4.1.3. Probity Requirements
The NSW Government is committed to efficiency, fairness, impartiality and integrity in all its dealings. Probity is an important issue for Government as custodian of the community's assets. Probity management is an integral part of the procurement process as PPP transactions can involve lengthy and complex tender process.
As part of ensuring public and bidder confidence in the process, all PPPs in NSW must have:
• a comprehensive probity plan - a probity plan that helps foster a probity culture and clearly defines the proper process
• an appointed probity auditor - providing an independent assessment and/or ongoing advice throughout the tender process.
All PPPs must also comply with NSW Government's Code of Practice for Procurement7. The Code establishes ethical principles and standards of behaviour for all parties involved and will apply to all procurement actions from calling for EOIs through to project completion.
To ensure that the participation of related companies in a tender does not impact on the probity, competitiveness or cost of a project, the companies may be required to sign a probity process deed.
The NSW Government has established independent review mechanisms for complaints about tendering with Government agencies to maximise community
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7 Further details are provided in http://www.treasury.nsw.gov.au/procurement/procure-intro.htm.