Friday, 29 October 2021

Statement by the Hon. Ann Vanstone QC
Independent Commissioner Against Corruption

One of the statutory functions of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) 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 in public administration.

I have decided to conduct an evaluation of the practices, policies and procedures of Super SA. The evaluation will formally commence on Monday, 1 November 2021.

Super SA is the administrator of superannuation schemes for over 210,000 South Australians. It is responsible for all aspects of the administration of these schemes but not for the investment of funds, which is handled by an outside specialist. This evaluation is therefore not concerned with any matters relating to the investment of superannuation funds.

Super SA performs an important function in South Australian public administration. It is essential that Super SA has effective systems in place to prevent corruption.

An ICAC evaluation is an effective way to examine a public authority’s operations and how it guards against corruption. The ICAC has previously conducted five evaluations. All have provided valuable recommendations to public authorities.

An evaluation is not an investigation of particular conduct. If during the course of an evaluation conduct is identified which requires investigation, that conduct will be dealt with separately and in accordance with the legislation.

The scope of the evaluation will be as follows:

  1. The extent to which Super SA’s governance framework adequately guards against the risks of corruption.
  2. Super SA’s practices, policies and procedures in respect of:
  • Human resources management (including recruitment)
  • Project management
  • Contract management

and whether practices, policies and procedures in these three areas provide appropriate safeguards to control against corruption.

As the evaluation proceeds it may be necessary to amend the scope in light of information received.

In the coming months I will 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 (www.icac.sa.gov.au).

While I cannot set a definite timeframe for the evaluation, I hope to be in a position to deliver a report to each House of Parliament in the first half of 2022.

______________

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 54 of the ICAC Act.

Related Downloads:

ICAC Public Statement - 29 October 2021