Supporting cross-Tasman anti-corruption efforts
Cross-border collaboration and information sharing plays a critical role in helping to combat the growing threat of fraud and corruption.
This was a key theme discussed at the Australian Public Sector Anti-Corruption Conference (APSACC) recently held in Darwin, Australia. The event brought together over 400 anti-corruption practitioners from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss strategies and initiatives aimed at curbing corruption within the public sector.
In a presentation delivered at the event, SFO Manager Counter Fraud, Tim Townsend, said, ‘New Zealand is not immune to the worldwide trend of increasing rates of fraud and corruption.”
"While enforcement remains a cornerstone of our response to fraud it is the combination of enforcement and preventive measures that truly allows us to understand and address the evolving landscape of fraud.”
“Our collaboration with complementary initiatives, such as those led by the Office of the Auditor-General (OAG), the Public Service Commission (PSC) on integrity, and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) on procurement, enhances our collective ability to combat corruption effectively."
Collaboration and fostering strategic partnerships with domestic and international counterparts are a key priority for the SFO and critical to combat the evolving threat and increasingly globalised landscape of financial crime.
Mr Townsend said, “Attending events such as these provides an invaluable platform for sharing knowledge and best practices. It is vital that we take a proactive and collaborative approach to developing and delivering prevention measures that leverage the strengths and expertise of partner agencies.”
Other notable presentations at the event included Baroness Casey of Blackstock DBE CB, who discussed lessons from a recent review of the British Metropolitan Police to improve institutional practices. Professor Paul Heywood from the University of Nottingham addressed developing practical and meaningful approaches to integrity management in public life. Naomi Loudon, Acting Independent Commissioner Against Corruption NT, presented on integrity issues in the Northern Territory.
More information
· The Counter Fraud Centre – Tauārai Hara Tāware (CFC) is the prevention arm of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and leads counter fraud efforts in New Zealand’s public sector. The CFC works with public organisations to understand and reduce the impact of fraud by building capability and resilience.
· APSACC is the leading anti-corruption event in Australia with a primary focus on preventing, exposing and responding to corrupt conduct and corruption risks in the public sector, including all levels of government, elected bodies, the judiciary, police and statutory bodies.
About the SFO
The SFO is responsible for investigating and prosecuting serious or complex fraud, including bribery, and corruption in New Zealand. With a focus on maintaining integrity and trust in the financial system, the SFO has developed strategic areas of focus to ensure it has the greatest impact with the cases it takes in. These are reviewed and updated every 12-18 months.