Wednesday 6 June 2007
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Commissioner, the Hon.
Jerrold Cripps QC, told a gathering of North Coast community leaders this
morning (6 June)‚ that they play a critical role in combating corruption in
their local community.
Commissioner Cripps was addressing approximately 40 representatives from
community groups, businesses and public agencies during a breakfast hosted by
the ICAC in Coffs Harbour as part of its North Coast outreach visit this
week.
"The cooperation of community leaders and other responsible members of the
community helps the ICAC in the fight against corruption," Commissioner Cripps
said.
"Last year we received and assessed more than 2,000 complaints and reports of
suspected corrupt conduct from the general public, CEOs and public officials
across the State.
"These complaints and reports form the basis of much of our investigations
and corruption prevention work, so we certainly encourage you to come forward
with information that can help us in the fight against corruption."
The ICAC conducts two outreach visits a year to bring anti-corruption
initiatives and training to regions across NSW. "Part of our corruption
prevention role involves raising awareness of the ICAC, how we work and how the
community can support the work we do," Commissioner Cripps said.
The ICAC is holding workshops, briefings and training sessions for local
agencies around the Coffs Harbour area from 4-7 June, with more events planned
later in the month for Ballina, Grafton, Byron Bay, Clarence Valley, Port
Macquarie and Tweed Heads.
The sessions include information on how to recognise and report corrupt
conduct and identifying and managing corruption risks in public sector
organisations.
Police Integrity Commissioner John Pritchard is also participating in the
visit, and will hold discussions with local police on anti-corruption
initiatives and systems.
The ICAC's Rural and Regional Outreach Strategy has proved highly successful
since its inception in 2001. The program has included previous visits to the
North Coast, Mudgee, the Illawarra, the Hunter, the Far West, New England, the
Riverina, the Central West and the Central Coast.