NSW govt 'failing to declare gifts'

NSW Government departments are failing to properly declare gifts and benefits, according to the Auditor General Peter Achterstraat.

Mr Achterstraat released his report today on the managing of gifts by the department of planning and infrastructure, the environment protection authority, transport for NSW and the WorkCover Authority.

"None of the five entities I examined had sufficient information to demonstrate that all gifts were dealt with appropriately. Some did not ask about the reason for the gift or the relationship between the giver and the recipient.

And not all required conflicts of interest to be disclosed”, Mr Achterstraat said.

He also found some departments did not require public servants to declare the gifts they declined.

The Auditor has suggested the best way to avoid inappropriate gifts being received by public servants was for agencies to keep complete records of what has been accepted and declined, along with the reasons.

"Public servants should never solicit personal gifts or accept any payment, gift or benefit intended or likely to influence them to stray from their official duties", he added

"Some gifts say thank you, while others say please. When they say please, under no circumstances should they be accepted”, Mr Achterstraat said.

"The intention may be clear and innocent but the perception may be otherwise.’’
 

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