Ethical practice

All jobs have ethical dimensions. People working in the public sector have particular obligations to work ethically and to always act in good faith in the public interest. This is their public duty. For public officials to determine whether their decisions and actions are in the public interest, a set of ethics or principles is required. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has developed the following principles of public duty.

Serving public above private interest (selflessness)

Making decisions on courses of action on the basis that the chosen course best serves the public interest. No regards should be given to any other, that is private or personal, interest in taking such decisions.

Integrity

Ensuring that any decision taken, or choice of action made, maximises to the greatest practicable extent, the following qualities:

Openness

Giving reasons for decisions
Revealing all avenues available to the client or business
When authorised, offering all information
Communicating clearly

Honesty

Obeying the law
Following the letter and spirit of polices and procedures
Observing codes of conduct
Fully disclosing actual or potential conflict of interests

Accountability

Recording reasons for decisions
Submitting to scrutiny
Keeping proper records
Establishing audit trails

Objectivity

Fairness to all
Impartial assessment
Merit selection in recruitment and in purchase and sale of government resources (procurement and disposal)
Considering only relevant matters

Leadership

Demonstrating
Demonstrating, by example, the value of these principles in serving the public interest. Promoting public duty to colleagues and others in an agency and outside, by ones own ethical behaviour

Courage

Acting in the public interest, as identified by reference to these principles, fearlessly, frankly and without favouritism or malice.

Further information on the common selection criteria is located at http://www.jobs.nsw.gov.au