Frequently asked questions

About corruption

What sort of conduct is corrupt?

For the purposes of the ICAC's work, corrupt conduct is defined in sections 7, 8 and 9 of the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 1988 (ICAC Act). Generally corruption is intentional wrongdoing either by a NSW public official or which affects an NSW public official that is serious enough to be a criminal offence or warrant disciplinary action or, for members of the NSW Parliament and local government councillors, amount to a substantial breach of an applicable code of conduct.

The purpose of corrupt conduct is generally to obtain some benefit or advantage that otherwise may not be afforded. In a nutshell it is exploiting official office or entrusted power for personal gain.

Some easily recognised examples include bribery, extortion, theft and fraud, abuse of discretion, nepotism and favouritism.

Can a private citizen engage in corrupt conduct?
A private citizen can undertake corrupt conduct as defined in the ICAC Act by committing wrongdoing that sets out to affect or influence a NSW public official in the carriage of their duties. A private citizen can also engage in corrupt conduct by colluding with a public official in undertaking corrupt conduct.
How does someone come to be found to be corrupt?

The ICAC may, based on evidence available to it, make a finding that an individual is corrupt. In all cases where a public inquiry has been held or where a matter has been referred for investigation to the ICAC by both Houses of the NSW Parliament, the ICAC's findings are published in investigations reports that are provided to the NSW Parliament.

Investigation reports are available on this website for a period of ten years after they are made public.