Government of Western Australia

Department of Commerce

Department of
Commerce
Code of Conduct

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Code of Conduct Part 1 - Overview

Authority
The Public Sector Commission requires all government departments to have
a Code of Conduct which establishes standards of behaviour for their workers
consistent with the ethical standards outlined in the Governments Code of Ethics
and aligned with the departments business operations.

Foreword
I am pleased to introduce the

Department of Commerce Code

of Conduct.
This Code outlines the standards
of behaviour and conduct
we are expected to apply as
representatives of Commerce to
achieve both the governments and
the departments objectives.
It emphasises our responsibility
to provide appropriate standards
of service in our day to day
conduct at work which meet the
expectations and enhance the
lives of the community.
It is vital that we are all familiar
with the Code and are aware
that any breach could lead to
disciplinary action. We should
apply the Code in all aspects of
our professional and personal
behaviour, the management of our
private interests, our use of official
information and to any public
comments we make on behalf of
Commerce.
The Code builds on the
Governments Code of Ethics
which provides a broad reference
point for the standards of
behaviour expected from all
government workers.
Both Codes are integral to the
values outlined in the departments
Corporate Plan, which guide
our work and the role we play
in improving service to the
community.
I am confident you will embrace
our corporate values and join me
in maintaining the integrity and
credibility of the department by
endeavouring to abide by the Code
at all times.

Brian Bradley
Director General

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Code of Ethics
The Governments Code of Ethics contains the following principles with which all
government workers must comply:
Personal integrity

We act with care and diligence and make decisions that

are honest, fair, impartial, and timely, and consider all
relevant information.

Relationships

We treat people with respect, courtesy and sensitivity

and recognise their interests, rights, safety and welfare.

Accountability

We use the resources of the state in a responsible and

accountable manner that ensures the efficient, effective
and appropriate use of human, natural, financial and
physical resources, property and information.

Corporate values
This Code of Conduct aligns our standards of behaviour with our corporate values
as outlined in the departments Strategic Plan Future Directions 2009-2012. This
plan promotes our Vision to provide a business environment that is productive,
innovative, fair and safe for the Western Australian community. The values and
approach we should all embrace to accomplish this vision are to:

act with integrity and professionalism;

value our people and their contribution;

make a difference through our work; and

endeavour to be innovative in our approach.

What will the Code of Conduct achieve?

This Code demonstrates the departments commitment to our vision through:

promoting professionalism and excellence;

expressing our shared assumptions, beliefs and values;

communicating the departments values and social responsibilities; and

observing transparency in public accountability and corporate governance.

The Code assists us to understand what is expected of us, in particular:

how to meet the minimum standards of conduct and integrity in the Code
of Ethics; and

how to deal with ethical issues in ways that reflect the departments
values.

Who does the Code of Conduct apply to?

The Code applies to all departmental workers including permanent employees,
officers seconded to the department, people employed under contracts for
service, fixed term contract employees and casual employees engaged by the
department on a short term basis. It also applies to others in the workplace such
as Commission, Board and Council members, work experience students, trainees,
cadets and volunteers. The department has a responsibility to ensure all workers
and others working on behalf of the department are aware of, and have access to,
the Code.
For the purpose of this Code these employment types will be collectively known as
workers.

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How do we apply the Code of Conduct?

The broad standards of behaviour are outlined in the departments values of integrity and professionalism:
we are honest, open, fair, and equitable in word and
action;

we practise consistent behaviours that create confidence

and trust in what we do and say;

we are respectful of the rights of individuals and the

principles of natural justice;

we strive for excellence and take pride in our work.

These values should be reflected in our behaviours and observed at all times when applying departmental policies or undertaking
operational activities.

What behaviour is expected?

In accordance with the Public Sector Management Act 1994 the Director General must:
comply with Public Sector Standards in Human Resource
Management, the Governments Code of Ethics and the
departments Code of Conduct; and

make a declaration of his compliance, and report

breaches of standards in the departments annual report.

Executive Directors and their designated senior officers are expected to sign a management assurance statement declaring they
have:
complied with the departments fraud related policies and
Code of Conduct; and

given consideration to the risk of fraud and corruption

within their area of responsibility.

Supervisors and managers are expected to:

ensure their staff understand and comply with the Code
of Conduct and the Code of Ethics;

attend to customer complaints and employee grievances

promptly, according to the appropriate procedures; and

provide advice and assistance to employees facing

ethical or conduct issues at work.
As public sector workers we are expected to:
endeavour to meet performance standards and other
departmental requirements;

follow the departments policies, notices, practices and

procedures;

conduct ourselves in a manner that meets public

expectations and does not reflect adversely on the public
sector, our department, or our fellow workers; and

familiarise ourselves with the Code and report any actual,

or suspected breach to our supervisor or manager.

Where do we apply the Code of Conduct?

The Public Sector Commission recommends six general categories under which departments are to establish appropriate and
expected standards of behaviour in our day to day duties.
1. Personal behaviour

2. Communication and official information

We provide quality, professional and timely services in

a courteous, considerate and sensitive manner.

We ensure the integrity and security of documents and

information and observe due care when discussing
sensitive information.

3. Fraudulent and corrupt behaviour

4. Use of public resources

We do not use our position for personal advantage, or

to engage in dishonest activity that causes actual or
potential financial loss to the department.

We are scrupulous when using official equipment,

assets and services.

5. Record keeping and use of information

6. Conflicts of interest

We keep accurate and complete records in order to

properly record the departments operations.

We avoid conflicts between the performance of public

duty and private, interests.

We should endeavour to apply these standards of behaviour at all times. In circumstances where adherence to the Code is outside
our control we should ensure we discuss the situation with a supervisor or other senior officer.

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General administration
Forrest Centre 219 St Georges Tce Perth
Locked Bag 14 Cloisters Square WA 6850
General enquiries: 1300 136 237
Customer service complaints and feedback regarding Commerce staff
can be made at online@commerce.wa.gov.au or freecall 1300 136 237

Building Commission
Level 1, 31 Troode Street
West Perth Western Australia 6005
General enquiries: 1300 489 099
Facsimile: 9476 1333
Email: info@buildingcommission.wa.gov.au

Consumer Protection
Forrest Centre
219 St Georges Terrace
Perth Western Australia 6000
Advice line: 1300 30 40 54
Facsimile: 9282 0850
Email: consumer@commerce.wa.gov.au

EnergySafety
303 Sevenoaks Street
Cannington Western Australia 6107
Administration: 9422 5200
Facsimile: 9422 5244
Email: energysafety@commerce.wa.gov.au

Labour Relations
Dumas House
3rd Floor, 2 Havelock Street
West Perth Western Australia 6005
Wageline: 1300 655 266
Administration: 9222 7700
Facsimile: 9222 7777
Email: labourrelations@commerce.wa.gov.au

Industry, Science and Innovation

Level 7, 1 Adelaide Terrace
East Perth Western Australia 6004
Administration: 1300 136 237
Facsimile: 9263 8100
Email: isi@commerce.wa.gov.au

WorkSafe
WestCentre
5th Floor, 1260 Hay Street
West Perth Western Australia 6005
Customer help centre: 1300 307 877
Administration: 9327 8777
Facsimile: 9321 8973
Email: safety@commerce.wa.gov.au
This department also has regional offices in Albany, Broome, Bunbury,
Geraldton, Kalgoorlie and Karratha.

If you require the service of an interpreter contact the

Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 13 14 50

Website: www.commerce.wa.gov.au

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DP099122/ Jan 2011/ 2000

National Relay Service for the hearing impaired: 13 36 77

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