Application of policy to instances where officers were found to have lied or covered up failures

2018.09.11

18 Deputy M.R. Higgins of the Chief Minister regarding the application of policy to

instances where officers were found to have lied or covered up failures: [OQ.119/2018]

What action does policy dictate should be taken in instances where officers who have been found to have lied, covered up their failures or have otherwise failed to own up to mistakes or to correct their mistakes?

Senator J.A.N. Le Fondré (The Chief Minister):

I think the short answer is that an individual's contract of employment and the Civil Service Code of Conduct requires an employee to fulfil their duties acting honestly and with integrity. It would be subject to an investigation or a disciplinary procedure and penalties would be applied depending on the specifics of the case. What I will also add is that because I also share an interest in what I will call matters of compliance and have an interest in how we can improve matters there. Again, I am very happy to try and arrange a meeting to sit down and discuss the issues the Deputy may have in mind.

4.18.1   Deputy M.R. Higgins:

I welcome the Chief Minister's willingness to sit down, because I am aware of 2 cases where a former chief officer of a department lied to the chief executive and therefore to the Chief Minister. That situation is totally intolerable. Another instance, in a department that is failing - and we have had numerous reports about the Children's Service - where they will not own up to the States. I will produce the evidence to the Chief Minister. There is also a failure in the way that the matters have been dealt with. I hope you will have a look at the procedures as well.

[11:30]

The Deputy Bailiff :

Deputy , there has to be a question.

Deputy M.R. Higgins:

I thank him for his offer of a meeting and I will give him the stuff. Thank you.

Senator J.A.N. Le Fondré: Noted response, thank you.