1. Purpose of policy

1.1 The purpose of this policy is to give effect to the University’s commitment to prevent and control fraud and corruption. The policy outlines the University’s approach to managing fraud and corruption, the control framework and expectations regarding reporting and disclosure and monitoring and review.

1.2 The policy is based on the guidelines and principles of the Financial Accountability Act 2009 (Qld), Crime and Corruption Act 2001 (Qld) (CC Act), the Australian Standard: AS8001-2021 Fraud and Corruption Control (the Australian Standard) and the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission’s (CCC) Fraud and Corruption: Best Practice Guide.

2. Policy scope and application

2.1 The University is established under the University of the Sunshine Coast Act 1998 (Qld); it is a statutory authority, and as such falls within the jurisdiction of the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) as a unit of public administration. Under the CC Act, any acts which could amount to Corrupt Conduct must be notified to the CCC by the Vice-Chancellor and President, as the University’s Chief Executive Officer (or public official). The Vice-Chancellor and President has delegated this duty to the Director, People and Culture in accordance with the CC Act.

2.2 This policy applies to all staff, students and members of University decision-making or advisory bodies, including Council and its Committees.

3. Definitions

Please refer to the University’s Glossary of Terms for policies and procedures. Terms and definitions identified below are specific to this policy and are critical to its effectiveness:

Fraud refers to dishonest activity causing actual or potential financial loss to any person or entity including theft of monies or other property by employees or persons external to the entity and where deception is used at the time, immediately before or immediately following the activity. This also includes the deliberate falsification, concealment, destruction or use of falsified documentation used or intended for use for a normal business purpose or the improper use of information or position for personal financial benefit.

Corruption is dishonest activity in which a director, executive, manager, employee or contractor of an entity acts contrary to the interests of the entity and abuses their position of trust in order to achieve some personal gain or advantage for themself or for another person or entity. The concept of ‘corruption’ can also involve corrupt conduct by the entity or a person purporting to act on behalf of and in the interests of the entity, in order to secure some form of improper advantage for the entity either directly or indirectly.

Corrupt conduct is defined as per section 15 of the Crime and Corruption Act 2001 (Qld).

4. Policy Statement

4.1. The University recognises that fraud and corruption management is an integral part of good governance and management practice. This policy is consistent with the Staff Code of Conduct – Governing Policy, the Enterprise Risk Management – Governing Policy and relevant legislation and standards.

5. Principles

5.1 Approach to Fraud and Corruption

5.1.1 The University has a conservative risk posture in relation to fraud and corruption. As such, it is committed to minimising the risks of such behaviour and ensuring continuing organisational integrity and transparency in all University activities.

5.1.2 The University aims to develop and maintain an organisational culture of honesty and integrity.

5.1.3 The University puts in place processes that ensure effective prevention, detection and management of fraud and corruption.

5.1.4 The University encourages, supports and protects persons who report suspected fraud and corruption.

5.2 Fraud and Corruption Control Framework

5.2.1 In addition to this policy, the University maintains a Fraud and Corruption Control Plan and the Fraud and Corruption Control – Procedures. These documents form the University’s Fraud and Corruption Control Framework, which is an integral part of the University’s Enterprise Risk Management Framework.

5.3 Reporting and Protected Disclosure

5.3.1 Where a staff member is aware of, or suspects, fraudulent or corrupt conduct, they are expected to report these suspicions immediately. Staff should do so in accordance with the Fraud and Corruption Control -Procedures.

5.3.2 Confidentiality must be maintained throughout any investigative process.

5.3.3 The University will ensure protection of those reporting suspected instances of fraud and corruption and will ensure that this policy is well understood by the University community.

5.3.4 The University will ensure that there are adequate means for reporting suspicious or known illegal/unethical conduct, and that these means are widely known and available.

5.4 Monitoring and Review

5.4.1 Following the detection of fraud, the Organisational Unit Manager, in consultation with the Director, Governance and Risk Management, will reassess the adequacy of the internal control environment and identify actions to strengthen the controls. A dynamic approach is taken to the Fraud and Corruption Framework, with a focus on continuous improvement.

6. Authorities / Responsibilities

6.1 The following authorities/responsibilities are delegated under this policy:

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