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Statement of Business Ethics

Introduction

The State Transit Authority of New South Wales (State Transit) is committed to conducting its business on a sound commercial and ethical manner having regard to NSW Government and State Transit policies.

State Transit will demonstrate and practice a professional and ethical approach to all its business activities and all State Transit Staff are required to conduct their activities in accordance with State Transit’s Code of Conduct and observe a high standard of probity, ethical behaviour and integrity in their business dealings and comply with NSW Government and State Transit policies.

Suppliers doing business with State Transit are required to respect and acknowledge the way State Transit conducts its business and ensure that they maintain a similar level of ethical behaviour in their dealings with State Transit.

State Transit Procurement

State Transit undertakes the procurement of goods and services in compliance with the Policy Statement NSW Government Procurement (1999) together with all Codes of Practice and Guidelines, and State Transit’s Procurement Policy.

In undertaking its business and in addition to obtaining “value for money”, these policies require that:

• a high standard of probity, ethics and integrity is required from all parties in the supply chain;
• a fair opportunity is given for prospective service providers to compete for State Transit business;
• there is a commitment to continuous improvement by all parties in the supply chain; and
• there is accountability and consistency by State Transit in its procurement practices.

State Transit promotes open, fair and effective competition and aims to provide opportunities to suppliers through its quotation and tendering processes. It is committed to maintaining a high level of probity, integrity and ethical behaviour in all its procurement processes.

What to expect from State Transit

State Transit is committed to:

• Complying with the Law, State Transit and NSW Government policies and procedures.
• Being ethical, fair and honest in all our thinking, behaviour and relationships.
• Ensuring our staff complies with State Transit’s Code of Conduct, including avoiding and declaring situations where private interests conflict or have the potential to conflict with public duty and complying with the Code of Conduct.
• Promoting and encouraging fair, open and effective competition and seeking best value for money.
• Being equitable in the treatment of all tenderers for the supply of goods and services.
• Being transparent in our dealings and being information centred in decision-making.
• Being open and candid in our communications.
• Protecting confidential information and intellectual property.

State Transit expects our private sector suppliers will:

• Respect the obligations placed upon State Transit staff to comply with its procurement policies and procedures.
• Comply with State Transit’s tender procedures.
• Provide accurate, concise and reliable information when required.
• Act ethically and honestly and disclose actual or perceived conflicts of interests.
• Prevent the unauthorised disclosure of State Transit confidential information.
• Refrain from offering State Transit staff inducements or incentives designed to act contrary to their duties.
• Refrain from discussing State Transit business in the media prior to obtaining State Transit’s written consent.
• Assist State Transit in identifying and eradicating improper practices.

Reporting unethical behaviour

State Transit is committed to promoting ethical behaviour. Reports of unethical behaviour, fraud, corrupt conduct, mal-administration or waste can be made in writing to State Transit’s Manager Internal Audit at State Transit Authority of NSW, PO Box 2557, Strawberry Hills, NSW 2012.

Protected Disclosures

Disclosures about corrupt conduct, maladministration or waste of public funds are protected under the Protected Disclosures Act 1994.

Persons who report unethical behaviour that is conduct covered by this Act can seek protection from any reprisal or detrimental action.

Conflicts of interest

Conflicts or potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed by State Transit staff and our private sector suppliers to ensure their actions are capable of withstanding public scrutiny.

Gifts and benefits

Suppliers should not provide (and State Transit staff are not permitted to accept) gifts and benefits other than of a token nature.

State Transit staff in accordance with State Transit’s Code of Conduct may accept modest gifts, tokens of appreciation and benefits. All gifts and benefits offered to State Transit staff (irrespective of acceptance) are disclosed in a Gifts and Benefits Register.