Standards Of Behavior

Gifts, Benefits & Hospitality

The Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality Policy Framework issued by the Victorian Public Sector Commission sets minimum requirements and accountabilities for the Victorian public sector.

The Framework incorporates minimum requirements for all public officials – from junior employees to chief executives and board members – and minimum accountabilities for the leaders of public sector organisations. It also provides tips on how to develop policies that reflect an organisation’s needs and risk profile. Do not solicit gifts, benefits or hospitality.

The minimum requirements are as follows:

  • Refuse all offers of gifts, benefits or hospitality that could be reasonably perceived as undermining the integrity and impartiality of their organisation or themselves.

  • Refuse all offers of gifts, benefits or hospitality from people or organisations about whom they are likely to make decisions involving:

        • tender processes
        • procurement
        • enforcement
        • licensing
        • regulation.

  • Refuse all offers of money or items easily converted to money such as shares.

  • Refuse bribes and report bribery attempts to the head of the public sector organisation or their delegate and to Victoria Police.

  • If unsure about how to respond to an offer of a gift, benefit or hospitality of more than nominal value, seek advice from an appropriate organisational delegate.