Australia, a nation once celebrated for its robust democratic institutions and relatively clean government, is facing a crisis of integrity.

Corruption – that creeping rot that erodes trust and undermines our democratic system – has spread from the corridors of bureaucracy and into the halls of Parliament.

Over the decades, we’ve witnessed numerous high-profile politicians at both state and federal levels imprisoned for corruption-related offences. Even our police services, meant to be bastions of law and order, have fallen prey to the allure of power and discretion.

Perhaps most alarming is the absence of an effective federal anti-corruption watchdog.

While Australian states have established dedicated anti-corruption commissions, the Commonwealth has adopted a fragmented, multi-agency approach that has been widely criticised as being inadequate. This gap in our integrity system leaves the federal level of governance vulnerable to unchecked misconduct.

The spectrum of corruption is broad, ranging from clear criminal offences (like bribery and embezzlement) to more nebulous forms such as conflicts of interest and the misuse of information. It’s the latter, often referred to as ‘grey corruption’, that poses a particularly insidious threat.

By setting high thresholds for what is officially considered ‘corrupt conduct’, we allow these less obvious, yet equally damaging, forms of misconduct to flourish unchecked.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the health sector.

The Department of Health and Ageing has been at the centre of several scandals, illustrating the vulnerabilities in this high-stakes area which include conflicts of interest in critical decision-making bodies. The integrity of our public health system is under threat.

Of particular note is the pharmaceutical industry’s perceived influence over government decisions. Millions of dollars in political donations, coupled with an army of lobbyists – some of whom are former government officials – has created a woeful environment. The revolving door between government and industry exacerbates these concerns, with numerous former political staffers and politicians moving into lucrative roles within the pharmaceutical sector.

To restore trust, Australia must undertake substantial reforms.

First and foremost, we need to harmonise legal definitions of corruption across jurisdictions. Clear, consistent legal standards are necessary to effectively combat corruption at all levels of government if ever and whenever it appears.

Secondly, the establishment of a truly independent federal anti-corruption body is crucial. This watchdog must have the power to provide oversight, ensure transparency, and enforce meaningful penalties for breaches of integrity.

Thirdly, we must enhance regulations around political donations and lobbying activities. Greater transparency in these areas will help restore public trust and curb undue industry influence.

Lastly, we need stronger, enforceable cooling-off periods before former government officials can transition into industry roles. This would help prevent the immediate monetisation of political experience and connections, reducing the risks associated with the revolving door.

The fight against corruption is ongoing and only through sustained effort can we preserve the integrity of Australian governance.

What we face is not only a test of our political system; it’s a challenge to our civilisation.

As we move forward, we must remain vigilant. We must demand transparency, accountability, and integrity from our leaders and institutions. Only then can we hope to restore the trust and confidence that are essential for a healthy democracy.

The rot within our political and bureaucratic systems is deep, but it is not irreversible. Let us choose wisely, act boldly, and reclaim the promise of a fair, just, and uncorrupted Australia.

Professor Ian Brighthope, Integrative and Nutritional Medicine Physician. Founding President – Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine. Senior Fellow- FLCCC