Declaration of private interests policy

Preamble

Actions or decisions which are influenced by personal factors reflect poorly on the University and on the professional objectivity and ethics of those involved. Equally, any actions or decisions which could be perceived by a reasonable person to have been influenced by a personal conflict or the potential to gain a personal benefit may bring the University's integrity and standing into disrepute.

Purpose

In order for the University to effectively minimise the possibility of conflicts and to be seen to be managing its business in a fair, ethical and transparent manner, free of bias, the following policy guidelines are to be followed in respect to the disclosure of pecuniary or other private interests or benefits.

To comply with the Financial Reporting Direction (FRD) 22A, the University is required to make a statement as to whether ‘Declarations of pecuniary interests have been duly completed by all relevant officers’. (FRD 22A)

Scope

This policy applies to all staff (including the Vice-Chancellor and President, and staff at controlled entities) holding a University financial delegation in excess of $50,000.

Policy responsibility

Divisional Director, Human Resources Division
Vice-President (Administration)

Related Policies

The following additional policies/procedures should be referred to when considering the “Disclosure/Declaration of Private Interests” policy:

Definitions

Conflict of Interest - where there is, or it appears that there is, a divergence between the individual interests of a person and their professional obligations to the University such that an independent observer might reasonably question the actions or decisions of that person.

Private Interests - For the purposes of this policy, “private interests” includes substantial sources of income (more than $10,000 per annum) other than from paid employment with the University. This will include company directorships/board memberships, distributions from trusts, directorships of trusts and significant shareholdings (more than 5% of the issued capital) in a public or private company.
Associates - includes:

a relative;
a partner (includes married, de-facto or same sex relationships); and
business associates or partners.

Policy Guidelines

7.1 Declaration of Private Interests

A Declaration of Private Interests form (MSword) must be completed on an annual basis by all staff holding a financial delegation in excess of $50,000. Completed copies are to be submitted “in confidence” to the Divisional Director, Human Resources and filed on the relevant staff member's personnel file.

7.2 Conflict of Interest

At all times, staff should be alert to the potential for a conflict of interest to arise and are to avoid such situations. Where staff have genuine doubt as to whether a conflict of interest exists, they must err on the side of caution and declare such situations to their Head of Department, Director or equivalent. Refer to Conflict of Interest Policy.

7.3 Failure to Disclose

Failure to disclose all private interests may result in disciplinary action being taken by the University.