Opinion: public servants will devise ways to work around the rules — often with no evil intent at all Editors' Picks To work on the assumption that all are potential criminals is counterproductive and will hit morale at a time when we want innovation and new…
NSW info commissioner reminds councils their private pecuniary interests must be made public Monday December 2, 2019 By Shannon Jenkins New South Wales The New South Wales Information Commissioner has reminded local councils of their obligation to publicly disclose their financial information, with a new information access guideline.
Premium Case studies Case study: how not to hire a public service leader from the private sector (or: How a highly respected CEO of a venerable NGO learned about politics the hard way) Monday December 2, 2019 By Stephen Easton Health In South Australia, the Labor opposition is keeping the pressure on SA Health chief executive Dr Chris McGowan about his involvement in deals with his…
SA Health under fire on multiple fronts as CEO’s accidental conflict of interest revealed Monday November 18, 2019 By Stephen Easton Health The South Australian Health Department is now under fire on several fronts following revelations that chief executive Dr Chris McGowan mishandled his move into the…
What one bent procurement official can do: public servant helped mate win $2.6m worth of work Monday November 4, 2019 By Stephen Easton News The Tasmanian government wants to make it easier for local businesses to tender for "technology services" contracts, while the state's Integrity Commission reports one public…
Why conflicts of interest cannot be ignored: IBAC probes alleged corruption in the City of Casey Friday October 25, 2019 By Stephen Easton News The City of Casey council in south-eastern Melbourne is the latest to face allegations of serious corruption that will be aired in a public inquiry.
Nothin’ suss: Defence denies ‘nepotism’ accusation in limited-tender procurement deal Wednesday October 23, 2019 By Stephen Easton Defence The Department of Defence says there was nothing wrong with a procurement official's decision to bypass a competitive tender process and award a contract to…
Premium Columnists Deep links between the private sector and Defence have been to the nation’s benefit. But it’s complicated. The department has expanded its toolbox to manage this ‘revolving door’ Friday September 27, 2019 By Bernard Keane Career Advice Former government employees with defence-related skills will end up working in defence-related industries, and that's been a concern to some in the Australian community about…
Legal Services Commissioner accuses Attorney-General of unethical conduct Thursday September 19, 2019 By Shannon Jenkins News A fight has been brewing in Queensland between the state’s legal watchdog and the Attorney-General. Acting Legal Services Commissioner Bob Brittan this week told The…
Former department head unrepentant after ombudsman lashes excessive spending Wednesday July 10, 2019 By Stephen Easton News An ombudsman’s investigation has found a former department head committed misconduct through inappropriate expenditure and by getting involved in a related information request from the…
IBAC gives advice on anti-corruption measures Friday June 28, 2019 By Shannon Jenkins News A new review by Victoria’s anti-corruption commission, IBAC, has found state government agencies are exploring new avenues for corruption detection and prevention.
Auditor-general's tips on good governance: don't forget the culture Monday May 20, 2019 By David Donaldson Case studies For public sector boards, it's important to consider how official structures and organisational culture work together, says ANAO.
Why people with disabilities want former public servants to resign from royal commission Tuesday April 9, 2019 By Stephen Easton Community & Social Almost 60 groups representing people with disabilities say public servants are too conflicted to be effective as royal commissioners tasked with shining a light on…
'Unfair and biased': John Lloyd gets the last word Thursday October 18, 2018 By Stephen Easton Federal The former Australian public service commissioner has accused the merit protection commissioner's office of smearing his reputation.
Minister reveals 'personal relationship' with department head, both step aside Tuesday October 16, 2018 By Stephen Easton News The secretary of the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, John Whittington, could face an investigation over a "personal relationship" with the minister,…
