1. for the Queensland Public service
Code of Conduct
for the
Queensland Public service
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TRAINING FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE
Slide Set 1: Code of Conduct - Introduction and Conclusion
Introduction Slides 1 to 18
Code of Conduct training – title slide
Code of Conduct training – contributing to integrity and accountability
Ethics – deciding what the right thing to do is
What are ethics?
Our system of government works –the role of the public service
Government focus on ethics – integrity & accountability review – 4 key principles
Government focus on ethics – key principle strong rules
Government focus on ethics – key principle strong culture
Government focus on ethics – key principle strong scrutiny
Government focus on ethics – key principle strong enforcement
Ethics in practice - diagrammatic representation
Introducing the Code – aims of having one Code
Introducing the Code – when the one Code applies
Introducing the Code – who it covers
Introducing the Code – structure of the Code
Introducing the Code – supported by policy and procedure
Introducing the Code – positive guidance for our roles
Public Sector Ethics Act 1994 – the four ethics principles on one slide
Conclusion Slides 23 to 35
23. Upholding the Code – ethical leadership
24. Upholding the Code – in all aspects of our work
25. Upholding the Code – leaders responsibilities
26. Upholding the Code – managers responsibilities
27. Upholding the Code – employee responsibilities
28. Upholding the Code – insert agency statement
29. Upholding the Code – reporting breaches
30. Upholding the Code – Public Interest Disclosures
31. Upholding the Code – insert agency policy
32. Seeking advice – sources of good advice
33. Seeking advice – sources of advice
34. Seeking advice – Insert agency information
35. Last slide: ethics in practice

2. Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service
each of us contributes to
integrity
and accountability
in the public service
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TRAINING FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE
Topic: Introduction
Objective: Public Service Employees demonstrate an understanding of how public service ethics relate to their role
Core message area: Introduction
Trainers and advisors instructions:
Introduce the training session. The following information may be useful.
Core message content and discussion:
This training program introduces Queensland public service employees to the new Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service. The Code is based on new public sector ethics principles. They do not change the behaviour required of us, but they do give us the opportunity to focus on the values that underpin effective public service and how our behaviour impacts on the outcomes the public service delivers to the people of Queensland.

3. What is the right thing to do?
Ethics
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TRAINING FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE
Topic: Exploring ethics
Objective: Public Service Employees demonstrate an understanding of how public service ethics relate to their role
Core message area: What are ethics?
Trainers and advisors instructions:
To understand why ethics are important, we need to know what they are. Explore this with participants, getting them to identify what they think ethics are and forming a shared understanding of ethics. The following ideas may be a useful starting point for discussion.
Core message content and discussion:
To understand why ethics are important, we need to know what they are. Essentially, ethics can be defined as a means of answering the question: (in this situation) ‘What should I do?’. Behaving ethically can, then, be defined as ‘doing the right thing’.
Sometimes it is clear what we should do, in these situations being ethical is about choosing to do the right thing. As public service employees we have legislation, policy and procedures that usually determine what is required of us.
However sometimes what we should do is less clear, in these situations being ethical is about exercising judgement and identifying the right thing to do, given all the circumstances. The Public Sector Ethics Act 1994 (the PSEA) provides us with guidance in these situations by setting out the principles and values that we must take into account in deciding what the right thing to do is.
There are many different approaches to answering the question ‘What should I do?‘
Some of the key approaches are:
Utilitarian Approach - identifying which action will result in the most good and least harm
Rights Based Approach - identifying which action most respects the rights of everyone involved
Fairness or Justice Approach- identifying which action most treats people fairly
Common Good Approach - identifying which action contributes most to the quality of life of the people affected
Virtue Approach - identifying which action embodies the character strengths you value
Source of this summary: QHealth- ethical decision making model
It may be that a different approaches are needed in different circumstances and that a combination of these approaches is appropriate in others.
What is the right thing to do?

4. Exploring ethics What are ethics?
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TRAINING FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE
Topic: Exploring ethics
Objective: Public Service Employees demonstrate an understanding of how public service ethics relate to their role
Core message area: What ethics are
Trainers and advisors instructions:
Understanding our own values and where they come from can help us understand the nature of ethics, and also allow us to draw a distinction between our personal ethics and those we must abide by as public service employees. Assist participants to explore their own ethical values and to understand that values are not universal/ not constant all the time in all circumstances, but that we do all have principles and values that are important to us. The following ideas may be a useful starting point for discussion.
Core message content and discussion:
All of us have ethics, principles and values about the right way to behave that are important to us. Sometimes these are identified when another person does not behave the way we think they should and so we find their behaviour rude, offensive or worse. There are many principles and values that are broadly shared, such as prohibitions against killing other people, but even this value is not universal in all situations. Our ethics are learned so they differ from individual to individual and are affected by our family, religion, culture, schooling, professional obligations and social networks etc.
Working with and for other people will regularly put us in situations where our ethics can be challenged and in situations where we need to behave appropriately. The Public Service Ethics Act/ Code of Conduct provides guiding principles of ethical behaviour as a public service employee.
What are ethics?

5. Our system of government and the public service
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TRAINING FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE
Topic: Exploring ethics
Objective: Public Service Employees demonstrate an understanding of how public service ethics relate to their role
Core message area: Why ethics are in the public service important
Trainers and advisors instructions:
Our commitment to public sector ethics can be enhanced by understanding how public sector ethics principles relate to the fundamental function and structures of the public service. This core message area gets to the heart of understanding the importance of ethics to effective public service, and by understanding the government focus on integrity and accountability. The following ideas may be a useful starting point for discussion.
Core message content and discussion:
Peter Shergold AM, former Public Service Commissioner Australian Public Service argues that the nature of the public service make ethical behaviour a requirement:
… the bottom line accountability for public servants is ethical (did I meet the public purpose as efficiently, effectively, equitably and openly as possible?) whereas for the private employees it is economic (did my work contribute to company profits and shareholder dividends?)
Source: P Shergold: Ethics and the Changing Nature of Public Service, 1996
That is, because the public service is funded by public money to implement the will of the people, as expressed by their elected representatives, public service employees have an obligation to behave ethically. This obligation is confirmed in legislation, including in the Public Service Act 2008 and the Public Sector Ethics Act 2004.
refer slide 5: How the system of government works – the role of the public service
How government works – the role of the public service
The public good is determined by the elected representatives of the people, who form a government and establish priority outcomes which are delivered by (or purchased by) the public service to the people.
Inner circle: ‘Serving the people’:
the people elect representatives to the parliament who:
form a government
appoint ministers
set priorities, and
collect money from the people
in order to
pay some of the people
to provide services and infrastructure
to all of the people
Outer circle: ‘Responsibility’:
The public service is responsible to
the people, and
their ministers
the ministers are responsible to the parliament
the parliament is responsible to the people.

6. Government focus on ethics
2009 Integrity & Accountability Review
Strong rules
Strong culture
Strong scrutiny
Strong enforcement
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TRAINING FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE
Topic: Exploring ethics
Objective: Public Service Employees demonstrate an understanding of how public service ethics relate to their role
Core message area: Why ethics are in the public service important
Trainers and advisors instructions:
Our commitment to public sector ethics can be enhanced by understanding how public sector ethics principles relate to the fundamental function and structures of the public service. This core message area gets to the heart of the values that underpin effective public service, and by understanding the government focus on integrity and accountability. The following ideas may be a useful starting point for discussion.
Core message content and discussion:
Source: Government Response to Integrity and Accountability in Queensland 2009
In response to issues raised in the integrity and accountability review consultation process, the Government has developed a program of integrity reform aimed at ensuring that Queensland stays at the forefront of open and accountable government.
This program of reform has regard to four key principles identified as underpinning a robust integrity and accountability framework. They are:
strong rules - clear rules and standards balancing proscription with positive values and aspirations so that an exemplary standard of conduct is aspired to
strong culture - strong leadership, training and awareness and a conscious dedication to ethical values
strong scrutiny - transparent government processes, strong scrutiny mechanisms, strong agency cultures leading to enhanced internal scrutiny
strong enforcement - a range of enforcement mechanisms and disciplinary measures in which processes are accessible and outcomes prescribed. Effective public interest disclosure mechanisms.
These are the foundations upon which the Queensland integrity and accountability framework is built, and form the basis for the reforms. The reforms span across the full range of public office holders from Cabinet Ministers to Members of Parliament, ministerial staff, public servants and statutory office holders.
The message is clear; this government expects the highest standards of integrity and accountability from everyone in public office.

7. Government focus on ethics
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TRAINING FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE
Topic: Exploring ethics
Objective: Public Service Employees demonstrate an understanding of how public service ethics relate to their role
Core message area: Why ethics are in the public service important
Trainers and advisors instructions:
Our commitment to public sector ethics can be enhanced by understanding how public sector ethics principles relate to the fundamental function and structures of the public service, and by understanding the government focus on integrity and accountability. This core message area gets to the heart of the values that underpin effective public service. The following ideas may be a useful starting point for discussion.
Core message content and discussion:
Source: Government Response to Integrity and Accountability in Queensland 2009
Strong Rules:
Clear rules and standards form the core of a strong integrity system. These standards are incorporated in a wide range of documents comprising agency codes of conduct, legislation, institutional policies, financial reporting standards, procurement and recruitment policies.
An effective integrity system balances the proscription of prohibited behaviours with the positive expression of values and aspirations. This ensures that the standard of conduct aspired to is exemplary rather than operating to the prescribed minimum.
Reforms:
Ban the payment of success fees to lobbyists for achieving favourable outcomes from government
Create a legislative framework for the regulation of the lobbying industry
Introduce legislation which will govern ministerial staff and electorate officer employment and disciplinary processes
Adopt a single code of conduct to be applied across the public sector
Introduce measures to require newly appointed Public Service Employees and ministerial staff to disclose whether they have worked as lobbyists in the past two years
Create a statutory obligation on Members of Parliament to declare their pecuniary interests
Require all statutory office holders to declare their pecuniary interests
Extend the application of the State Procurement Policy to ensure it applies to all statutory bodies, GOCs and special purpose vehicles where appropriate
Ensure consistent thresholds and requirements for declarations of gifts
Reforms most relevant sector-wide are listed in the slide. Details for these are listed below.
Details about the other reforms can be obtained from the response paper:
Single code of conduct
A single Code of Conduct is being adopted with a focus on clarity and the positive expression of public sector values. This will ensure consistent standards, enhance accessibility and through this, achieve greater awareness of values that underpin the public service.
Gifts and benefits
Existing discrepancies between the gift policies that apply to Ministers, Members of Parliament and public servants obscure the whole-of-government ethos underpinning the various gift and benefit policies and detract from the message such policies intend to generate.
In the interests of clarity and consistency, the government will implement consistent thresholds and requirements for declarations of gifts across government, including a new reporting threshold of $150 retail value. This means that the rules for receiving and declaring gifts will be the same for Ministers, Members of Parliament and public servants.
Regulate Lobbyist industry
Including a Register of Lobbyists and Queensland Contact with Lobbyists Code. Lobbyists must be registered to liaise with the government and public service. The code places obligations on government representatives as well as lobbyists to ensure that contact between lobbyists and government representatives is conducted in accordance with public expectations of transparency, integrity and honesty.
The legislative regime for the regulation of lobbyists is overseen by the Integrity Commissioner.
Strong Rules
Including
Single public service code of conduct
Gifts and Benefits policy
Regulating the lobbyist industry

8. Government focus on ethics
Strong Culture
Including
Ethical leadership
Mandatory ethics training
Queensland Public Sector Ethics Network
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TRAINING FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE
Topic: Exploring ethics
Objective: Public Service Employees demonstrate an understanding of how public service ethics relate to their role
Core message area: Why ethics are in the public service important
Trainers and advisors instructions:
Our commitment to public sector ethics can be enhanced by understanding how public sector ethics principles relate to the fundamental function and structures of the public service, and by understanding the government focus on integrity and accountability. This core message area gets to the heart of the values that underpin effective public service. The following ideas may be a useful starting point for discussion.
Core message content and discussion:
Source: Government Response to Integrity and Accountability in Queensland 2009
Strong Culture
A robust integrity system requires a public sector culture that emphasises strong leadership, training and awareness and a conscious dedication to ethical values.
Appropriate training is important to ensure all public officials are fully aware of the way that their ethical obligations should affect their conduct.
Reforms:
Reform the Whistleblowers Protection Act 1994
Establish an Ethical Standards Branch within the Public Service Commission
Enhance the role of the Public Sector Ethics Network
Introduce mandatory annual training in ethical decision-making
Introduce legislation to allow government departments to issue apologies without the communications being taken as admissions of legal liability
Encourage unions to develop codes of conduct
Reforms most relevant sector-wide are listed in the slide. Details for these are listed below.
Details about the other reforms can be obtained from the response paper:
Leadership
The examples set by leaders throughout the political sphere and the public sector are important in building and fostering a strong ethical culture. Leaders must communicate the importance of ethical decision-making in the workplace and they must promote ethical behaviour in their day–to-day actions and decisions.
To strengthen and maintain Queensland’s ethical culture it is important to support staff and public sector leaders in their day-to-day roles in an effort to always promote ethical decision-making. A new Ethical Standards Branch will assist all Queensland public service employees, including senior executive staff and agency heads, by providing independent advice on public sector ethics issues.
The government will enhance the role of Queensland’s Public Sector Ethics Network by requiring each agency to establish ethics contact officers to promote the government’s integrity agenda for the public sector within agencies.
Ethics training
Training and education are important in preventing misconduct and other unacceptable behaviours. All new employees are required to undertake Code of Conduct training. In addition to this, the government will introduce mandatory annual training in ethical decision-making for the public sector.
Enhancing ethical standards within the public service
To strengthen and maintain Queensland’s ethical culture it is important to support staff and public sector leaders in their day-to-day roles in an effort to always promote ethical decision-making. A new Ethical Standards Branch in the Public Service Commission is assisting all Queensland public service employees, including senior executive staff and agency heads, by providing independent advice on public sector ethics issues. Advice can be obtained on the website at or on
The government has enhanced the role of Queensland’s Public Sector Ethics Network by requiring each agency to establish ethics contact officers to promote the government’s integrity agenda for the public sector within agencies.

9. Government focus on ethics
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TRAINING FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE Topic: Exploring ethics
Objective: Public Service Employees demonstrate an understanding of how public service ethics relate to their role
Core message area: Why ethics are in the public service important
Trainers and advisors instructions:
Our commitment to public sector ethics can be enhanced by understanding how public sector ethics principles relate to the fundamental function and structures of the public service, and by understanding the government focus on integrity and accountability. This core message area gets to the heart of the values that underpin effective public service. The following ideas may be a useful starting point for discussion.
Core message content and discussion:
Source: Government Response to Integrity and Accountability in Queensland 2009
Strong Scrutiny:
Government must be accountable to the people it serves. The decisions that governments make, the processes that they undertake and information that they hold should be open and available to the public. Accountability is achieved through a combination of transparent government processes and strong scrutiny mechanisms.
Institutions such as Parliament and the media play important roles as forums in which practices can be examined, discussed and called to account. These fields promote public discussion of integrity issues. A free, effective Parliament, an open, active media and an informed public thus form a key part of any integrity system, ensuring the practices of government keep pace with public expectations.
A strong agency culture will foster the growth of internal scrutiny measures. However, there remains an imperative for the public sector to include oversight bodies responsible for monitoring the integrity of the conduct and culture of all public sector agencies.
Reforms
Expand and enhance the role of the Integrity Commissioner
Review the role of parliamentary committees in providing oversight of the legislative process
Hold regular People’s Question Time
Publish the pecuniary interests of Members of Parliament and Ministerial and departmental gift registers online
Annually report on the government’s responses to recommendations made by the CMC
Reform the State Procurement Policy
Ensure publication of contracts over $10 million
Mandate independent oversight of procurement processes
Overhaul political donations and campaign funding if the Commonwealth does not act by July 2010
Reforms most relevant sector-wide are listed in the slide. Details for these are listed below.
Details about the other reforms can be obtained from the response paper:
Integrity Commissioner role
The role and responsibilities of the Integrity Commissioner will be significantly expanded. The Integrity Commissioner
will be:
accountable to Parliament through the Members’ Ethics and Parliamentary Privileges Committee which will be renamed the Integrity, Ethics and Parliamentary Privileges Committee
iven oversight of the Queensland Register of Lobbyists
able to provide advice to all Members of Parliament about any potential conflicts of interest in completion of declarations for the Register of Members’ Interests
required to report on whether chief executive officers have complied with their obligation to provide annual statements of interest to their responsible Minister
given access to the Parliamentary Register of Related Persons’ Interests.
Gifts Register to be published
Ministerial and departmental gift registers will be published under agency publication schemes implemented under Right to Information reforms to ensure the receipt of all gifts over the reporting threshold can be accessed online.
Government contracts are entered into on behalf of the public and it is appropriate that members of the public should have the ability to scrutinise large disbursements of public money. The State Procurement Policy will be reviewed with a view to implementing a range of changes which will increase accountability in relation to procurement
processes, such as:
Increased publication of awarded contracts (by way of summary details published on the Queensland Government Chief Procurement Office website) by lowering the threshold for published contracts from $100,000 to $10,000 so as to align with the thresholds contained in the Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines (in effect as at 1 December 2008).
Increased reporting on processes relating to the awarding of contracts.
Strong Scrutiny
Including
Integrity Commissioner role expanded
Requirement to publish departmental gifts registers
Reform of State Procurement Policy

10. Government focus on ethics
Strong Enforcement
Including
Crime and Misconduct Commission
Public Service Commission
Effective Public Interest Disclosure regime
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TRAINING FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE
Topic: Exploring ethics
Objective: Public Service Employees demonstrate an understanding of how public service ethics relate to their role
Core message area: Why ethics are in the public service important
Trainers and advisors instructions:
Our commitment to public sector ethics can be enhanced by understanding how public sector ethics principles relate to the fundamental function and structures of the public service, and by understanding the government focus on integrity and accountability. This core message area gets to the heart of the values that underpin effective public service. The following ideas may be a useful starting point for discussion.
Core message content and discussion:
Source: Government Response to Integrity and Accountability in Queensland 2009
Strong Enforcement:
No system is perfect. It is therefore essential for any integrity system to have a range of enforcement mechanisms and disciplinary measures at its disposal. Queensland currently has an extensive range of institutions and measures in place to ensure that adherence to prescribed rules and obligations can be enforced across the breadth of the public sector.
At an agency level, internal processes designed to identify and deal with contraventions of guidelines and standards should be accessible and appropriate outcomes should be prescribed. Internal misconduct disciplinary processes should incorporate options involving counselling and training for the least serious infractions and referral to an anti-corruption body in the case of most serious breaches. Effective whistleblowing provisions are a necessary feature to facilitate the reporting of breaches.
Reforms
Make a formal referral to the CMC requesting that the CMC conduct an independent review of current processes for the management of police discipline and misconduct matters
Expand the jurisdiction of the CMC to cover GOCs
Strengthen the role of the Public Service Commission
Reforms most relevant sector-wide are listed in the slide. Details for these are listed below.
Details about the other reforms can be obtained from the response paper:
Crime and Misconduct Commission
A dedicated and well resourced anti-corruption body, with wide powers to investigate and compel both public officers and private persons, is a necessary feature of any integrity system. The Crime and Misconduct Act 2001 establishes the CMC, which is the equivalent to a standing Commission of Inquiry, to improve the integrity of and reduce the incidence of misconduct in the Queensland public sector.
Public Service Commission
The government will also strengthen the role of the Public Service Commission in ensuring consistency of disciplinary sanctions and timeliness of disciplinary action and develop expertise to help chief executive officers manage disciplinary issues. The establishment of consistent and appropriate practices across the whole span of the public sector will reinforce the integrity of the Queensland system. For example, the basis for this training has been developed through a cross-sector forum established by the Public Service Commission.
Public Interest Disclosure Act
Reporting suspected wrongdoing is vital to the integrity of the public sector. The Whistleblowers Protection Act has been reformed. The new Public Interest Disclosure Act 2010 provides unique protection for employees who provide information about certain types of wrongdoing (public interest disclosures).

11. Ethics in practice
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION ETHICS AND ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING TRAINING
Topic: Exploring ethics
Objective: Public Service Employees demonstrate an understanding of how public service ethics relate to their role
Core message area:
Why are ethics in the public service important?
Why is working ethically in the public service important?
Core message content:
Queensland Public Sector Ethics
Ethics is the way we do our public service business of delivering government priorities to delivering outcomes for Queenslanders. Making decisions ethically is one way of demonstrating this.
This diagram/model demonstrates that outcomes for Queenslanders are achieved in the public service through ethical behaviour, implementing government priorities and services.
In the ethics circle (outside circles)
1. The key principles that underpin Queensland’s integrity and accountability framework:
Strong rules
Strong culture
Strong enforcement
Strong scrutiny
2. The Queensland public sector ethics principles:
Integrity & impartiality
Promoting the public good
Commitment to the system of government
Accountability & transparency
In the priorities and service circle (middle circles)
1. The Queensland Government priorities
In the inner circle (inner circles)
Outcomes for Queenslanders

12. One Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service
to ensure consistency in expectations for
employees
members of the public
to positively promote understanding of the values that underpin effective public service
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TRAINING FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE
Topic: The Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service
Objective: Public Service Employees demonstrate an understanding of how public sector ethics relate to their role
Core message area: Introducing the Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service - why there is a new Code
Trainers and advisors instructions:
To understand why there is a new Code and its purpose, this core message area addresses the reasons for the introduction of one Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service, contained within the Government’s integrity and accountability reform program, and the role of the Code in supporting the Government’s integrity and accountability framework. The following ideas may be a useful starting point for discussion.
Core message content and discussion:
The adoption of one Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service agencies and their employees will:
ensure consistent standards across the public service;
enhance accessibility to the code; and
achieve greater awareness of the values that underpin the public service – both within public service agencies and with the general public.
Whether a person is a teacher, police officer, park ranger or policy officers employed by the government, they are all public officials working to serve the best interests of the Queensland people and the public has a right to expect the same high ethical standards from all public servants, no matter what job they perform.
The Code of Conduct will ensure the public service embodies the highest ethical standards.
The revised principles and values have been informed by submissions to the Integrity and Accountability discussion paper and submissions received by the Public Service Commission as part of a review of the Public Service Ethics Act.
Consultation was undertaken with a range of stakeholders including HR directors, members of the Public Sector Ethics Network and public sector unions. In addition, research was conducted on legislation and practices in other Australian and overseas jurisdictions.
The 5 existing ethics principles are replaced with four new, contemporary ethics principles:
Integrity and impartiality
Promoting the public good
Commitment to the system of government; an
Accountability and transparency.
It is important to recognise that while the framework under the Public Sector Ethics Act has been updated and modernised, there has been no change to the behaviour expectations of public servants. The Government still expects the highest standards of integrity and accountability from everyone in public office and this includes public servants.
Consultation on the Code
The draft Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service was released on 25 June 2010 for public consultation.
Over 150 submissions from public service employees were received. In addition, consultation on the draft code was undertaken with departments through their Chief Executives, HR Directors and members of the Public Sector Ethics Network.
Comments and feedback on the draft code have also been requested from relevant public sector unions, including:
Queensland Public Sector Union
Queensland Council of Unions
Queensland Teachers Union
Queensland Nurses Union
Australian Nurses Union
Queensland Police Union
United Firefighters Union Queensland and
Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union.

13. Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service
When the Code applies
from 1 January 2011
there is no change to the behaviour required of public service employees
the highest standards of integrity and accountability are expected from everyone
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TRAINING FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE
Topic: The Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service
Objective: Public Service Employees demonstrate an understanding of how public sector ethics relate to their role
Core message area: Introducing the Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service - Application
Trainers and advisors instructions:
To understand why there is a new Code and its purpose, this core message area addresses the reasons for the introduction of one Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service, contained within the Government’s integrity and accountability reform program, and the role of the Code in supporting the Government’s integrity and accountability framework. The following ideas may be a useful starting point for discussion.
Core message content and discussion:
Application
the Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service come into effect from 1 January 2011
there is no change to the behaviour required of public service employees
the highest standards of integrity and accountability are expected from everyone

14. Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service
Who is covered
Any Queensland public service agency employee
permanent, temporary, full-time, part-time or casual, and
volunteer, student, contractor, consultant or anyone employed in any other capacity
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TRAINING FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE
Topic: The Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service
Objective: Public Service Employees demonstrate an understanding of how public sector ethics relate to their role
Core message area: Introducing the Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service - Application
Trainers and advisors instructions:
To understand why there is a new Code and its purpose, this core message area addresses the reasons for the introduction of one Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service, contained within the Government’s integrity and accountability reform program, and the role of the Code in supporting the Government’s integrity and accountability framework. The following ideas may be a useful starting point for discussion.
Core message content and discussion:
Application
The Code applies to any Queensland public service agency employee:
permanent, temporary, full-time, part-time or casual, and
volunteer, student, contractor, consultant or anyone employed in any other capacity
Public service agencies are defined under the Public Sector Ethics Act 1994 as:
a department
a TAFE institute or statutory TAFE institute
the administrative office of a court or tribunal, and
an entity prescribed by regulation.

15. Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service
The Code contains the principles and values from the Public Sector Ethics Act 1994
Each principle is strengthened by a set of values describing the behaviour that will demonstrate that principle
The standards of conduct help us put the principles and values into practice
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TRAINING FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE
Topic: The Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service
Objective: Public Service Employees demonstrate an understanding of how public sector ethics relate to their role
Core message area: Introducing the Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service – How the Code works
Trainers and advisors instructions:
To understand why there is a new Code and its purpose, this core message area addresses the reasons for the introduction of one Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service, contained within the Government’s integrity and accountability reform program, and the role of the Code in supporting the Government’s integrity and accountability framework. The following ideas may be a useful starting point for discussion.
Core message content and discussion:
How the Code works
There are 4 principles of ethical behaviour which are essential to robust public sector integrity and accountability.
The principles are all of equal value, while one may be more relevant to a particular situation, none should be pursued to the exclusion of others. In some situations it will be necessary to exercise judgement to maintain balance between the principles.
Each principle is strengthened by a set of values that will demonstrate that principle. The principles and associated values are equally important.
The standards of conduct, contained in the Code under each set of principles and values, help us as individuals to understand how we put these principles and values into practice. The standards are not intended to cover every possible scenario, therefore in adhering to the Code, we are committed to upholding the intention and spirit of the principles and values.
Agency-specific Standards of Practice, as approved by the Public Service Commission Chief Executive, can supplement this Code. An approved Standard of Practice will apply to that agency’s employees in the same way as the Code.
Source: Queensland Public Sector Ethics Act 1994

16. Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service
Supported by
legislation
awards, enterprise agreements, subsidiary agreements
directives, whole-of-government policies and standards
and our agency’s
policies
organisational values and
organisational documents
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TRAINING FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE
Topic: The Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service
Objective: Public Service Employees demonstrate an understanding of how public sector ethics relate to their role
Core message area: Applying the Code of Conduct
Trainers and advisors instructions:
To understand why there is a new Code and its purpose, this core message area addresses the reasons for the introduction of one Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service, contained within the Government’s integrity and accountability reform program, and the role of the Code in supporting the Government’s integrity and accountability framework. The following ideas may be a useful starting point for discussion.
Core message content and discussion:
How the Code works
Legislation, awards, certified agreements, subsidiary agreements, directives, whole-of-government policies and standards, and the policies, organisational values and organisational documents of our employing agency also apply, support and are supported by the Code.
Source: Queensland Public Sector Ethics Act 1994
It is important to recognise that while the framework under the Public Sector Ethics Act has been updated and modernised, there has been no change to the behaviour expectations of public servants. The Government still expects the highest standards of integrity and accountability from everyone in public office and this includes public servants.

17. Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service
guidance
to positively take up
our public service roles
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TRAINING FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE
Topic: The Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service
Objective: Public Service Employees demonstrate an understanding of how public sector ethics relate to their role
Core message area: Applying the Code of Conduct
Trainers and advisors instructions:
To understand why there is a new Code and its purpose, this core message area addresses the reasons for the introduction of one Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service, contained within the Government’s integrity and accountability reform program, and the role of the Code in supporting the Government’s integrity and accountability framework. The following ideas may be a useful starting point for discussion.
Core message content and discussion:
It is important to recognise that while the framework under the Public Sector Ethics Act has been updated and modernised, there has been no change to the behaviour expectations of public servants. The Government still expects the highest standards of integrity and accountability from everyone in public office and this includes public servants.
The Code of Conduct for the Public Service provides us with the ethics principles and values to which we aspire and which provide us with guidance to positively take up our public service roles and contribute to making a difference for Queenslanders.

18. Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service
Ethics principles
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TRAINING FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE
Topic: Code of Conduct
Objective: Public Service Employees demonstrate an understanding of how public sector ethics relate to their role
Core message area: Qld public sector ethics principles
Trainers and advisors instructions:
To uphold public sector ethics we need to know what the public sector ethics are and what they mean. Present this with a positive focus: the Code is a positive expression of public service ethics and values to promote greater awareness of the values that underpin public service .
Introduce the principles together, explore their essential meaning and how hey relate to serving the public. The following ideas may be a useful starting point for discussion. The meanings (first dot point for each principle) are drawn from dictionary definitions, the relevance to serving the public (second dot point for each principle) paraphrases the statements in the Public Sector Ethics Act 1994 that links each principle to its values.
Core message content and discussion:
The Queensland Public Sector Ethics Principles
The revised principles and values have been informed by submissions to the Integrity and Accountability discussion paper and submissions received by the Public Service Commission as part of a review of the Public Service Ethics Act.
Consultation was undertaken with a range of stakeholders including HR directors, members of the Public Sector Ethics Network and public sector unions. In addition, research was conducted on legislation and practices in other Australian and overseas jurisdictions.
The 5 existing ethics principles are replaced with four new, contemporary ethics principles:
Integrity and impartiality
Promoting the public good
Commitment to the system of government; and
Accountability and transparency.
The principles are all of equal value, while one may be more relevant to a particular situation, not should be pursued to the point of exclusion of any of the others. In some situations it will be necessary to exercise judgement to maintain balance between the principles.
Integrity & impartiality
Promoting the public good
Commitment to the system of government
Accountability & transparency

19. Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service Trainer instructions
Go to Code of Conduct slide set 2:
Principle 1: Integrity and impartiality

20. Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service Trainer instructions
Go to Code of Conduct slide set 3:
Principle 2: Promoting the public good

21. Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service Trainer instructions
Go to Code of Conduct slide set 4:
Principle 3: Commitment to the system of government

22. Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service Trainer instructions
Go to Code of Conduct slide set 5:
Principle 4: Accountability and transparency

23. Upholding the Code of Conduct
we can all demonstrate ethical leadership in the way
we perform our role
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TRAINING FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE
Topic: Applying the Code of Conduct
Objective: Public Service Employees apply the Code of Conduct
Core message area: Upholding the Code of Conduct
Trainers and advisors instructions:
We need to know what our responsibilities are under the Code, this core message area looks at our responsibilities overall and at our responsibilities when public service employees engage in conduct that is not consistent with the Code.
Core message content and discussion:
Each of us, at every level, contributes to the integrity and accountability of the public service and we can all demonstrate ethical leadership in the way we perform our role. The Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service gives us guidance in positively taking up our public service roles.
It is important to recognise that while the framework under the Public Sector Ethics Act has been updated and modernised, there has been no change to the behaviour expectations of public servants. The Government still expects the highest standards of integrity and accountability from everyone in public office and this includes public servants.

24. Upholding the Code of Conduct
in all aspects of our work
and ensuring our private conduct does not reflect seriously or adversely on the public service
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TRAINING FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE
Topic: Applying the Code of Conduct
Objective: Public Service Employees apply the Code of Conduct
Core message area: Upholding the Code of Conduct
Trainers and advisors instructions:
We need to know what our responsibilities are under the Code, this core message area looks at our responsibilities overall and at our responsibilities when public service employees engage in conduct that is not consistent with the Code.
Core message content and discussion:
The Code applies at all times when we are performing official duties including when we are representing the Queensland Government at conferences, training events, on business trips and attending work-related social events.
The Code’s standards are not intended to cover every possible scenario, therefore in adhering to the Code, we are committed to upholding the intention and spirit of the principles and values.
Approved agency Standards of Practice apply to that agency’s employees in the same way as the Code.
Legislation, awards, certified agreements, subsidiary agreements, directives, whole-of-government policies and standards, and the policies, organisational values and organisational documents of our employing agency also apply and support and are supported by the Code.
While the Code does not cover our private conduct, private conduct that reflects seriously or adversely on the public service is a ground for discipline under section 187 of the Public Service Act 2008 , where misconduct is defined as meaning: (a) inappropriate or improper conduct in an official capacity; or (b) inappropriate or improper conduct in a private capacity that reflects seriously and adversely on the public service.

25. Upholding the Code of Conduct responsibilities of leadersto
visibly demonstrate and uphold the Code
promote an organisational culture that values high ethical standards and behaviour
communicating the importance of ethical decision-making
demonstrate ethical behaviour in day-to-day actions
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TRAINING FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE
Topic: Applying the Code of Conduct
Objective: Public Service Employees apply the Code of Conduct
Core message area: Upholding the Code of Conduct
Trainers and advisors instructions:
We need to know what our responsibilities are under the Code, this core message area looks at our responsibilities overall and at our responsibilities when public service employees engage in conduct that is not consistent with the Code.
Core message content and discussion:
Chief Executive and Senior Executive Service Officers
As our senior leaders, Chief Executive and Senior Executive Service (SES) Officers have a responsibility to visibly demonstrate and uphold the principles and values of the Public Sector Ethics Act Chief Executive and SES officers’ roles are to promote an organisational culture that values high ethical standards and behaviour.
Chief Executive and SES officers must openly demonstrate their conscious commitment to ethics by communicating the importance of ethical decision-making in the workplace, and promoting ethical behaviour in day-to-day actions.
Chief Executive and SES officers Leaders also ensure staff employees have access to training in the operation of this Code and in ethical decision-making more broadly, making the Code useful and meaningful for all employees.
Source: Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service

26. Upholding the Code of Conduct responsibilities of managersto
model and promote this Code
fostering ethical environments
ensure understanding of Code
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TRAINING FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE
Topic: Applying the Code of Conduct
Objective: Public Service Employees apply the Code of Conduct
Core message area: Upholding the Code of Conduct
Trainers and advisors instructions:
We need to know what our responsibilities are under the Code, this core message area looks at our responsibilities overall and at our responsibilities when public service employees engage in conduct that is not consistent with the Code.
Core message content and discussion:
Managers and supervisors
Managerial behaviour sets the tone for the conduct of all employees. Managers and supervisors have a responsibility to model and promote this Code. Managers have the ability to influence others by fostering an ethical environment and demonstrate this awareness in performing their duties and in making decisions.
Managers ensure public service employees understand the Code, and any other relevant legislation, delegations, policies or other information required to satisfactorily performance our duties. Managers also ensure that appropriate development and training is provided allow us to perform our duties.
Source: Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service

27. Upholding the Code of Conduct responsibilities of employees
we demonstrate the
public sector ethics
principles and values
by the way
we perform our duties
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TRAINING FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE
Topic: Applying the Code of Conduct
Objective: Public Service Employees apply the Code of Conduct
Core message area: Upholding the Code of Conduct
Trainers and advisors instructions:
We need to know what our responsibilities are under the Code, this core message area looks at our responsibilities overall and at our responsibilities when public service employees engage in conduct that is not consistent with the Code.
Core message content and discussion:
All employees
We take personal responsibility to uphold this Code and demonstrate the principles and values of the Public Sector Ethics Act 1994 by the way we perform our duties.
This Code recognises that we can all demonstrate ethical leadership in how we perform our role, and is a statement of our commitment to the people of Queensland, their elected representatives and our colleagues.
Source: Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service

28. Upholding the Code of Conduct
Insert agency examples
Insert reference to agency policy and procedures

29. Upholding the Code of Conduct
we will identify and report conduct that is not consistent with the Code
managers will make fair, transparent and consistent decisions about reported issues
agencies will support employees who report genuine concerns of wrongdoing and manage reports in a fair, transparent and consistent manner
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TRAINING FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE
Topic: Applying the Code of Conduct
Objective: Public Service Employees apply the Code of Conduct
Core message area: Upholding the Code of Conduct
Trainers and advisors instructions:
A robust integrity and accountability system requires ethical risks and breaches to be reported. We need to know what our responsibilities are and how reporting of breaches will be managed to be comfortable to report concerns. Focus discussion on practical information about where to go for information, support or to report an issue. Provide agency information and external options. Include information about obligations regarding official misconduct and public interest disclosure. The Code of Conduct as an aspirational document sets an exemplary tone in this regard:
Core message content and discussion:
Responsibilities under the Code
The Code of Conduct describes how we will conduct ourselves in delivering services to the Queensland community:
We are committed to upholding the intention and spirit of the principles and values.
We take personal responsibility to uphold this Code and demonstrate the principles and values of the Public Sector Ethics Act 1994 by the way we perform our duties.
We can all demonstrate ethical leadership in how we perform our role, and is a statement of our commitment to the people of Queensland, their elected representatives and our colleagues.
As well as upholding the principles, values and complying with standards of conduct set out in this Code, we will also comply with all relevant legislation, awards, certified agreements, subsidiary agreements, directives, whole-of-government policies and standards. We will also adhere to the policies, organisational values and organisational documents of our employing agency.
As part of demonstrating our commitment to uphold this Code, we need to identify and report conduct that is not consistent with this Code.
Managers have a responsibility to make fair, transparent and consistent decisions regarding any allegations of behaviour that does not uphold this Code.
Agencies will support employees who report genuine concerns of wrongdoing and manage any reports of suspected wrongdoing in a fair, transparent and consistent manner.

30. Public Interest Disclosures
New legislation allows for
disclosures made in the public interest
protection for employees who provide information about certain types of wrongdoing
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TRAINING FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE
Topic: Applying the Code of Conduct
Objective: Public Service Employees apply the Code of Conduct
Core message area: Upholding the Code of Conduct
Trainers and advisors instructions:
A robust integrity and accountability system requires ethical risks and breaches to be reported. We need to know what our responsibilities are and how reporting of breaches will be managed to be comfortable to report concerns. Focus discussion on practical information about types of public interest disclosures, where to go for information, support or to report an issue. Provide agency information and external options. Include information about obligations regarding official misconduct and public interest disclosure. The Code of Conduct as an aspirational document sets an exemplary tone in this regard:
Core message content and discussion:
The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2010 provides unique protection for employees who provide information about certain types of wrongdoing (public interest disclosures).
As part of demonstrating our commitment to uphold this Code, we need to identify and report conduct that is not consistent with this Code.
Managers have a responsibility to make fair, transparent and consistent decisions regarding any allegations of behaviour that does not uphold this Code.
Agencies will support employees who report genuine concerns of wrongdoing and manage any reports of suspected wrongdoing in a fair, transparent and consistent manner.
Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service

31. Upholding the Code of Conduct
Insert agency examples
Insert reference to agency policy and procedures

32. Code of Conduct Advice use a reputable source
talk to someone independent
who you respect
who will tell you
what you NEED to hear
rather than what you want to hear
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TRAINING FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE
Topic: Applying the Code
Objective: Public Service Employees apply the Code of Conduct
Core message area: Seeking advice
Trainers and advisors instructions:
To deal with ethical dilemmas we need to base our actions on ethical considerations. We need to know who can help us think through what we should do and identify appropriate sources of advice, rather than sources who will reinforce negative norms. Assist participants to identify appropriate sources of advice. Internal & external sources of advice & information. The following ideas may be a useful starting point for discussion
Core message content and discussion:
Seeking good advice is central to making an impartial and appropriate ethical decision. It is difficult to get perspective in isolation nor can you give yourself independent ethics advice. Clarify the issues and options for resolution by talking to someone independent who you respect.
What to consider when getting advice
Collective knowledge and experience may help you make a more considered decision or you may need expert or legal advice.
Review the issues and your options with someone you respect: ensure you are seeking advice from someone who will tell you what you NEED to hear, rather than what you want to hear.
Keep your manager informed.
Potential sources of advice:
internal – your supervisor, manager, work unit, branch, ethics or human resources area, legal area
external – Unions, employee assistance programs, legal advisors and certain agencies (next slide)
Be mindful of privacy issues and maintain confidentiality.
PSC Ethics Decision-Making – Guidelines for Ethics Practitioners

33. Code of Conduct Advice Your supervisor or manager
Your agency ethics human resources area, or legal area
PSC Ethics Advisory Service
Crime and Misconduct Commission:
for matters of suspected official misconduct
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TRAINING FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE
Topic: Applying the Code
Objective: Public Service Employees apply the Code of Conduct
Core message area: Seeking advice
Trainers and advisors instructions:
To deal with ethical dilemmas we need to base our actions on ethical considerations. We need to know who can help us think through what we should do and identify appropriate sources of advice, rather than sources who will reinforce negative norms. Assist participants to identify appropriate sources of advice. Internal & external sources of advice & information. The following ideas may be a useful starting point for discussion
Core message content and discussion:
Seeking good advice is central to making an impartial and appropriate ethical decision. It is difficult to get perspective in isolation nor can you give yourself independent ethics advice. Clarify the issues and options for resolution by talking to someone independent who you respect.
What to consider when getting advice
Collective knowledge and experience may help you make a more considered decision or you may need expert or legal advice.
Review the issues and your options with someone you respect: ensure you are seeking advice from someone who will tell you what you NEED to hear, rather than what you want to hear.
Keep your manager informed.
Potential sources of advice:
internal – your supervisor, manager, work unit, branch, ethics or human resources area, legal area
external – Unions, employee assistance programs, legal advisors and certain agencies
Be mindful of privacy issues and maintain confidentiality.
PSC Ethics Decision-Making – Guidelines for Ethics Practitioners
CMC: Toll free (outside Brisbane):

34. Code of Conduct Advice Insert agency examples
Insert reference to agency policy and procedures

35. Ethics in practice
QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TRAINING FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SERVICE
Topic: Conclusion
Objective: Public Service Employees apply the Code of Conduct
Core message area: Conclusion
Trainers & Advisors Instructions
Core message content and discussion:
Queensland Public Sector Ethics
Ethics is the way we do our public service business of delivering government priorities to delivering outcomes for Queenslanders.