Conflicts of interest
Read CloseThis risk arises when there is a conflict between the performance of a public duty and a private or personal interest.
Having a conflict of interest is not necessarily wrong. In fact, having a conflict of interest is very common, especially in Tasmania. What is important is that conflicts of interest are properly managed when they occur.
Gifts and benefits
Read CloseAccepting gifts and benefits can lead to giving favours, influencing decisions, disadvantaging others, provision of confidential information or other unethical action.
This is a significant risk area and must be carefully managed. The safest and easiest policy is to decline any gifts or benefits, as recommended in our report on gifts and benefits in the Tasmanian State Service.
Use of information
Read ClosePublic sector employees handle confidential information every day. Unethical behaviour can occur if you become complacent about your responsibilities or use work information to obtain benefit.
Use of power and authority
Read CloseImproper use of a position of authority can result in personal gain, such as misuse of government resources.
It can also involve pressuring others to behave improperly, for example by influencing recruitment, withholding information, or complying with unreasonable or unlawful requests.
Use of work resources
Read CloseThis risk area covers all public sector resources, including materials and supplies, vehicles, equipment, phones and computers, corporate credit cards and employee time.
Misuse of resources for personal purposes, secondary employment or favours to others is a breach of public trust.