The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is visiting the New England region this week as part of its rural and regional outreach program aimed at bringing anti-corruption initiatives and training to communities across the State.
The visit, based in Armidale, includes workshops for State and Local Government Agencies to learn the latest ways to prevent corrupt conduct, and activities to help raise awareness in the broader community about corruption risks and the roles and functions of the ICAC.
The program will also feature a community leaders’ forum to be held on Thursday (9 May), which will feature a panel discussion with Commissioner of ICAC, Patricia McDonald (pictured), NSW Ombudsman, Michael Barnes, and Chief Commissioner of the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission, Michael Adams.
Chief Commissioner of ICAC, Peter Hall said the Commission recognised that corruption and its prevention were not Sydney-centric, and that it was important to share the latest information and techniques with public officials across the State.
“I commend the officials who comprise the 70 registrations from 30 agencies we have for the Armidale workshops, who are obviously keen to learn about and enhance their corruption prevention skills and knowledge,” Commissioner Hall said.
Ombudsman Mr Barnes acknowledged the importance of the three integrity and oversight Agencies jointly reaching out to the New England Community.
“Of course, people from all over the State have always made complaints to the Ombudsman about Government decisions impacting them, but the opportunity to hear first-hand from the heads of the three Agencies is novel and hopefully worthwhile,” Mr Barnes said.
