Thursday, 31 March 2022

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

The Independent Commission Against Corruption may evaluate a public authority’s practices, policies and procedures with a view to advancing comprehensive and effective systems for preventing or minimising corruption in public administration.

The Commission will commence an evaluation of the practices, policies and procedures of TAFE SA on Monday 4 April 2022.

As the provider of vocational education and training services to more than 60,000 students in South Australia, TAFE SA performs an important function in South Australian public administration. It is essential that TAFE SA has effective systems in place to prevent corruption.

Unlike an investigation, an evaluation is not directed at specific allegations of impropriety.  Rather, an evaluation allows the Commission to examine a public authority’s practices, policies and procedures, highlighting those which properly safeguard against corruption and identifying any weaknesses or opportunities for improvement.

The evaluation’s terms of reference are as follows:

  1. The extent to which TAFE SA’s governance framework adequately guards against the risks of corruption.
  2. TAFE SA’s practices, policies and procedures in respect of: 
    1. Human resources management
    2. Procurement and contract management
    3. Asset and facilities management
  3. and whether those practices, policies and procedures provide effective controls against corruption.

  4. The manner in which TAFE SA claims and reports on the subsidy payments it receives from government.
  5. The framework in place to manage relationships between staff and students and whether those processes are adequate to guard against inappropriate enrolments, assessments, qualifications, and awards of licenses, certificates, diplomas and associate degrees.

This evaluation is not concerned with matters relating to the quality of TAFE SA’s courses.

It may be necessary to amend the terms of reference in light of information received.

More information about the evaluation, including details of how to make a submission, will be published on the Commission’s website (www.icac.sa.gov.au).

I intend to deliver a report to each House of Parliament in the new 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 54 of the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 2012.

Related Downloads

ICAC Public Statement - 31 March 2022