The Department has an overarching corporate governance framework to foster and support ethical behaviour and to limit and manage the occurrence of misconduct. This chapter sets out the role of units and committees in the Department which make up this framework. It also provides information on the Australian Public Service Commission and its Ethics Advisory Service. Employees should contact the Ethics, Integrity and Professional Standards Section (conduct@dfat.gov.au) if they require clarification on the contents of this Manual or if they are uncertain about the ethical implications of a proposed course of action.
2.1 Ethics, Integrity and Professional Standards Section (EES)
2.1.1 The Ethics, Integrity and Professional Standards Section (EES) in the People Division (PPD) provides advice on conduct and ethics issues, investigates allegations of misconduct by DFAT APS employees, and refers allegations of criminal behaviour in the Department to relevant law enforcement authorities.
2.1.2 EES actively promotes the APS Values and Employment Principles, APS Code of Conduct, LES Code of Conduct and the DFAT Code of Conduct for Overseas Service by:
- Providing and supporting integrity training in Canberra and across the network.
- Providing an ethics advisory service to employees.
- Supporting posts with LES misconduct matters.
- Providing advice to business areas on handling misconduct by contractors in accordance with contract management provisions
- Assessing, and where necessary investigating, allegations of misconduct by DFAT APS employees.
2.1.3 The ethical advisory role of EES is central to its operations. Employees and work units are encouraged to contact EES if they are uncertain about the ethical implications of a proposed course of action or about whether they have a real or apparent conflict of interest. This is sound risk management practice, and consistent with the Department's culture of appropriate reflection, disclosure and discussion on ethical issues.
2.1.4 In addition to its advisory role, EES investigates allegations of misconduct in the Department by DFAT APS employees. Allegations may arise from employees, members of the public, media and other sources (including anonymous reports). It also refers allegations of criminal or other unlawful behaviour in the Department to relevant law enforcement authorities. Employees wishing to report alleged misconduct should do via the Reporting Suspected Internal Misconduct Form or conduct@dfat.gov.au.
2.1.5 EES provides advice to post on handling misconduct by LES and, in exceptional circumstances, will undertake LES investigations in accordance with local labour law.
2.1.6 EES provides advice to business areas on how to manage misconduct concerns by contractors in accordance with contract provisions.
2.1.7 Employees can be assured that any information provided to EES in good faith will be treated confidentially as far as practicable in accordance with relevant Commonwealth legislation.
2.2 Discussing Ethical Issues at Post
2.2.1 Post management is encouraged to discuss employee conduct and ethics issues and the implementation of conduct and ethics policies at their post. EES is available to join meetings remotely to assist in these discussions or review post specific integrity policies.
2.3 Audit and Risk Committee
2.3.1 EES works with the Counter Fraud and Anti-Corruption Section (FCS) in Executive Division (EXD) to present regular reports to the Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) on the Department's risk management and fraud and corruption control arrangements.
2.4 The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC)
2.4.1 The APSC aims to foster a high-performing, capable and ethical APS that delivers for the government of the day. The APSC's role includes upholding the APS Values and Employment Principles, promoting integrity, and building the capability of the APS workforce.
2.4.2 The APSC has a significant role in contributing to public interest disclosure legislation and information law.
2.4.3 The APSC's website provides a range of useful publications relevant to the APS Values, Employment Principles and the APS Code of Conduct.
APSC Ethics Advisory Service
2.4.4 The APSC's Ethics Advisory Service complements the services and arrangements the Department has in place (including EES) to promote ethical behaviour and manage conduct and ethics issues in the APS.
2.4.5 The APSC's Ethics Advisory Service aims to support ethical decision-making in the APS, in line with the Australian Public Service Commissioner's statutory functions, and the APSC's strategic priorities to uphold high standards of integrity and conduct in the APS. The service is available to all APS employees, including Agency Heads and SES.
- The Ethics Advisory Service is available Monday – Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm AEST and can be reached via Phone: +61 2 6202 3737.
- Email: ethics@apsc.gov.au; or
- Website: APSC — Ethics Advisory Service.