
Our lives are filled with varied associations and relationships, including those with family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances. However, when an association or relationship with another person conflicts with your professional role, like a public servant engaging with known or suspected criminals, it may be considered to be improper.
Public sector agencies facilitate a number of key services for the Western Australian State Government. Influencing or manipulating these services through public servants who deliver them is a known focus of criminal groups and individuals looking to carry out unlawful activity. Just like this example, where a prison officer has seen a colleague supply an inmate with drugs.
The Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) received over 100 allegations of improper associations between Western Australian public servants and individuals during 2015-2017.
Personal relationships are the most common type of improper associations, with the majority of allegations received by the CCC resulting from situations where public servants were engaged in social, romantic or familial relationships with known or suspected criminals.
Although not all improper associations lead to corrupt behaviour, they do represent a high corruption risk to Western Australian government agencies, and can lead to major reputational damage for an organisation and a loss of trust in the public sector.
Report corruption now
The CCC relies on good people doing the right thing.
If you are aware of wrongdoing in the WA public sector, or suspect a public servant is engaging in corrupt behaviour through an improper association, do the right thing and report it to the CCC. All information provided is treated confidentially and can be made anonymously.
Anti-corruption materials
The following communication materials have been developed to assist WA public officers and members of the community to identify and report corrupt behaviour to the CCC. You are welcome to download, promote, and share this campaign within your organisation and personal networks.
Poster (hard copy and digital screens) - Name not supplied
Social media and web banner - Name not supplied