The Chair of the Queensland Public Sector Management Commission (PSMC) recently drew my attention to various schemes of incentives being offered by QANTAS to senior public officials in Queensland. Incentives identified were free air travel, all-expenses-paid accommodation, a week's fishing expedition and seats at a musical in a capital city.

These incentives were regarded as the kind of inducement that has the potential to bring into question both the integrity of an officer who accepted such an incentive and that of the officer's organisation.

I endorse the PSMC's view that, as a matter of general principle, commercial organisations wishing to build good commercial relationships with public sector clients should direct their efforts to providing better services and products, rather than offering personal benefits to the employees of the client.

Guidance for New South Wales Chief Executive Officers and public employees on acceptance of gifts and benefits, and on conflicts of interest, is contained in the Code of Conduct for Public Sector Executives and the New South Wales Public Sector Code of Conduct. This guidance covers appropriately the issue raised by the PSMC.

As similar inducements may have been offered to New South Wales public employees, it would be prudent for you to request that senior officers in your agency (Grade 12 and above) advise you of any inducements offered to them during 1995. The results of this survey would serve as the basis for any further guidance for senior officers you considered warranted.

Any comments or suggestions you would like to make on the contents of the codes of conduct would be welcome. Enquiries may be directed to Theo Vermeulen on telephone 228 5516.

KEN CRIPPS
Commissioner

Date: 19 September 1995