Survey confirms NZ’s low level of public sector fraud

20th June 2012

Survey confirms NZ’s low level of public sector fraud

A survey into fraud in the public sector confirms New Zealand’s very clean international reputation but is useful in helping to promote a zero tolerance approach, according to the Public Service Association.

The Auditor General has published the results of a survey on fraud awareness, prevention and detection in New Zealand’s public sector.

It shows that there is a strong and effective commitment to protecting taxpayer money and confirms that the level of fraud in the New Zealand public sector is very low by international standards.

“Incidents of fraud are always disappointing but as the Auditor General points out, they are a fact of business life in both the public and private sectors,” says PSA Assistant National Secretary Jeff Osborne.

“It is useful to look behind the headlines and see that New Zealand has a very clean image when it comes to fraud and that we rank very highly internationally in terms of public trust and in the effectiveness of our systems in dealing with fraud or corruption.”

The survey does warn against complacency and makes several recommendations on how to encourage good practice and mitigate fraud in the workplace.

“Maintaining a culture of integrity in the public sector is essential. It’s a good reminder for public sector leaders and managers to ensure that there are robust policies and processes in place to prevent fraud and deal with it effectively,” Jeff Osborne says.

“In the interest of the taxpayer and the public service itself, everything possible must be done to encourage a zero tolerance policy towards fraud in the workplace. We look forward to working with the State Services Commissioner and public sector managers to further strengthen New Zealand’s solid reputation.”

ENDS

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