An inquiry into probity and ethics within the Australian Public Sector will be undertaken by the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit as it seeks to examine whether there are systemic factors contributing to poor ethical behaviour in government agencies.
The Committee will also look to identify opportunities to strengthen government integrity and accountability.
The inquiry will consider the issues captured in five Auditor-General’s reports that address different aspects of probity management:
- No. 31 of 2022–23, Administration of the Community Health and Hospitals Program — Department of Health and Aged Care
- No. 30 of 2022–23, Probity Management in Financial Regulators — Australian Prudential Regulation Authority
- No. 36 of 2022–23, Probity Management in Financial Regulators — Australian Securities and Investments Commission
- No. 38 of 2022–23, Probity Management in Financial Regulators — Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
- No. 18 of 2022-23, Acquisition, Management and Leasing of Artworks by Artbank — Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.
The terms of reference for the inquiry can be found at the inquiry website.
Committee Chair, Mr Julian Hill MP, said that “given the impending commencement of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, this is a timely inquiry. The Committee will consider whether central agencies are achieving their intended objectives for ethical behaviours and use of resources across the Australian Public Sector and if further actions are required.
“The Committee invites submissions from anyone with an interest in probity and ethics in the public sector, and may receive and consider information in confidence under parliamentary privilege.”
The Committee invites submissions to the inquiry addressing the terms of reference to be received by Friday, 25 August 2023.
Details of the inquiry including upcoming public hearings will be made available on the inquiry website.
