The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is urging public sector boards to “keep it above board” in its latest Integrity Matters newsletter.
Highlighting the importance of conflict of interest record-keeping, the ICAC said that neither the scope nor the power of public sector boards should be under-estimated.
“One function of public administration that requires very high levels of honesty and accountability is the operation of Government boards and committees,” the newsletter says.
“In South Australia there are around 200 boards, committees, panels, governing councils, advisory councils, trusts, tribunals, commissions and authorities, ranging from statutory authorities or Government business enterprises to advisory boards and regulatory bodies.”
Of these, the vast majority are overseen by the Department of Premier and Cabinet who issued them with policies and guidelines, provided guidance and advice, arranged for members’ remuneration, and administered the production of Government statistics and reports from these bodies.
“Many board members are volunteers. However, neither the scope nor the power of public sector boards should be under-estimated,” the ICAC newsletter said.
“Public sector boards and committees are also one of the primary areas where private interests and employment arrangements can come into conflict with public services and purposes.”
It says that in order to address any conflicts of interest, boards and committees should keep good records of conflict of interest declarations by members, as well as the strategies adopted to remove or mitigate any conflicts.
“The existence of such large numbers of public sector boards and committees gives rise to risks of improper interaction between public administration and the myriad interests of the private sector,” the newsletter states.
“Public sector boards and committees require strong and sound supervision to ensure that any conflicts of interest are identified, declared and managed.”
