The New South Wales Government has announced reforms which it says will improve the integrity of the state’s public service.

“The NSW Government will amend the legislation to allow for disciplinary action against a public servant who has been found by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) to have engaged in corrupt conduct,” Premier Barry O’Farrell said.

Under the current legislation, when an individual is summoned before the ICAC, they almost unfailingly take what is known as a ‘Section 38’, which declares their objection to producing documents, information and answers for all their testimony, meaning that the evidence given to ICAC is not admissible in criminal, civil or disciplinary hearings.

Under the reforms proposed by the State Government, a witness who admits corruption will no longer have the benefit of protection under Section 38 in disciplinary proceedings.

“We believe this is a long overdue change and one the community, as well as lawabiding public servants would support,” Mr O’Farrell said.

“If someone is acting corruptly, they shouldn’t be part of the NSW public service – simple as that. They are either rorting the taxpayer or putting community safety at risk – both are unacceptable.”