far north queensland roc - fnqroc.qld.gov.au · far north queensland roc integrity commissioner, dr...
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Far North Queensland ROC
Integrity Commissioner, Dr Nikola Stepanov JD, PhD (Melb.)
Mediator (NMAS), FRDP, PRI, FGIA
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Integrity CommissionerWho we are
• Statutory Office Holder & Officer of Parliament
• Reporting relationship: Speaker of House & Parliamentary Economic and Governance Committee
• Impartial and independent- allows for frank and fearless advice
• Convenor & Chair, Integrity Committee: • Chair of Crime & Corruption Commission, Auditor-General, Ombudsman,
Commissioner PSC, Information Commissioner, Electoral Commissioner, Racing Integrity Commissioner, Independent Assessor
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Integrity CommissionerWhat we do
Functions:
• Providing advice to ‘designated persons’ on ethics & integrity issues (5000+ people) including Mayors and councillors
• Maintaining the Lobbyist register
• Raising public awareness
• Standard setting at the request of the Premier
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Integrity CommissionerProviding advice
• The Commissioner must have regard to relevant legislation, codes and standards.
• Strict secrecy provisions apply (85 penalty points or 1 yrimprisonment)
• Advice is provided in writing on ethics or integrity issues, and is non-binding (note: it is not legal advice)
• Generally takes 3-5 business days
• There is no right of reply, power to enforce, investigate, accept referrals etc
• There is no liability in civil proceedings/ administrative process provided there has been no negligence
• Advice is in the public interest
• The Commissioner liaises with the DLGRMA and the CCC etc
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IntegrityCommissioner
Radically changing landscape
• Usually 40-64 requests for advice per annum (avg. 58)
• 2017 FY there was a four-fold increase
• 172 requests for advice were received in the July-December 2018 period (including lobbying requests)
• Predicted to reach 300 requests over the next 6 months
• Growing profile in prevention space and capacity building
• Heightened ethical climate and greater commitment to meeting public’s expectations
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Integrity Commissioner
16
24
3
5
12
103
116
SOURCE OF ADVICE REQUESTS
Minister, Assistant Minister, Other MPs - s12(1)(a) Statutory Office Holder - s12(1)(b)
Chief Executive Officer - s12(1)(c) SES, SO or SO Equivalent - s12(1)(d)
Ministerial Staff - s 12(1)(f) Mayors and Councillors - s12(1)(h)
Other Nominated Persons - s12(1)(h) No Jurisdiction
Trends
• For the first half of the FY so far, our office received 103 requests for advice from Mayors and councillors. This was by far the largest group which sought advice
• The second largest group to seek the Integrity Commissioner’s advice was Statutory Office Holders
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Integrity Commissioner
Main areas of concern generally
1. Conflicts of interest
2. Acceptance of gifts and hospitality, and
3. The impact of influence and personal favours
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Integrity Commissioner
Main areas of concern related to Local Government
1. Conflicts of interest
2. Material personal interests
3. Other probity issues relating to:
• Use of confidential information
• obligations to report suspicion or belief of another’s MPI or COI• offence to take retaliatory action or influence
• non-genuine access to councillor emails
• social media and media commentary• shareholdings, property ownership, and proposed developments
• potential conflicts arising due to employment or business interests (councillor or related party and dual roles)
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Integrity CommissionerConflicts of interest
• Process for identifying and managing conflicts of interest is a three-step approach:
• Step 1: Identifying and disclosing a personal interest that might give rise to a conflict of interest
• Step 2: Deciding whether the personal interest gives rise to a conflict of interest
• Step 3: Appropriately managing the conflict of interest
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Integrity CommissionerMaterial personal interests
• Quantifiable financial interests
• You or a related party stand to gain a benefit or suffer a loss
• Affected more than other persons in the local government area
• Must declare and leave the meeting
• If unsure, you can declare a personal interest at a Council meeting
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Guide for Councillors and Meeting Aids
available from: www.integrity.qld.gov.au
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How to request advice?Email: [email protected]: 3003 2888 Mobile: +61 428 233 630 (all hours)
All advice requests must be in writing
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Questions?