Authorising Officer and organisational delegate
This policy is issued under the authority of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel, OCPC and is subject to annual review.
Breaches
Disciplinary action consistent with the relevant industrial instrument and legislation, including dismissal, may be taken where an individual fails to adhere to this policy. This includes where an individual fails to avoid wherever possible or to identify, declare and manage a conflict of interest related to gifts, benefits and hospitality in accordance with the OCPC/DPC’s Conflict of interest policy.
Actions inconsistent with this policy may constitute misconduct under the Public Administration Act 2004, which includes:
- breaches of the binding Code of Conduct for Victorian Public Sector Employees, such as sections of the code covering:
- conflict of interest (section 3.7),
- public trust (section 3.9) and
- gifts and benefits (section 4.2)
- individuals making improper use of their position.
For further information on managing breaches of this policy, please contact the Manager Human Resources and Corporate Services.
The OCPC will communicate its policy on the offering and provision of gifts, benefits and hospitality to contractors, consultants and other business associates. Those identified as acting inconsistently with this policy may be subject to contract re-negotiation, including termination.
Speak up
Employees who consider that a gifts, benefits and hospitality or conflict of interest within the OCPC may not have been declared or is not being appropriately managed should speak up and notify their manager, the Manager Human Resources and Corporate Services or the Chief Parliamentary Counsel.
This advice should be read in conjunction with the Guide for OCPC and DPC staff on Making and Handling Protected Disclosures and Reporting Corrupt Conduct.
The OCPC will take decisive action, including possible disciplinary action, against employees who discriminate against or victimise those who speak up in good faith.
Contacts for further information
A conflict of interest resulting from the acceptance of a gift, benefit or hospitality may not always clear. Employees who are unsure about a possible conflict of interest, or the application of this policy, should contact the Manager Human Resources and Corporate Services for advice.
Policy management details
Effective date: 1 September 2019
Updated