A conflict of interest arises where a public official has private interests which may or do improperly influence the performance of their official duties and responsibilities. Conflicts of interest can arise in relation to financial interests such as shareholdings, employment opportunities, real estate and trusts, as well as private interests such as relationships and other interests that can conflict with public duties and responsibilities. Conflicts can include not only the interests of individual employees and contractors, but also the interests of their immediate family (such as spouses, children or other dependents) and the interests of their business partners or associates.

Australian Public Service (APS) employees, Locally Engaged Staff (LES) and contractors have an important duty to uphold and promote the good reputation of Australia, the government, the department and (where relevant) the post. This reputation can be compromised by a real or apparent conflict of interest.

For this reason, there are direct and indirect references to conflicts of interest in the APS Code of Conduct, the standard LES Code of Conduct and the duties of officials set out in the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act).

All DFAT ongoing and non-ongoing Australian Public Service (APS) staff are required to complete the Annual Declaration of Conflicts of Interest and Compliance within DFAT's financial framework

To provide assurance that staff understand their responsibilities under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 and the department's financial framework, employee acknowledgement is captured in an Annual Declaration of Conflicts of Interest for all ongoing and non-ongoing APS employees through the Lumi learning portal.

For more information on Conflicts of Interest or Outside Employment, please contact the Ethics Integrity and Professional Standards via COI@dfat.gov.au

You can also review the Ethics, Integrity and Professional Policy Manual on the DFAT Internet page.