Ethics hub for the public sector

Hello, I’m Kathrina Lo, New South Wales Public Service Commissioner. I’m pleased to share with you the new Code of Ethics and Conduct for the New South Wales Government Sector. 
When you work in the New South Wales government sector, regardless of your job, you have an important role to play in maintaining confidence in our system of government.
The work we all do makes a difference to the lives of millions of people across New South Wales. As government sector employees, the people of New South Wales expect and need us to act ethically and fairly, and to comply with the law. 
The new Code of Ethics and Conduct I’m issuing sets out clear minimum expected standards of behaviour that all government sector employees must meet. It gives a framework to guide our decisions and behaviour, no matter our level or our job.
Because the Code applies to the whole government sector, if you move agencies in your New South Wales Government career, you will have a clear understanding of what’s expected of you and what it means to work for the New South Wales Government. 
Departments and agencies can also add to this Code with additional guidance that is specific to their context. 
The new Code is based on our core values of Integrity, Trust, Service and Accountability, and is underpinned by 18 principles to help you put these values into action. Our core values and the principles make up the Ethical Framework for the Government Sector.
We have a responsibility to speak up when we see any behaviour that we believe does not live up to the principles in the Code. You should follow your agency’s policies for reporting wrongdoing where you believe this has occurred.
Once the new Code comes into effect, all government sector employees must comply with it. All departments and agencies in the government sector will be taking steps to ensure that any code of conduct they have issued is consistent with the new Code.
This Code applies at all times when you’re acting in the course of, or in connection with, your employment. This includes when you’re representing the New South Wales Government at conferences, at training events, during official travel, participating in online communications, and attending work-related social events.
To help you understand the Code and what it means for you and your team, we have launched an Ethics Hub on the Public Service Commission website. I encourage you to visit the hub and make use of the resources. 
Acting ethically ensures we retain the trust and confidence of the people and communities of New South Wales that we serve. Together, lets strive to deliver an ethical government sector we can all be proud to work for.