A new parliamentary inquiry will examine probity and ethics across the Australian Public Sector with an initial focus on financial regulation, community health and art leasing.
The federal parliament’s Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit (JCPAA) says it hopes to identify systemic factors that could be contributing to poor ethical behaviour in government agencies.
Opportunities to strengthen government integrity and accountability will also be examined.
The committee will consider issues highlighted in auditor general reports on APRA, ASIC and the ACCC.
It will also look at audits of the Community Health and Hospitals Program and the Artbank program.
“In undertaking this inquiry the Committee will consider whether the frameworks established by central agencies are achieving their intended objectives in supporting and promoting ethical use of resources and ethical behaviour and, if this is not the case, what further actions could be undertaken to achieve these outcomes across the Australian Public Sector,” the terms of reference state.
Chair Julian Hill says the inquiry is timely given that the New National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is now open for business, and has indicated the committee is prepared to make referrals arising from its investigation.
“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,” he said.
Submissions can be made until August 25 and dates for upcoming public hearings will be made shortly.
The JCPAA recently released an interim report on the PwC Treasury information scandal, which found PwC engaged in a deliberate strategy over many years to cover up the misuse of confidential tax information for its own financial gain.
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