Fears spike about public sector workplace corruption

More than 9000 responses were collected from Victorians aged 16 and older, including public sector workers, local government employees, Victoria Police members and business suppliers.

IBAC Deputy Commissioner David Wolf says the report should help address corruption vulnerabilities. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

Roughly nine out of 10 agreed corruption happens in Victoria.

"On average, a 19-percentage point gap exists between those agreeing corruption happens versus (those that) perceive that corruption is a problem, suggesting a widespread tolerance for certain types of corruption behaviours," the report said.

"Across the groups, there has tended to be an increase since 2022 in the proportion viewing corruption to be a problem in Victoria."

Victorian government workers are most likely to think corruption is happening in their workplace.

Thirty per cent conceded it happened within their ranks, up 10 per cent from two years ago and well above business suppliers (15 per cent), Victoria Police (21 per cent) and local government (22 per cent).

Surprisingly, Victoria Police employees (85 per cent) were more likely to agree police misconduct occurred in Victoria than community members (75 per cent).

"Victorian government employees, local government employees and Victoria Police all consider their organisations susceptible to corruption and misconduct, with Victoria Police employees identifying their organisation as being the most vulnerable, with the weakest ethical culture," the report said.

Of the 713 government business suppliers surveyed, 41 per cent reported not bidding for a contract due to corruption concerns - up from 34 per cent in 2022.

The survey was taken before corruption allegations were made public about the CFMEU. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

The survey took place from April 15 to May 19, before allegations emerged of widespread misconduct and bikie infiltration within the construction division of the CFMEU.

IBAC Deputy Commissioner David Wolf said the latest findings should help agencies identify gaps to address perceived weakening ethical cultures.

"There is an opportunity for public sector agencies, local councils and Victoria Police to address corruption risks and vulnerabilities and enhance their own approach to corruption prevention," he said.