Statement by the Hon. Bruce Lander QC
Independent Commissioner Against Corruption
One of my statutory functions is to evaluate the practices, policies and procedures of inquiry agencies and public authorities with a view to advancing comprehensive and effective systems for preventing or minimising corruption, misconduct and maladministration in public administration.
I have delegated those functions and powers (amongst others) to the Deputy Independent Commissioner Against Corruption, Mr Michael Riches.
After discussion with me and with my support, Deputy Commissioner Riches has determined to conduct an evaluation of the practices, policies and procedures of the City of Playford Council.
Statement by Mr Michael Riches
Deputy Independent Commissioner Against Corruption
On 1 April 2019 I informed the Mayor and the Acting Chief Executive of the City of Playford of my decision to conduct an evaluation of the Council’s practices, policies and procedures.
The evaluation formally commences today.
After considering a number of complaints and reports made to the Office for Public Integrity about the City of Playford I decided that there may be benefit in conducting an evaluation of its practices, policies and procedures.
The City of Playford, as with all local councils, performs a particularly important function within the local community and it is critical that its functions are carried out appropriately and in a manner that is free of corruption, misconduct and maladministration.
An evaluation is a useful means of gaining an in depth understanding of a public authority’s operations and how it guards against risks of corruption, misconduct and maladministration.
The evaluation will conclude with the provision of a report to both Houses of Parliament. I am hopeful that my report, together with any recommendations made, will be of assistance not only to the City of Playford but to the 67 other local councils in South Australia.
I emphasise that this is an evaluation of practices, policies and procedures. It is not an investigation of individual conduct. To the extent that matters are identified which require investigation, they will be dealt with separately and in accordance with legislation.
The scope of the evaluation will be as follows:
- The extent to which the City of Playford’s governance framework adequately guards against the risks of corruption, misconduct and maladministration.
- Practices, policies and procedures in respect of:
- Human resource management within the City of Playford and whether those practices, policies and procedures efficiently manage human resources and control the risks of corruption, misconduct and maladministration.
- Financial management and whether those practices, policies and procedures adequately manage the risks of corruption, misconduct and maladministration.
- Information management and whether those practices, policies and procedures adequately protect the City of Playford’s information assets from misuse.
- The availability and use of assets and resources by public officers employed within the City of Playford and whether those practices, policies and procedures provide a sufficient safeguard to minimise the misuse of those assets and resources.
It may be necessary to amend the scope of the evaluation in light of information received.
I will in due course invite submissions which are relevant to the scope of the evaluation from members of the public. More information about making a submission will be published on the ICAC website in due course (icac.sa.gov.au).
While I cannot set a definitive timeframe for the evaluation I hope to be in a position to deliver a report to Parliament by the end of the year.
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For media enquiries please contact 0428 389 493 or media@icac.sa.gov.au.
The publication of this information has been authorised by the Commissioner under section 56 of the ICAC Act.
Related Downloads:
ICAC Public Statement - 10 April 2019
