Council continues its focus on transparency with new fraud policy

Published 09 December 2020

To mark International Anti-Corruption Day, Moreton Bay Regional Council is continuing its focus on openness and transparency by adopting three renewed governance and integrity policies at today’s general meeting.

The renewed Fraud and Corruption Prevention, Risk Management and Complaints Management frameworks outline updated guiding principles, and tools to help Council staff implement good governance and integrity practices.

CEO Greg Chemello said the implementation of up-to-date and best practice governance and integrity frameworks are critically important at a time when working environments are becoming increasingly complex in nature.

“Council has a zero tolerance for fraud and corruption and this work reinforces Council’s commitment to a culture of honesty and integrity, and fostering an ethical environment and culture,” Mr Chemello said.

“It is vitally important that our communities trust their Council which is why I want to empower our staff to help in the prevention, detection and appropriate response to fraud and corruption within our organisation.

“Council has now streamlined its complaints and risk management frameworks to ensure we are continuously improving to meet best industry practices.”

Mayor Peter Flannery said these systems are our first-line of defence against corruption.

“The new policies follow far-reaching and independent reviews that have taken place over the past 12 months, with input from employees and stakeholders across the organisation,” Mayor Flannery said.

“This work is consistent with our renewed focus of openness and is essential in setting the ethical tone and establishing an integrity behaviour model for the organisation.

“These programs support and promote effective decision making in the public interest and I am proud to lead a Council committed to openness, transparency and delivering customer focussed services.”