The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) has released the findings of its latest ‘perceptions of corruption’ survey, which analysed responses from Victorian MPs and local government councillors.
Released on Monday, September 29, the results showed that most MPs – 81 per cent – and councillors – 68 per cent – who responded believe corruption is a problem in Victoria and more than half believe it is a problem among elected officials.
The results also revealed that 89 per cent of MPs and 57 per cent of councillors who responded believe their organisation is moderately or highly vulnerable to corruption.
The voluntary survey was sent to all Victorian MPs and councillors in March and April 2025, with 219 people participating including 27 MPs and 192 councillors.
IBAC executive director of prevention and communication Linda Timothy said this perception reinforces the importance of IBAC’s prevention and engagement activities.
“Hearing directly from MPs and councillors that the majority believe their organisations are vulnerable to corruption means IBAC has work to do strengthening corruption resistance in the public sector,” Ms Timothy said.
“Learning how they view their organisation’s corruption vulnerabilities, allows us to directly target those risk areas with support and prevention efforts,” she said.
Ninety six per cent of MPs who responded considered ‘inaction’, such as failing to report wrongdoing, the highest corruption and misconduct risk among their elected colleagues.
Eighty five per cent of councillors who responded reported ‘favouritism or nepotism’ as the highest risk.
“We know that IBAC has more work to do in educating and empowering the public sector, including MPs and councillors, to build integrity practices and ensure when these behaviours are witnessed or suspected that they know what to do,” Ms Timothy said.
“The findings from this survey, and previous surveys, allow us to prioritise our efforts and reinforces where IBAC’s resources are best focused to help build Victoria’s integrity,” she said.
Full details and a snapshot of the 2025 perceptions of corruption survey results are available on IBAC’s website.
