Items of interest for the Complaints, Accountability, Integrity Network
Integrity
Ensuring integrity – the role of watchdog agencies
Panel discussion on the role of watchdog agencies. Guests are NSW ICAC Commissioner, NSW Auditor-General and NSW Ombudsman. Highlights of Ethics & Leadership In the Public Sector Conference, hosted by the NSW Public Service Commission, May, 2015.
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/bigideas/ensuring-integrity---role-of-watchdog-agencies/6480602
ABC RN Big Ideas podcast, August 2015
Complaints management
Review of legislative schemes — the oversight and management of complaints about police — the receipt and assessment of complaints and reports about public administration
Report on a broad-ranging review by the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption into integrity and complaint management systems in the South Australian public sector.
http://icac.sa.gov.au/sites/default/files/Legislative_reviews_report.pdf
ICAC SA, June 2015
Public Housing and Essential Services
'Let there be light' Essential services – Response by Department of Housing and Power and Water to widespread incidents of damage to electricity meters in a remote community
The report considered the responses of the government agency landlord and energy provider to widespread incidents of criminal damage to electricity meters and other electrical fixtures and fittings for houses in a remote indigenous community. A number of houses remained without power for extended periods. The report concluded that there were unreasonable delays in restoring power and in developing agreed policies and procedures to deal with such situations. There was also poor communication with stakeholders.
http://www.ombudsman.nt.gov.au/sites/default/files/downloads/let_there_be_light_0.pdf
Ombudsman NT, June 2015
Corrections
Services provided by the Department of Correctional Services at the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre
Investigation into a complaint that several youths were confined in a behaviour management unit for an indefinite period, and that living conditions were inhumane and unhygienic. The complaint alleged that young persons were being held in solitary confinement in cramped and darkened cells, for up to 23 hours a day. There were also concerns about the long term impact this could have on the young persons' psychological and physical wellbeing. The investigation also dealt with an incident in the unit involving the use of CS gas.
http://childrenscommissioner.nt.gov.au/publications/Childrens%20Commissioner%20DDYDC%20-%20Report%20to%20Minister%20170915.pdf
Children's Commissioner NT, August 2015
Investigation into the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners in Victoria
A comprehensive review of rehabilitation and reintegration measures in prisons in Victoria. It recommends a whole-of-government approach focused on reducing offending.
https://www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au/getattachment/5188692a-35b6-411f-907e-3e7704f45e17//publications/parliamentary-reports/investigation-into-the-rehabilitation-and-reintegr.aspx
Ombudsman Victoria, September 2015
Upcoming events, conferences
Governance Update 2015 for the Public Sector
Full day and Half day program options with a range of speakers.
http://www.governanceinstitute.com.au/education-training/calendar-of-events/eventsfolder/sup1511101/?eventcode=SUP1511101
Governance Institute of Australia, 10 November 2015, Darwin
Australian Public Sector Anti-Corruption Conference
Two day conference with optional workshops.
http://www.apsac.com.au/
APSACC, 17-19 November, Brisbane
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