To post, or not to post? Out-of-hours social media activity for public service employees and employers
Introduction Social media is a fundamental tool used in individuals’ personal and professional lives. Considering the level of social interaction on online platforms, it is unsurprising that there has been an increase in employee disciplinary action, including dismissals, as a result of conduct on social media. What is surprising is that many employers still do […]
ReadmoreCorruption and Integrity Update | Fitzgerald Report 2.0: Key findings and recommendations
The much-awaited report by the Honourable Tony Fitzgerald AC QC and the Honourable Alan Wilson QC of the Commission of Inquiry relating to the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) has just been released. In our opinion, the most significant recommendation requires the Crime and Corruption Commission to seek the opinion of the Office of the […]
ReadmoreCorruption and Integrity Update – Updates on the Coaldrake Report and corrupt conduct in the Queensland public sector
This month’s edition of the Corruption and Integrity Update provides an update on the implementation of the recommendations arising out of the Coaldrake Report and considers recent developments in publicly-released integrity investigations. We also recap the progress towards a federal anti-corruption commission. Coaldrake Report – Updates from the 26 July 2022 Estimates Committee Hearing At […]
ReadmoreA change in Government may put the brakes on Australia’s support of AI and ADM? Or perhaps not?
The recent change to Australia’s Government will likely see a raft of changes. Of particular interest is whether and to what extent the new Labor Government will embrace artificial intelligence (or AI) and automated decision making (or ADM). You will recall the release of the former Coalition government’s Digital Economy Strategy (Strategy) in Budget 2021-2022. […]
ReadmoreCorruption and Integrity Update | Updates from the CCC, and the release of the final report from the Coaldrake Review
This month’s edition of the Corruption and Integrity Update considers new corruption prevention resources released by the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC); the CCC’s call for submissions on influencing practices in Queensland; and the CCC’s release of its investigation into allegations of disclosure of confidential information at the Integrity Commissioner. We also dive into the […]
ReadmoreCorruption and Integrity Update – Parliamentary oversight of the Ombudsman and the OIC
This month’s edition of the Corruption and Integrity Update considers the recent parliamentary oversight hearings conducted by the Legal Affairs and Safety Committee (Committee) into the Queensland Ombudsman and the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC), as well as setting out a high-level overview of the most recent Corruption Allegations Data Dashboard (CADD) released by […]
ReadmoreQueensland Audit Office report into appointments to government boards released
On 19 May 2022, the Queensland Audit Office (QAO) tabled its insights report into appointing and renewing government boards in Queensland (Report 17: 2021-22). The report makes recommendations regarding board appointment processes, evaluation of board performance, and greater diversity of appointees to board. The report also highlights gaps in skillsets and training provided to government […]
ReadmoreCorruption and Integrity Update – Coaldrake interim report in the Queensland public sector released
With the CCC Commission of Inquiry and the Parliamentary Inquiry into the Office of the Independent Assessor ongoing, there has been a noticeable absence of public releases by the CCC and OIA of late. Notably, however, Professor Peter Coaldrake AO released his Interim Report of the Review of culture and accountability in the Queensland public […]
ReadmoreCorruption and Integrity Update – OIA functions and CCC powers subject to scrutiny
The past month has seen the spotlight turned on both the Office of the Independent Assessor (OIA), by way of Parliamentary Inquiry, and the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC), by way of a Supreme Court challenge to its coercive powers. Inquiry into the functions of the Independent Assessor and the performance of those functions On […]
ReadmoreSecurity Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Act 2021
Executive Summary The recently released Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Act 2021 (Cth) (SOCI Act) has amended the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (Cth) with a view to further managing the complex and evolving national security risks of sabotage, espionage and coercion posed by foreign involvement in Australia’s critical infrastructure. The amended SOCI legislation […]
ReadmoreCorruption and Integrity Update – What the Corruption Allegations Data Dashboard reveals
The Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) has this month updated its Corruption Allegations Data Dashboard (CADD) to reflect referral data received up to the end of the September 2021 quarter. The CADD reveals that allegations received by the CCC trended upwards throughout the course of 2021, with over 6,500 complaints having been received by September […]
ReadmoreBuy Now Pay Later – A changing regulatory landscape
The Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) industry has been making a lot of noise in recent times, attracting the attention of shareholders, regulators and consumer advocates alike. The industry has nevertheless remained largely unregulated to date, due in part to the proactive measures taken by BNPL providers to self-regulate under the Buy Now Pay Later […]
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