Conduct of Public Officials

Principles

The NSW Government is committed to the highest standards of probity in public administration. To achieve this, agencies need appropriate codes of conduct, reflecting the statements of organisational values and ethics which underpin corporate plans.

(Refer to Premier's Memorandum 97-10: Model Code of Conduct for NSW Public Agencies.)

Key Obligations of Agencies

Have a code of conduct

Premier's Memorandum 97-10 sets out NSW public sector agencies' obligation to:

• Have a code of conduct based on the Model Code of Conduct for NSW Public Agencies.

The Model Code of Conduct for NSW Public Agencies is the product of a review of agency codes by the Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

Overview

In addition, Public Sector Executives are also required to comply with the:

• Code of conduct for Executives

Lead Agency and Further Help

The lead agency is the Public Sector Workforce Office, Department of Premier and Cabinet. Your agency may have a person responsible or a policy in relation to the above. Refer to them first.

• Model Code of Conduct for NSW Public Agencies – Policy and Guidelines – Public Sector WorkforceOffice, Department of Premier and Cabinet and Independent Commission Against Corruption.
• The NSW Ombudsman's Public Sector Agencies A-Z Fact Sheet Series is a series of succinct guides for public officials on how to carry out their duties in an ethically appropriate way. The A-Z series covers a range of topics, such as conflict of interest, maladministration, quality customer service and whistleblowing. See also Good Conduct and Administrative Practice: Guidelines for state and local government (2nd edition) - NSW Ombudsman.