Mar 12 • 21:00 UTC 🇦🇺 Australia ABC News AU

Union pushes for change to misconduct reporting in government-owned corporations

The Services Union in Australia is advocating for reforms that would allow workers in government-owned corporations to report misconduct directly to the Crime and Corruption Commission.

The Services Union is urging changes to the reporting process for misconduct in Queensland's government-owned corporations. Currently, workers are required to report misconduct complaints to the state's under treasurer, who then assesses the claims and can refer them to the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC). This has raised concerns over the effectiveness and integrity of the reporting process, as around 16,000 workers in various sectors are reportedly hindered from contacting the CCC directly.

The call for reform comes at a critical time, as a five-yearly review of the CCC is underway, with a report expected before July. The Services Union argues that the current system creates significant obstacles for employees trying to address serious misconduct within their organizations, especially in sectors such as power generation, water storage, and other essential services. The union highlights that employees in areas like health and housing already have the option to report directly to the CCC, emphasizing a need for equity in reporting mechanisms across all government-dependent sectors.

This push for reform reflects broader concerns about transparency and accountability within government-owned entities in Queensland. The union's campaign exemplifies ongoing efforts to strengthen anti-corruption measures and ensure employee voices are included in safeguarding the integrity of public services. Without changes to the current reporting framework, the union warns of increasing risks to public confidence and the integrity of the state's essential services.

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