Corporate governance framework

Ethical standards and management accountability

Audit Committee

In accordance with the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997, the Public Service Commissioner has established an Audit Committee, chaired by the Deputy Public Service Commissioner and including two senior staff as its members. The Committee meets at least three times a year.

Representatives of the Australian National Audit Office attend meetings of the Audit Committee as observers and the Commission’s internal auditors, Ernst and Young, and Chief Finance Officer attend meetings to report on particular matters.

Internal audit program

During 2003—04 Ernst and Young provided advice to the Commission’s Audit Committee, particularly in relation to planning a longer-term audit strategy, and conducted a program of internal financial and performance audits.

Reports were received on audits of:

• Contract Management
• Internet security–penetration testing
• Management of Intellectual Property
• Review of Revenue Projections and Monitoring Practices
• Review of Management Information System requirements

The audit reports, which were considered by the Audit Committee, did not identify any significant or systemic issues. Recommendations relating to these reviews are being implemented.

Certification of fraud measures

The Commission’s Fraud Control Plan 2003—05 complies with the Commonwealth Fraud Guidelines issued in May 2002. The Plan details fraud prevention strategies and an associated implementation action plan. We currently have in place appropriate fraud prevention, detection, investigation, reporting and data collection procedures and processes that meet the specific needs of the Commission and comply with the guidelines. There were no incidents of fraud identified within the Commission in 2003—04.

The Audit Committee, chaired by the Deputy Public Service Commissioner, has oversight of the implementation of the Plan. The Plan is brought to the attention of new staff as part of the Commission’s induction process and is available electronically to all staff. Ongoing fraud awareness information is provided to all staff.

Security Plan

The Commission engaged T4 Protective Security to undertake a security review in July 2003. The final report was accepted in October 2003 and the Commission has begun implementing the review’s findings.

The Commission continues to provide formal security awareness training seminars for all Commission staff in accordance with the Protective Security Manual. The Commission has been utilising the on-line Security Awareness Training Package developed by the Protective Security Co-ordination Centre for this purpose.

Business Continuity

The Commission developed its first Business Continuity Plan during 2003—04. The Plan provides practical guidance to ensure continuity of essential services by the Commission and to minimise the impact on clients of any disruption to services following a disaster.

The Plan builds on a risk assessment undertaken for the Commission by Ernst and Young.

Legal Advice And Scrutiny

During the year, internal legal advice was supplemented by advice obtained from external legal sources, including the Australian Government Solicitor. The Commission’s internal legal adviser is the contact point for Freedom of Information and privacy matters (see Appendix B).

Details of relevant judicial scrutiny and work undertaken by Senate Committees and the ANAO that are relevant to the role of the Commission are discussed in appropriate parts of this report.

 

This page is available from www.apsc.gov.au/annualreports/0304/ethics.htm
For information and help with this site go to Using our site