What is a conflict of interest?

This video by the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) provides a concise definition of conflict of interest as it pertains to the public service in the state of New South Wales, Australia.

A conflict of interest exists when a reasonable person perceives that a public official’s personal interests are favoured over their public duties. Unfortunately, conflicts of interest for public officials are an unavoidable aspect of public service and are often insufficiently understood and mismanaged.

If you see or suspect a conflict of interest involving any NSW public officials, it is important to speak up about it.

The ICAC has a range of resources available to better understand this basic standard of corruption prevention. Visit icac.nsw.gov.au.

For further information on dealing with conflicts of interest download our guide at www.icac.nsw.gov.au/ArticleDocuments/232/Managing-conflicts-of-interest-in-the-nsw-public-sector_June-2019.pdf.aspx