From: June Waters (jwaters@dpc.wa.gov.au)
Date: Fri May 23 2003 - 17:33:53 WST
The Attorney General for Western Australia, the Hon Jim McGinty, will be presenting this new and important legislation for all State and Local public authorities, universities, the Police Service, and contractors to public bodies.
This corporate governance awareness seminar is presented jointly by the Office of the Public Sector Standards Commissioner and the Institute of Public Administration Australia (WA).
Launch of the Public Interest Disclosure Bill for WA
Thursday 26 June 2003
Breakfast * 7:30am to 9:00am Breakfast & Seminar * 7:30am to 12:00pm
Novotel Langley Hotel, 221 Adelaide Terrace, Perth
Western Australia's Public Interest Disclosure Bill recognises the rights of people to make public interest disclosures and provides protection when they do so. The legislation is consistent with an international trend and brings the State into line with the rest of Australia.
The Bill contains several important measures:
- it enables and encourages informants to disclose wrongdoing or improper conduct by providing them with a framework for making such disclosures, either to the agency concerned or to another proper authority;
- it requires State and Local government departments and agencies, and universities to investigate disclosures and remedy any defects or wrongdoing;
- it provides for protection for informants including confidentiality, employment protection and immunity from any criminal or civil liability; and
- it enhances open and accountable government for Western Australia.
"There is nothing more fundamental to ensuring openness and accountability in government than to ensure that people who have the courage to stand up and expose wrongdoing are able to do so without fear of reprisal. It is totally unacceptable that such people should be maligned or victimised as a result of their efforts to report * and therefore stop * improper or illegal behaviour in government instrumentalities. This Bill will ensure that it cannot happen again."
- The Hon Jim McGinty, Attorney General
Breakfast Speakers 7:30 - 9:00am:
Attorney General, Minister for Justice and Legal Affairs the Hon Jim McGinty will focus on the policy behind the legislation and in particular the importance of the legislation to open government in Western Australia and the people of WA.
"Whistleblowers who uncover improper or illegal conduct or substantial mismanagement of public resources in State and Local government authorities must be encouraged to make disclosures to proper authorities and must be protected when they do so. To achieve and maintain open and accountable government, there must be a free flow of information."
- The Hon Jim McGinty
Commissioner for Public Sector Standards, Maxine Murray, will cover the role and responsibilities of senior managers in public authorities.
About the Seminar 9:15am * 12:00pm:
The Bill recognises the rights of people to make disclosures about inappropriate behaviour by public officials and provides mechanisms for such disclosures to be investigated and resolved.
The Bill provides specific protections for persons making disclosures so that they do not suffer any discrimination or intimidation, and such action is an offence.
A range of speakers from the Office of the Public Sector Standards Commissioner and the Department of Justice will provide practical information about how the legislation will affect individuals and organisations.
The seminar will address specific issues:
· The provisions of the Bill and how they will affect organisational procedures; who disclosures are made to; and offences that can arise.
· The release of a code of conduct that all public sector bodies, employees and contractors must comply with.
· The release of guidelines for public authorities to use, to establish their own procedures for dealing with disclosures.
· Monitoring and reporting requirements, and who public authorities may contact for ongoing advice and assistance.
An information pack provided by the Office of the Public Sector Standards Commissioner will be available at the seminar.
REGISTRATION PUBLIC INTEREST DISCLOSURE BILL FOR WAl
Thursday 26 June 2003
To Register fax the completed form to 9426 8688
Register by c.o.b. Friday 20 June
TAX INVOICE/ REGISTRATION FORM
IPAA ABN 23 762 167 128
All charges are inclusive of GST
Name __________________________________
Organisation _____________________________
Address _________________________________
________________________________________
Email ___________________________________
Contact Tel ______________________________
Payment
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Amount total (Please Circle)
IPAA IPAA Corp Non *Table
Member Member Member of 8
Breakfast $55 $65 $75 $520
Breakfast &
Seminar $165 $180 $195 $1440
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*(If booking a table of 8 please provide a list of all participant names.)
OR
Cheque payable to IPAA and posted to
PO Box Z5409, St Georges Tce, Perth, 6831.
* (The Institute requests 3 working days' notice for consideration of refunds.)
Inquiries:
Andrea Wilson at IPAA tel 9426 8696 (mornings) or email ipaa@wt.com.au
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