For the first time, Australia is not in the top 10 cleanest countries in Transparency International's corruption perception index. It's not surprising that Australia has slipped. Barely a day goes by without newspaper reports of corruption - in political parties, trade unions, sports bodies, companies.

It is any wonder that confidence in our political leaders and public officers is low. So much of our politicians' energy seems to be aimed at progressing their own or their party's interests; very little seems to be aimed at the public good. Do they interpret it as being the same thing?

Illustration: Rocco Fazzari

Unfortunately many of our MPs have not led by example - several claimed false expenses but this was largely brushed over and never really addressed. What would your employer do if you claimed false expenses? There should not be two standards - one for the general community and another for our politicians.

The NSW Independent Commission against Corruption has shown that corruption occurs on both sides of the political fence. Prosecutions have been launched. That's good, but prosecutions and convictions are not the main aim of ICAC. Its focus is on uncovering the bad behaviour of those that have been entrusted with power. Importantly, the NSW public is now aware of the appalling behaviour of several individuals.