The Office for Public Integrity (OPI) was established by the ICAC Act.

The OPI plays an important role in keeping public institutions reliable, fair and trustworthy. We do this by:

• handling complaints about public administration from members of the public
• handling reports about corruption, misconduct and maladministration in public administration from public officers and authorities
• referring complaints and reports to inquiry agencies, public authorities or public officers for further investigation or action when needed, such as:
  • Ombudsman SA
  • the Independent Commission Against Corruption
  • Judicial Conduct Commissioner
• overseeing the assessment and investigation of complaints and reports about the conduct of SA Police officers.

We are also responsible for overseeing public interest disclosures, and are a relevant authority for anyone wanting to make a disclosure of public interest information under the PID Act.

We are the primary contact for most people who have made a complaint or report about public integrity.

Our Purpose and Values

The OPI's purpose is to receive complaints and reports about corruption, misconduct and maladministration in South Australia's public service and South Australia Police, and to promote and preserve integrity.

The OPI values professionalism, collaboration, accessibility and resilience and aims to:

• Provide a professional service at all times and ensures complaints and reports are dealt with respectfully, with direction and to the highest standard.
• Ensure our processes are accessible for all by reducing barriers and providing various ways in which to make a complaint or report.
• Collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders to promote awareness and accountability within public administration.
• Develop and retain a resilient and strong workforce which is responsive and adaptable.

These values underpin the service we aim to provide to the community and have led to the establishment of the OPI Service and Team Charter.

Our Organisation

Our Director

Emma Townsend is the Director of the Office for Public Integrity.

She has worked in the legal profession for more than 20 years and has extensive experience prosecuting complex criminal matters, working as a solicitor, prosecutor and senior prosecutor with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

She has also had experience working in Legislative Services in the Attorney-General's Department.