Misconduct in public administration is an intentional and serious contravention of a code of conduct by a public officer that constitutes a ground for disciplinary action.

This could be a breach of the Public Sector Code of Ethics, or another relevant code of conduct.

The conduct must involve the public officer acting in their capacity as a public officer.

Misconduct

You applied for a job at a State Government department and were unsuccessful. Later on you discovered that the successful applicant is someone who is close friends with the chair of the recruitment panel.

A friend told you they saw the successful applicant and the panel chair having coffee and overheard them discussing what sounded like potential interview questions.

A public officer tells you that they know confidential information about you which they obtained through improperly accessing a computer system.

Misconduct is a term used in section 4 of the Ombudsman Act 1972 to describe intentional and serious conduct by a public officer that contravenes a code of conduct and constitutes a ground for disciplinary action.

The conduct must involve the public officer acting their capacity as a public officer.

Two women talking, dressed in business attire.

Report misconduct to the OPI