The Department of Defence has been found to have accepted hundreds of gifts and benefits without proper approval, according to an internal audit that reviewed transactions over a two-year period. The audit, which examined gifts and benefits received by Defence personnel from July 2020 to June 2022, identified 292 instances where gifts were accepted without the required authorisation.
Value and types of unapproved gifts
The total value of these unapproved gifts was estimated at more than $130,000. Items included cash, wine, event tickets, and other merchandise. The audit also found that in some cases, gifts were not declared at all, and in others, the approval process was bypassed or ignored.
Concerns over ethics and compliance
The findings have raised serious concerns about the culture within the department regarding the acceptance of gifts and benefits. The audit report noted that the lack of compliance with the department's gift policy could undermine public trust and expose the department to risks of conflicts of interest. According to the audit, “the acceptance of gifts and benefits without approval represents a significant breach of the Defence Values and Code of Conduct.”
Department's response
In response to the audit, the Department of Defence has stated that it takes the findings seriously and is implementing measures to improve compliance. A spokesperson said, “Defence has a robust gifts and benefits framework, and we are committed to ensuring all personnel understand and adhere to these requirements. We are already taking steps to address the issues identified in the audit, including additional training and awareness campaigns.”
Broader implications
The audit is part of a broader effort by the Australian Public Service to tighten rules around gifts and benefits following several high-profile scandals in other government agencies. The Defence audit highlights ongoing challenges in enforcing ethical standards across large organisations. The report recommended that the department strengthen its monitoring and reporting mechanisms to prevent future breaches.
