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Security vetting

Security vetting is a process by which the ICAC undertakes background checks to assess a person's suitability for employment. The vetting process applies to prospective officers of the Commission, and includes persons who are permanent, temporary, seconded, contracted or consultants, as well as companies. The aim of vetting is to:

• confirm your identification
• look at whether any association you have gives rise to a conflict of interest
• ascertain whether there are any vulnerable aspects of your life to which improper pressure could be applied.

The security vetting package is a booklet of forms requiring details including:

• personal particulars
• statement of financial interests
• statutory declarations   
• conflicts of interest
• table of associations.

If you are notified following interview that you are a preferred applicant, the vetting package will be provided to you and must be completed, signed and returned to the Commission for the vetting process to commence.    

What is a conflict of interest?

A conflict of interest may arise from encountering information about somebody or something in which a person has a personal interest. It may be about somebody whom they know or about a company/activity with which they have a direct involvement or financial interest in.  If a person continued to work on the information without declaring their interest/association, questions may arise as to the appropriateness and objectivity of their actions. Therefore, a person coming across such information would need to bring it to the attention of the Commission and provide details about their association and involvement. An independent decision would then be made as to whether it represented a conflict of interest.

Does a criminal conviction rule me out?

No. Whether or not you (or others with whom you associate) have a criminal conviction does not mean that you cannot work at the ICAC.  The Commission's vetting is based on the person being vetted demonstrating that they are honest and trustworthy. All matters are looked at on a case-by-case basis and an assessment of the person's suitability is based on all information at hand; everything is taken into consideration.

Privacy, GIPA Act, EEO and anti-discrimination laws

The Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998, the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 ("the GIPA Act"), anti-discrimination laws and equal employment opportunity principles are observed and applied during the vetting process.

Who has access to my vetting information?

Your vetting information is used purely for the Commission's vetting purposes and is strictly confidential. It can only be viewed or disclosed on a "need to know" basis. This means that your vetting information is only available to a small number of ICAC staff whose official duties include performing vetting functions. The information is stored in an appropriate security container and access to the documents is strictly controlled.