Concern over delay in code of conduct

THE vast majority of public servants are not bound by any code of conduct — seven years after legislation was passed on the issue, the state’s ethics watchdog has warned.

Launching its sixth annual report, the Standards in Public Office Commission said it was very concerned that four in five public servants still have no code of conduct because parts of the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 have not been implemented.

It criticised the “delay” by the Minister for Finance in giving full effect to the provisions of the act.