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. The most recent version was approved on 28 January 2025 and effective from 24 February 2025, the Framework sets out a University-wide approach to ethical conduct, effective controls and accountability.

The University has zero tolerance for fraud and corruption, including bribery and other unlawful payments intended to improperly influence a person or organisation. Its principles address wrongdoing both against the University and by the University, including conduct intended to obtain an improper advantage for another entity. These commitments are supported by governance, procurement, and public-interest reporting policies.

A University-wide framework for integrity

The Fraud and Corruption Framework applies across the University to academic and professional staff, students, Council members, contractors, consultants, agency staff, volunteers and University-controlled entities. Its measures establish shared responsibilities for recognising and addressing risks, with University Council and the Executive Leadership Team responsible for demonstrating ethical leadership.

The University’s Fraud and Corruption Control System (FCCS) brings together six connected functions: planning and resources; prevention; detection; reporting; response to actual or suspected incidents; and ongoing monitoring and review. This provides a structured approach to protecting University resources and ensuring that serious concerns are acted on rather than left unaddressed.

Prevention, detection and oversight

Ethical practice and preventive controls

Prevention measures include risk assessments, staff induction and compliance training, employment screening, supplier vetting, and policies governing finance, procurement, research and other University operations. Leaders are responsible for managing risks within their areas, while the Council, Risk Committee and specialist governance teams provide institutional oversight.

Audits, monitoring and investigations

Detection activities include internal audits, annual financial audit engagement with the Audit Office of NSW, analysis of transactions and other information-system data, and reporting mechanisms for suspected misconduct. The Framework also provides for investigation, appropriate disciplinary action, referrals to external agencies, recovery of losses where appropriate, and reviews of controls following incidents.

Reporting wrongdoing and protecting people who speak up

The University’s Public Interest Disclosures Policy, effective from 23 November 2023, sets out how public officials can report serious wrongdoing and the protections available under the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2022 (NSW). Concerns can be raised through designated University disclosure channels; the University also recognises the roles of the Independent Commission Against Corruption, NSW Ombudsman, Audit Office of NSW and Police.

The University’s guidance on reporting serious wrong doing explains how reports are assessed and how people making qualifying public interest disclosures are protected against detrimental action and inappropriate disclosure of their identity. Students and members of the public can report concerns through the University’s complaints arrangements, although these reports do not automatically qualify as public interest disclosures.

Integrity in procurement, conflicts of interest and supply chains

The Disclosure of Interest Policy took effect on 27 November 2025 and sets requirements to identify, declare and manage actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest. The Policy expressly defines bribery, prohibits gifts of money and bribes, and requires the disclosure of specified gifts and benefits, including those above $150. Its safeguards apply to University staff, Council and committee members, relevant higher degree research students, consultants and contractors.

The Procurement Policy, effective from 15 September 2023, requires transparency, probity, equity, fair competition and ethical conduct in the University’s purchasing and supplier relationships. These principles support accountable use of funds and help manage supplier-related risks.

Broader commitments to preventing criminal exploitation are also set out in the Modern Slavery Policy, effective from 10 December 2024. It addresses risks such as human trafficking, forced labour and debt bondage across University operations and supply chains, and requires risk assessment, supplier due diligence, reporting and action where risks are identified. This complements the anti-corruption framework without treating every form of exploitation as evidence of organised-crime involvement.

Codes of conduct and policy continuity

The Staff Code of Conduct in force from 15 December 2025 and the Student Code of Conduct, effective from 2 July 2024, reinforce expectations of honesty, fairness, trust, accountability and respect. The Fraud and Corruption Framework originated in April 2020, was updated in June 2023 and underwent a full review before the February 2025 version took effect.

The 2025 Fraud and Corruption Framework is scheduled for review in February 2028, and the November 2025 Disclosure of Interest Policy in November 2028. The Procurement Policy lists a March 2025 review date, while the Public Interest Disclosures Policy lists October 2026; these are scheduled review milestones, not evidence that those reviews have been completed. The Staff and Student Codes list scheduled reviews in April and July 2027, respectively.

Through clear published commitments, practical controls and protected reporting channels, the University promotes integrity in its governance, business dealings and relationships with the wider community. The 2025 Fraud and Corruption Framework and complementary policies make these principles visible and establish responsibilities for putting them into practice.