Code of conduct
The Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service establishes the ethical standards of conduct and behaviour expected of public service staff when working with each other, with other agencies and when serving members of the community.
We are committed to building, maintaining and ensuring continuous improvement in functioning and integrity within the department.
We encourage members of the public to report any suspected wrongdoing by an employee of the Department of Justice and Attorney-General (DJAG).
Misconduct
Misconduct by departmental staff is inappropriate or improper behaviour when acting in an official capacity, or inappropriate behaviour when acting in in a private capacity that reflects seriously and adversely on the Queensland Public Service.
To report any suspected misconduct or breaches of the Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service, please refer to our complaints process.
Corrupt conduct
There are 2 types of corrupt conduct under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 that can apply to the actions of public officers or any other person.
To be either type of corrupt conduct, the action must be either a criminal offence or serious enough to warrant dismissal of public officers.
Criminal offences or especially serious activities
The first type involves conduct that affects, or could affect, a public officer so that the performance of their functions or the exercise of their powers either:
- is not honest or impartial
- knowingly or recklessly breaches public trust
- involves the misuse of agency-related information or material.
This type of corrupt conduct could include:
- fraud and theft
- extortion
- unauthorised release of information
- obtaining or offering a secret commission
- nepotism.
Conduct diminishing trust in government
The second type involves specific types of conduct by any person that impair, or could impair, public confidence in public administration.
This could include:
- collusive tendering
- fraud relating to
- an application for a licence, permit or other authority relating to public health or safety
- the environment
- the state's natural, cultural, mining or energy resources
- dishonestly obtaining public funds or state assets
- evading a state tax, levy or duty or fraudulently causing a loss of state revenue
- fraudulently obtaining or retaining an appointment.
Reporting corrupt conduct
We report suspected corrupt conduct to the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC). Visit their website for more information about corrupt conduct.
If you suspect corrupt conduct by a DJAG officer, you should report it to either:
- the CCC by emailing complaints@ccc.qld.gov.au or phoning (07) 3360 6060, or
- the DJAG Ethical Standards Unit (ESU).
If you suspect corrupt conduct by a public officer of another agency or by a member of the public you should report it to the CCC.
Public interest disclosers (whistleblowers)
The Public Interest Disclosure Act 2010 supports the disclosure of specific types of information about wrongdoing in the public sector. It provides protection for those who speak up.
We also have a Public interest disclosure policy; this policy and the Act outline what types of disclosures are public interest disclosures (PIDs).
Any PIDs involving our department should be reported to the ESU as the team responsible for coordinating our PID program. The Queensland Ombudsman oversees PIDs.
Contact
If you have any questions about the information on this page you can email ethicalstandards@justice.qld.gov.au. Note: The ESU can only process allegations against DJAG staff.
Concerns about other agencies can be raised with that agency or the CCC.