The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) has launched a new campaign calling on employees of the Victorian public sector to speak up to stop improper influence.
Commissioner of IBAC, Robert Redlich said the new Speak up to stop it campaign highlighted that any public sector employee, elected or not, was at risk of being improperly influenced – and that this could lead to corruption.
Commissioner Redlich said Victorian public sector employees are required to make decisions that are in the best interest of the community – free from bias, collusion and favouritism.
“However, public sector employees need to be aware that they can be used by others to gain access to their colleagues, confidential information or to taxpayer funded resources,” Commissioner Redlich said.
“A public sector employee may be improperly influenced to make a decision through pressure, favours or gifts, or more subtly through abuse of seniority or position,” he said.
“Often a relationship can start out as professional, but over time develop into one where a person is being influenced in a way that’s not consistent with the community’s expectations,” Commissioner Redlich said, “this is improper influence.”
He said IBAC’s investigations had revealed a variety of sources of improper influence, including internal colleagues, lobbyists, suppliers and ministerial advisors.
He said decision makers in local and State Government could be at risk of improper influence through manipulation of governance processes or even donations.
“It is not just Government Departments or Agencies that are at risk, the public sector also includes schools, hospitals, councils and more,” the Commissioner said.
“The potential sphere of improper influence is far and wide.”
Commissioner Redlich said the new campaign encouraged all Victorian public sector employees to recognise and speak up when they saw or experienced someone trying to improperly influence them or a colleague.
Further information on the campaign and how to make a report to IBAC can be accessed at this PS News link.
