Aussies Warned Not To Bribe

[Thaising]

Australian businessmen and travellers have been made more aware of the consequences of bribing officials in foreign countries with the release this week of the Australian government's Foreign Bribery Information and Awareness Pack.

Announcing the details of the initiative, Justice Minister and Senator David Johnston said the Australian government was committed to combatting foreign bribery.

"This new awareness pack is a useful guide for all Australians who encounter foreign public officials, whether it is through business or simply as a result of travelling overseas. Bribing foreign public officials is a serious criminal offence that carries heavy penalties, whether you are overseas or in Australia," Johnston said in a statement issued by the Australian Embassy in Bangkok.

The term "foreign public officials" refers to employees, officials or contractors of a foreign government.

The minister gave the example of one Australian businessman who visited country X and, wanting to enter into a contract with the local provincial authority, offered the provincial planning officer a payment to have his tender considered favourably.

"Although all the activity took place in country X, this businessman can be prosecuted in Australia and could be imprisoned for up to 10 years, regardless of whether he secured the contract," Johnston said.

The information and awareness pack contains fact sheets with information on:

lThe offence.

lHow to report suspected foreign bribery offences.

lWhat constitutes a facilitation payment.

lThe taxation implications of foreign bribery.

lInformation targeting specific sectors, such as cash dealers.

The information and awareness pack can also be accessed on the Internet at www.ag.gov.au/foreignbribery.

The Nation

[Tywais]

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