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Managing Conflicts of Interest Policy

Applicable to: This Policy is applicable to all WA health system entities, as defined in this Policy.

Description: The Managing Conflicts of Interest Policy (policy) specifies the minimum requirements and principles applicable to staff members and WA health entities in identifying, declaring and managing conflicts of interest within the WA health system.

This policy ensures a consistent approach to the management of the risks associated with conflicts of interest.

A conflict of interest occurs when a staff member’s personal interest conflicts, has the potential to conflict, or may be perceived to conflict, with the performance of their public duty. Conflicts of interest are not inherently unethical or wrong, however they can create an integrity risk and must be appropriately identified, declared and managed in a manner which protects the public interest.

All staff members must carry out their duties in the public interest. This means acting without bias and not allowing personal interests to influence their actions or decisions. The failure to appropriately identify, declare and manage conflicts of interest creates a risk that has the potential to damage public trust and confidence, and in some circumstances escalate to misconduct or corruption.

This policy is a mandatory requirement for Health Service Providers under the Integrity Policy Framework pursuant to section 26(2)(l) of the Health Services Act 2016.

This policy is also a mandatory requirement for the Department of Health pursuant to section 29 of the Public Sector Management Act 1994.

This policy is to be read in conjunction with:

Date of effect: 11 June 2020 to 02 February 2026

Policy Framework

Supporting information

wa.gov.au