Official Conduct
What are the standards?
The principles of official conduct are outlined in section 9 of the Public Sector Management Act 1994 (external website).
"The principles of conduct that are to be observed by all public sector bodies and employees are that they are to:
- comply with the provisions of:
- Public Sector Standards and codes of ethics; and
- any code of conduct applicable to the public sector body or employee concerned;
- act with integrity in the performance of official duties and are to be scrupulous in the use of official information, equipment and facilities; and
- exercise proper courtesy, consideration and sensitivity in their dealings with members of the public and employees."
The Commissioner for Public Sector Standards sets the standard in official conduct by:
- establishing a Code of Ethics;
- helping public sector agencies to develop their own codes of conduct;
- helping public sector agencies to comply with the codes;
- promoting the code of ethics through publications such as the Conduct Guide and Ethics Framework; and
- monitoring and reporting on compliance and non-compliance with the codes.
The Commissioner for Public Sector Standards establishes the Code of Ethics (PDF, 278Kb).
Under the Public Sector Management Act 1994, the Commissioner for Public Sector Standards establishes the Code of Ethics setting out minimum standards of conduct and integrity to be complied with by public sector bodies and employees, and monitors compliance with these codes (section 21(1)(b)).
The standards of conduct and integrity to be complied with by all public sector employees are defined in the Code of Ethics (PDF, 278Kb) as:
- Personal Integrity
We act with care and diligence and make decisions that are honest, fair, impartial, and timely, and consider all relevant information; - Relationships with others
We treat people with respect, courtesy and sensitivity and recognise their interests, rights, safety and welfare; and - Accountability
We use the resources of the state in a responsible and accountable manner that ensures the efficient, effective and appropriate use of human, natural, financial and physical resources, property and information.
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Page last updated: July 09 2009