Touted one of the most democratic countries in the world, Australia, in reality, is experiencing a galloping corruption problem. An article by Joshua Mcdonald is published by The Diplomat questions when Australia will address the issue. Here is an excerpt:
Corruption is an increasing threat to Australia, with the failure to establish a federal anti-corruption commission, regulate lobbying, overhaul lax financial regulations, and prevent major companies influencing policymakers seen as major obstacles.
According to Transparency International’s annual Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), Australia recorded a score of 73, falling four points from its previous standing and 12 points since 2012. That’s an even steeper decline than the United States under President Donald Trump, which saw a nine-point decline over the same period. Australia now ranks 18th, alongside Belgium and Japan.
The corruption watchdog said Australia shows severe deficiencies when it comes to corruption in international real estate. Australia currently doesn’t require individuals behind foreign companies to disclose their identity when purchasing real estate in the country. Australia has been called out for this before, following reports about Chinese police chief Wang Jun Ren embezzling money to buy Australian real estate and South Sudanese General James Hoth Mai Nguoth buying into Australia’s high-end real estate while his country was engulfed by war.
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