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OVERVIEW:
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS OF 2009-10
Probity
In order to address any concerns about DIAC’s role in administering the MARA function, an independent probity advisor, Professional Service Integrity Asia Pacific Pty Ltd (PSI), undertook a comprehensive review of potential and perceived conflicts of interest. The strategies were endorsed by the former Chief Justice of NSW, Sir Laurence Street AC.
The strategies are outlined in the probity statement which is publicly available on the Office of the MARA website. In addition, a protocol document setting out the relationship between the Office of the MARA and DIAC was made available publicly. All of the recommended arrangements and strategies have been put in place. These include:
- the completion of conflict of interest declarations for all Office of the MARA staff and the advisory board
- the physical separation of the Office of the MARA from DIAC
- separation of business systems and processes
- separate policies and procedures, including complaints procedures, which are publicly available
- independence of the Office of the MARA advisory board.
Accountabilities and delegations for decision making are clearly defined and publicly available. The protocol document also makes it clear that none of the minister’s powers under Part 3 of the Migration Act or Regulations have been delegated to the secretary.
All Office of the MARA staff undertook training in probity and the Australian Public Service Code of Conduct in their first weeks of employment and completed conflict of interest declarations.
Refresher probity training has been provided to staff and they have reviewed and, if necessary, updated their conflict of interest declarations.
Conflict of interest declarations have also been completed by the secretary, the advisory board and staff in relevant areas of DIAC.
Independent probity audits were carried out by PSI quarterly. The fourth of the quarterly reviews was completed in June 2010 and found that all mitigation strategies had been successfully implemented. This was subsequently reviewed by Sir Laurence Street AC, who was satisfied that all relevant probity requirements for 2009–10 were met.
Governance
Governance systems and controls were put in place, including a separate business plan, a risk management and fraud control plan.
A management initiated review of financial and governance controls in November 2009 assessed receipting and budgeting, business plans, risk and fraud plans, mail handling and filing. The review found that all key elements of a good governance framework were either in place or identified and being developed.
