information comprising the Australian Government’s Foreign Bribery Information and Awareness Pack, provides key information on the offence of bribing a foreign public official.  This Information and Awareness Pack is of particular use to all Australians who encounter foreign public officials, whether it is in the course of business or simply as a result of travelling overseas.