The Joint Committee on Public Accounts and Audit has initiated an inquiry into the probity and ethics of the Australian Public Sector. 

The investigation aims to identify systemic factors that contribute to poor ethical behaviour within government agencies, while also seeking opportunities to enhance government integrity and accountability.

The inquiry will focus on specific Auditor-General Reports, including those pertaining to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the Department of Health and Aged Care, and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.

The committee has invited the public to submit their input addressing the terms of reference by 25 August 2023. 

The inquiry is set to examine the obstacles hindering the delivery of efficient government services by the Australian Public Sector (APS) and the wider public sector.

The probe, announced just days before the National Anti-Corruption Committee becomes operational, seeks to uncover factors contributing to poor ethical behaviour. 

The committee will scrutinise whether the existing central agency frameworks effectively support and promote ethical resource utilisation and behaviour.

The inquiry will be chaired by Victorian Labor MP Julian Hill, with Linda Reynolds, Michelle Ananda-Rajah, Catryna Bilyk, Matthew Canavan, Carina Garland, Ian Goodenough, Karen Grogan, Daniel Mulino, Peta Murphy, Henry Pike, Sam Rae, Tony Sheldon, and Aaron Violi serving as committee members.

Submissions for the inquiry will be accepted until 25 August, providing an opportunity for the public to contribute their insights and opinions on improving ethics and integrity in the Australian Public Sector.

More details are accessible here.