The Public Sector Commission has released new resources aimed at strengthening PS integrity in financial management.
Commissioner, Sharyn O’Neill said the resources included a practical checklist that would help Agencies prevent financial misconduct and corruption.
“Integrity in our financial management systems is non-negotiable for all authorities in the Government sector and we must be comprehensive in our approach to ensuring the security of public money,” Ms O’Neill said.
“This information and self-assessment checklist will support authorities to reduce the risk of misconduct and corruption during procuring, contracting, general expenditure and cash handling.”
Ms O’Neill said while the checklist was not exhaustive, it was based on well-recognised high-risk financial management activities and behaviour of public officers considered to be in positions of trust.
She said it was every public officer’s responsibility to ensure financial management was beyond reproach.
The Commissioner noted that there had been many high-profile corruption cases in Western Australia and other Australian jurisdictions involving public officers taking advantage of financial management activities and systems.
“Strong financial management controls and practices, coupled with a culture of integrity that reinforces expectations, are vital for public authorities to reduce risks and prevent misconduct and corruption,” Ms O’Neill said.
The checklist groups information under three main headings: Understanding financial misconduct and corruption; Looking out for red flags, and Five tips to develop a prevention focus.
“This checklist is not intended to override any applicable legislation, policies and instruments (e.g. Treasurer’s Instructions) or replace other assurance activities,” Ms O’Neill said.
“It aligns with the four integrity improvement areas in the Integrity Strategy for WA Public Authorities 2020-23 and builds on work a public authority may have started after completing the Integrity Snapshot Tool.”
The checklist can be accessed on the Public Sector Commission website at this PS News link.
