University Principles on Corruption and Bribery

The University of Newcastle has established a publicly available Fraud and Corruption Framework that clearly states our commitment to preventing, detecting, and responding to corruption, bribery, fraud, and related misconduct. This framework lays out the University’s ethical expectations, governance responsibilities, audit and oversight mechanisms, whistle‑blower protections, and external reporting obligations. In conjunction with associated policies (e.g. Conflict of Interest, Procurement, Public Interest Disclosures, Student Code of Conduct, Staff Code of Conduct) this provides a comprehensive policy architecture for how we manage risks relating to corruption and bribery, with zero tolerance and strong procedural commitments.

Fraud and Corruption 2024

Here are key elements of the Framework and related policies as of 2024‑2025:

  1. Zero Tolerance Statement & Ethical Culture
    • The Framework begins with a declaration of zero tolerance for fraud and corruption, including bribery and other unlawful payments.
    • It links this to the University’s values and the Ethical Framework, and emphasises that senior leadership (including members of Council and the Executive Leadership Team) set the tone at the top.
  2. Scope & Definitions
    • The policy applies to all parts of the University: staff (academic, professional), students, Council members, contractors, volunteers, agency staff, and controlled entities.
    • It gives definitions of corruption, fraud, and related terms, making clear what kinds of behaviour are covered.
  3. Framework for Control & Governance
    The Framework sets up a Fraud and Corruption Control System (FCCS) that includes:
    • Planning & Resources: assigning roles, resourcing prevention, setting up governance oversight.
    • Prevention: policies and procedures, training, vendor/supplier vetting, employment screening.
    • Detection: internal audits, external audits (e.g. NSW Audit Office), data monitoring and analysis.
    • Reporting & Public Interest Disclosures: processes for reporting suspected fraud or corruption, protections for whistle‑blowers; obligations under relevant law (e.g. ICAC in NSW).
    • Responding: investigation procedures, disciplinary measures, external reporting where required, review of controls after incidents.
  4. Associated Policies & Legislative Alignment
    • The Framework is linked with a suite of associated policies and documents including: Conflict of Interest Policy, Procurement Policy, Ethical Framework, Public Interest Disclosures Policy, Records Governance Policy, Risk Management Framework, Staff Code of Conduct etc.
    • It also refers to applicable legislation, especially in NSW, such as the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act and the Public Interest Disclosures Act.
  5. Review & Currency