DIMIA Annual Report 2004-05
Corporate governance
ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF ETHICAL STANDARDS
The department revised its Code of Conduct Guidelines during 2004-05. These guidelines build upon the legislated Australian Public Service (APS) values.
We delivered Code of Conduct training to 2033 staff during 2004-05. We revised our Code of Conduct induction and refresher training courses as a result of the establishment of the Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination (OIPC) and the resulting incorporation of former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services/Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIS/ATSIC) staff into the department. The revised training includes the customisation of our Code of Conduct training materials so they are relevant to OIPC staff, including those in regional and remote areas. A module titled 'Modelling ethical behaviour' has been included in our supervision training course, 'Fundamentals of Supervision'. This module covers APS Values and Code of Conduct principles and responsibilities, and includes practical strategies for promoting these among employees.
A network of 96 Harassment Contact Officers was maintained and supported. The network provides advice and assistance to staff across the department.
The department investigates all reports alleging criminal conduct by employees and continues to operate an Internal Investigations Steering Committee, chaired by a Deputy Secretary, to oversee investigations.
We received 205 allegations relating to the conduct of staff during 2004-05 (193 in 2003-04). Two hundred and seventy four investigations were finalised, of which 85 per cent were unfounded. Three matters involved a serious possibility of criminal behaviour and were referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Three locally engaged employees in overseas posts had their employment terminated for serious misconduct.
In matters where a breach of the APS Code of Conduct was found in Australia, one employee had their employment terminated, one was demoted, eight resigned during the investigations and seven were reprimanded.