Items of interest for the Complaints, Accountability, Integrity Network
Financial administration
Little Fish Are Sweet: Administration of a high volume, low value, subsidy scheme
This Ombudsman report looks at issues relating to the administration of high volume, low value subsidy schemes, and measures that can be utilised to ensure that scheme beneficiaries and the Territory community obtain the best value for money. The particular emphasis is on ensuring that scheme structures and internal controls are designed to minimise the potential for errors, misinterpretation and fraud that may compromise the objectives of the scheme.
http://www.ombudsman.nt.gov.au/sites/default/files/downloads/little_fish_are_sweet.pdf
NT Ombudsman, September 2017
Privacy and security
Cloud Computing Guidelines issued
The NT Information Commissioner has issued a Guideline on Cloud Computing and the Information Privacy Principles, outlining best practice protocols for managing privacy, security and legal risks when using the cloud to support or deliver information technology initiatives in the NT. In addition, the Department of Corporate and Information Services (DCIS) has issued a cloud computing policy, guideline and standard for NT Government Agencies. The DCIS NTG Cloud Computing Policy states that Agencies are to use computing solutions that best meet business requirements having due regard to benefits and value, risks and mitigations, and protections and controls. The NTG Guidelines for contract negotiations for Cloud services provide information for NTG Agencies engaging external cloud services, while the Standard specifies the accountability requirements and controls for cloud computing in the NTG. The Treasurer's Directions ICT1-2: Governance - ICT Policies and Standards specify that each agency must comply with NTG ICT policies and standards unless the agency has an approved exemption.
Apologies
Making a meaningful apology
A brief guide on making apologies.
http://www.ombudsman.ie/en/publications/guidelines-for-public-bodies/guide-to-making-apology/apology-guidelines.pdf
Irish Ombudsman
Corrections
Department for Correctional Services – Unjust and oppressive separation of a prisoner
The Ombudsman received a complaint from a prisoner concerning the circumstances and duration of his separation from other prisoners within G Division of Yatala Labour Prison. The Ombudsman conducted an investigation and concluded that the Department unreasonably failed to document confidential intelligence information leading to the prisoner's separation, unjustly directed that the prisoner be separated from all other prisoners and contravened the Correctional Services Act by failing to provide a report to the Minister as soon as reasonably practicable after giving the direction. The Ombudsman further found that the Department's failure to revoke the separation direction for a period of 66 days was oppressive and was in accordance with a rule of law (namely section 36 of the Act) that is oppressive. The Ombudsman issued a range of recommendations, including that the Department issue an apology and consider the provision of an ex gratia payment to the prisoner. The Ombudsman also recommended that section 36 of the Act be amended to establish a maximum period that a prisoner may ordinarily be kept separated from other prisoners and to require regular review by the Minister of a prisoner's prolonged separation under the Act.
http://www.ombudsman.sa.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/Department-for-Correctional-Services-Unjust-and-oppressive-separation-of-a-prisoner.pdf
SA Ombudsman, September 2017
Upcoming event
Australian Public Sector Anti-Corruption Conference
The 6th APSACC will be held in Sydney from 14 to 16 November 2017.
http://www.apsac.com.au/2017/
Annual Reports
NT Anti-Discrimination Commission Annual Report 2016/17
http://www.adc.nt.gov.au/docs/annual_reports/Annual%20Report%202016-2017.pdf
NT Commissioner for Information and Public Interest Disclosures Annual Report 2016/17
https://blowthewhistle.nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/450894/2016-17-OICPID-Annual-Report.pdf
NT Ombudsman Annual Report 2016/17
http://www.ombudsman.nt.gov.au/sites/default/files/downloads/2016-17_annual_report_final.pdf
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