Ongoing misconduct risks related to State Service employees and officers accepting gifts and benefits have been highlighted in an Integrity Commission audit report.
The Commission’s Oversight and Compliance team conducted an audit of State Service agencies’ public gifts and benefits registers to determine whether the whole-of-government Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality Policy 2016 is achieving its objectives.
Overall, the report describes the Policy as a valuable initiative, commending the agencies that have adopted it. However, the report also warns there are areas for improvement, focusing on circumstances where gifts were accepted.
One example, cited in the report, was a membership to the Qantas Chairman’s Lounge. 'Networking and goodwill’ was recorded as the reason for acceptance.
The report observed that although ‘networking and goodwill’ was the most common reason State Service employees and officers provided for accepting gifts worth more than $100, acceptance was not justified in more than half of these cases.
The audit also considered instances where tickets to sporting matches were accepted. In those cases ‘maintaining stakeholder relationships’ was given as the reason for acceptance.
The report notes accepting such gifts can be problematic where there is a risk of developing inappropriate relationships.
Chief Commissioner Greg Melick emphasised the central principle of the Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality Policy was that, except for token items, gifts should not be accepted by State Service employees and officers.
“Our 2015 report on Operation Kilo (link) makes clear that ‘in most situations, “thanks” is enough,’ Chief Commissioner Melick said.
"Officers and employees should not expect to receive gifts, benefits or hospitality for doing a job they are paid by the public to do.
“One key reform is resolving an internal conflict in the existing policy which states gifts worth more than $100 should not be accepted but then sets out criteria when gifts over the value of $100 can be accepted.
“This suggests some gifts can be approved and accepted.”
“We are pleased that the Head of the State Service has already undertaken to resolve inconsistencies we have identified within the policy. This will mean minor refreshments are acceptable in most circumstances – except where they create an actual or perceived conflict of interest.”
Another reform is requiring State Service employees and agencies to explain the public benefit of attending networking events.
Finally, the Commission has recommended a template be introduced to ensure all agencies record the same details on their registers.
“We’re confident that updating the policy would provide State Service employees and officers with clarity and contribute directly to enhancing confidence in the integrity and accountability of the public sector,” Chief Commissioner Melick said.
Media contact
Lachlan Thompson, Team Leader Research and Evaluation
Lachlan.thompson@integrity.tas.gov.au | 1300 720 289