All those involved in procurement activities have a responsibility to behave ethically at all times. Ethical behaviour supports openness and accountability in a procurement process and gives suppliers confidence to participate in the government market place. Ethical behaviour can also reduce the cost of managing risks associated with fraud, theft, corruption, and other improper behaviour, and enhance confidence in public administration.14

For those staff employed in entities subject to the Public Service Act 1999, the standards of conduct required are contained in the APS Values and the APS Code of Conduct.15 While formal arrangements, including the engagement of probity advisors and/or auditors, to assist in managing ethical issues can be expected to be put in place at the commencement of the procurement cycle, contract managers and those with broader management responsibilities for contracting activities should be alert to issues and situations that involve judgements about ethical behaviour and practices. Suppliers must also act ethically, and contracting entities may issue a general statement that sets out their expectations of suppliers.

Contracting entities may issue a general statement that sets out their expectations of suppliers.