News from the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption

A word from the Commissioner,
the Hon Megan Latham

In September, we settled into our new offices at level 7, 255 Elizabeth Street in Sydney’s CBD. Although the relocation was a response to the need for larger, purpose-built facilities, it was somewhat serendipitous to have made the move during the ICAC’s 25th anniversary year.
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Is your line of visibility blinding you?

How often does a manager say they have a line of visibility? It is a term commonly used to indicate that they are on top of something important, and rightly so. Dr Robert Waldersee, ICAC Executive Director, Corruption Prevention, suggests, however, that the areas outside that line of visibility may be paying the price.
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Corruption prevention: the ICAC’s complete, integrated approach

For some organisations, a code of conduct, strict limits on gifts, risk assessment and risk treatments, and an effective complaint system are all in place, and yet corruption still happens. What have they missed? In many cases, it’s the design of the work itself.
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Five ways to better invoice payment control

The payment of supplier invoices is a perennial source of corruption risk and the ICAC has uncovered several instances in which poor processes have facilitated the payment of large sums of money via corruptly-submitted invoices. A new ICAC publication outlines five strategies to improve invoice payment processes in your organisation.
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We said what? ICAC advice myths

Public officials sometimes tell ICAC staff that they use certain practices – such as avoiding talking to suppliers – as a result of ICAC advice, when, in fact, the ICAC never recommended such practices. The result is a series of urban myths that the ICAC perpetuates restrictive processes. The most frequently encountered of these myths are presented and, hopefully, dispelled below.
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The international student business: risks and challenges

While Australian universities appear to deliver a single product of student education, there are two fundamentally different business models behind this product: the domestic student business and the international student business. The two are quite different and consequently pose different risks and carry different challenges.
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Need an external investigator? Be careful what you ask for!

Public sector agencies may occasionally be called on to conduct an investigation. And occasionally this may require the skills of someone outside the organisation. Deputy Ombudsman Chris Wheeler provides an overview of what you need to consider before recruiting an external investigator.
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In other news

One of the goals of the ICAC is to educate public sector agencies, public officials and members of the public about corruption and how to report it. Training workshops, rural outreach visits and other engagements are undertaken by ICAC staff throughout the year to achieve this goal.
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