State Government releases new Ministerial code of conduct

16/3/01
The State Government has honoured another one of its key election commitments by adopting a code of conduct that will set new standards for Ministers in the performance of their public duties.
Releasing the document for public scrutiny today, Premier Geoff Gallop said the code set a new benchmark for governments across Australia.
"We promised the most stringent code of conduct in the country and that is what we have delivered," Dr Gallop said.
"For the first time in many years, Western Australia now has a clear set of rules governing the performance of Ministers in their official duties."
Dr Gallop said the primary purpose of the code was to ensure Ministers did not use their positions for personal benefit or financial gain or to enhance the position of their families.
To that end, the code required Ministers to declare not only their own pecuniary and other interests, but also those of their spouse and dependent family.
Where a real or potential conflict of interest was determined, Ministers would be required to withdraw from the Cabinet room while the item was discussed.
The Premier said Ministers were also required to divest themselves of any shareholdings or interests in partnerships and trusts which, as a result of their portfolio responsibilities, could give rise to a conflict of interest.
He said Ministers were also required to resign from all positions held in business or professional associations and trade unions, as well as directorships in public and/or private companies.
An exception was where a Minister held a directorship in a private company that operated a family farm, family business or family investment, providing the directorship was not likely to conflict with the Minister's official duties.
Dr Gallop said the Cabinet Secretary, a senior permanent public servant, would be responsible for the record keeping and administration associated with the code.
He said the code also provided strict guidelines for:

• the use of confidential information;
• Ministerial expenses and the use of public resources;
• the giving and receiving of gifts;
• relations with the public service;
• conduct during the caretaker period;
• staff responsibilities; and -
• employment post-Government.

Dr Gallop said a separate code of conduct for MPs would be tabled in Parliament for consideration by both Houses during the first session commencing on May 1.
"After six months, the MPs' code of conduct will be put to each House for a vote," he said.
"While it will be the responsibility of Parliament to decide whether to adopt that code, it is the responsibility of my Government to provide the impetus for this to happen."
The Premier said the Government was also committed to introducing a register of Cabinet decisions, as recommended by the Commission on Government.
"I have instructed the Ministry of Premier and Cabinet to devise a system whereby Cabinet decisions will be open to public scrutiny and I hope to present a submission to my colleagues as soon as is practicable," he said.
"This is yet another accountability mechanism which, unlike the previous Government, we are committed to implementing."
Media contact: Kieran Murphy 9222 9888