Australian Government Resources


Australian laws governing anti-bribery and corruption operate at both the Commonwealth and state and territory levels. These laws can apply to individuals and companies for bribery and corruption both inside and outside Australia. Multiple government agencies (such as ASIC, Austrade and the Attorney-General’s Department) have released useful resources providing practical guidance on how to comply with your anti-bribery and corruption obligations – many of these resources are collated in this section.  Develop an understanding of relevant Australian legislation and build your awareness of your legal obligations through these government resources. Learn about the risks of bribery and corruption in international transactions, and how you can prepare your business for the introduction of proposed laws that will require companies of all sizes to have adequate procedures in place to prevent bribery of foreign public officials. Find out more about a proposed deferred prosecution agreement scheme for certain corporate offences.

Resources from the Australian Government

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Under the Government’s proposed deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) scheme, companies that cooperate with authorities can be invited to enter a DPA for foreign bribery and related offences. If a company complies with the DPA, it will not be convicted. This draft code of practice sets out the expectations of authorities for companies that wish to enter a DPA.

This webinar recording offers guidance to SMEs on how to address supply chain risks to increase transparency (and promote responsible business practice/bribery prevention), and gain better access to trade finance. Experts in trade finance and compliance share practical measures that businesses can implement to protect themselves from bribery, corruption, and other risks, and resources to support this process.

This guide from the Australian Federal Police sets out the importance of self-reporting and the practical steps for companies to self-report possible criminal conduct. It covers when to report, what information to include in the report, and the AFP's investigation process.

Download and print foreign bribery resources including a brochure and poster outlining key information about the foreign bribery offence and how to report suspected foreign bribery to the AFP. These resources are designed to be printed and made available to employees and contractors who require easy to understand information about foreign bribery. 

To carry out effective risk assessments, Australian businesses operating overseas should be aware of the bribery and corruption risks in the country in which they operate. Designed for Australian exporters, this resource provides risk profiles for 50 countries, including the corruption rating, sectors where corruption may occur, and applicable laws and regulatory bodies. This resource is provided as part of Austrade's suite of anti-bribery materials.

Part of Austrade’s “Guide to exporting”, this comprehensive resource offers headline points that all Australian businesses must be aware of when seeking to prevent corruption in their overseas operations. It links to a detailed guide with 12-steps to an effective anti-bribery and corruption program, and provides country-specific information.

This resource offers an introductory summary of corporate sector whistleblower protection requirements under the Corporations Act 2001. It includes links to further guidance for companies on handling whistleblower disclosures and creating whistleblowing policies. This guidance can be used by companies even if they are not required to have a whistleblower policy under the law.  

The Australian Government is proposing reforms that will require companies to implement and maintain adequate procedures to prevent an associate (such as an employee, agent or subsidiary) from bribing foreign public officials. This draft principles-based guidance sets out the types of measures companies should consider implementing and includes case studies to demonstrate how these measures could be applied in practice.

This short, 15 minute learning module can be used by businesses to help develop employees’ awareness of the foreign bribery offence. The module provides information about Australia’s anti-bribery policy, relevant laws and how to report foreign bribery. It features video interviews with Australian Federal Police representatives, links to relevant agencies and a short quiz, and supports users with accessibility requirements.

Parties to the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention, including Australia, are required to criminalise bribery of foreign public officials in international business transactions. This fact sheet provides short explanations of the OECD, the Anti‑Bribery Convention, how the Convention is monitored and background to Australia’s enforcement of the Convention.

The Australian National Contact Point (AusNCP) is responsible for promoting the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and to contribute to the resolution of issues relating to their implementation when cases against a company are raised. The complaint mechanism helps parties resolve conflicts. The website provides useful information on how to submit a complaint, track a case and view a closed complaint.

Articulate company commitments and expectations by setting an anti-bribery and corruption (ABC) statement of intention. This resource suggests language and key points to include in an ABC statement of intention to support companies to communicate to internal and external stakeholders. This resource is provided as part of the Australian Government’s broader anti-bribery materials. This resource is part of Austrade’s “Guide to exporting”.

Australian businesses operating overseas need to be aware of their obligations under Australian and foreign laws with respect to dealing with foreign public officials. Austrade has published an anti-bribery and corruption guide for Australian businesses operating overseas and information sheets that provide businesses with practical tips and risk assessment tools.

Self-reporting is a significant first step in addressing suspected foreign bribery. This Guideline is designed to provide companies with information about how self-reporting will be taken into account by the CDPP when determining whether or not to commence a prosecution, and highlights the reasons why a company may choose to self-report including to comply with directors’ duties and limit liability. Information about early guilty pleas is also provided.

Foreign bribery is a serious offence attracting significant penalties. Under section 70.2 of the Criminal Code, individuals face a fine of up to AUD$2.2 million and 10 years imprisonment for the bribery of foreign public officials. Companies face even larger fines including up to 10% of their annual turnover. There are also offences for related misconduct, such as false accounting and money laundering.