Probity
Protected disclosure policy
CASA undertook a review of its protected disclosure policy during the reporting year. The review recommended introduction of an internal confidential reporting mechanism to complement the external reporting facilities in place (the independent confidential reporting service, STOPline). The review also recommended introduction of an ethics committee to assist in assessing incidents reported through both the internal and external reporting mechanisms.
In 2006–07, two protected disclosures were reported to STOPline.
Code of conduct
All CASA staff must comply with a comprehensive code of conduct as a condition of their employment or engagement.
The CASA code of conduct fully reflects the values and behaviour expected of CASA employees working within the Australian Government framework.
Conflicts of interest
As a regulatory authority, CASA takes particular care to guard against actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest for all its staff.
All permanent and temporary employees, as well as agency staff, complete a conflict of interest declaration form on commencement. Staff receive an annual reminder of their obligations and are asked to update their declaration.
With consultants and contractors, CASA’s standard form of contract of engagement imposes the obligation to declare any conflict of interest that may arise during the life of the contract.
Fraud control
CASA revised its fraud control plan during the reporting year in line with biannual requirements. The plan identifies fraud control activities to be undertaken during the year. Areas of high risk are managed in conjunction with the Risk Management and Internal Audit Branch.
CASA provides internal and external protected disclosure mechanisms to enable staff and contractors to report any instances of suspected fraud.