Conflict of interest

To assist staff to identify and appropriately manage conflicts of interest, the department has initiated a number of enhancements to its integrated Conflict of Interest Framework, comprising policies, procedures, decision-making tools and an online declaration and approval system. Specific training has been developed and a pilot program was launched in May 2017 aimed at increasing the understanding and practical application of Conflict of Interest concepts, roles and obligations as an employee and manager. The enhanced training will be rolled out to the department in 2017-18.

As part of their annual performance review, all employees must confirm they have an up-to-date knowledge of the department’s conflict of interest policy and have completed the associated declaration, if required.

All departmental positions are assessed for the risk of conflict of interest. Positions with a higher risk have been assessed and recorded in the Human Resources Management System and are subject to annual review.

Contracts with Senior Officers

At the date of reporting, no senior officers, or firms of which senior officers are members, or entities in which senior officers have substantial interests, had any interests in existing or proposed contracts with the department other than normal contracts of employment of service.

Credit card

In response to gazettal of the amended Treasurer’s instructions TI 321 Credit Cards – Authorised Use and TI 903 Agency Annual Reports, agencies are required to publish details of instances in their annual report where a Western Australian Government Purchasing Card (a ‘credit card’) is utilised for personal use. The new requirement applies to financial reporting on or after 31 December 2016.