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• Ethics & integrity
• Principles of conduct
• Code of Ethics
• Codes of conduct
• Sustaining integrity
• Questions and answers
• Political Impartiality Guideline

In relation to ethics and integrity, the role of the Commissioner includes:

• Establishing a Code of Ethics
• Assisting public sector agencies to develop their own codes of conduct
• Assisting public sector agencies to comply with the codes
• Monitoring and reporting on compliance and non-compliance with the codes

While the Public Sector Management Act 1994 made the establishment of a Code of Ethics compulsory, chief executive officers are not legally bound to develop their own agency code of conduct. However, where they do exist or are developed, the Act requires that they be consistent with the Code of Ethics.

The development of agency specific codes of conduct is important for obtaining long-term commitment to the principles, values and behaviour specified in the Code of Ethics. Importantly the involvement of agency staff in the development of agency specific codes of conduct establishes a process that demands the requirement that employees exercise judgment and accept personal responsibility for the actions and decisions they take.

All public sector agencies covered by the Public Sector Management Act 1994 do have a code of conduct.

In July 2005, the OPSSC also joined with other integrity agencies in Western Australia to establish the Integrity Coordinating Group. The aim of this group is to promote and strengthen integrity in WA public bodies.