ICAC regional corruption prevention program continues North Coast visit

Friday 15 June 2007

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) will continue its visit to the North Coast next week as part of its program that takes anti-corruption initiatives and training to regions across the State.

The ICAC North Coast Outreach visit to Ballina, Grafton, Byron Bay, Clarence Valley, Port Macquarie and Tweed Heads from 18 – 21 June will include workshops and briefing sessions for local agencies on corruption risks and prevention strategies.

It follows on from a successful visit to the Coffs Harbour area earlier in the month, which included events for local councils and state government agencies based in the area.

The ICAC Commissioner, the Hon. Jerrold Cripps QC, said the Commission was looking forward to continuing the North Coast Outreach visit.

"The recent visit to Coffs Harbour gave the ICAC an excellent opportunity to discuss corruption prevention matters with regional state and local government representatives, while conducting hands-on workshops to help them develop the knowledge and skills to tackle corruption.

"The visit further north will continue the program, with ICAC staff holding specialised training sessions on recognising and reporting corrupt conduct. Managing corruption risks in public sector organisations and developing investigation skills will also be addressed," Commissioner Cripps said.

The ICAC outreach program has proved highly successful since its inception in 2001. It has included visits to the Illawarra, New England, the Hunter, Mudgee, the Far West, the South East, the Riverina, the Central Coast, the Central West and the North Coast.