Ethics at large: regulatory frameworks and policy lessons

Abstract

This Discussion Paper draws together a range of Australian policy initiatives relating to the place of ethics in democratic governance. The title 'Ethics at Large' refers to the topic of personal ethics writ large when it relates to public officials. The title also refers to what I see as the loose generality of many forms of public sector ethics, where claims of high ethical conduct frequently outpace the ability of accountability systems to assure the community that conduct really matches claims. My argument is that ethical responsibility and public accountability should converge through a commitment across the public sector (ministers no less than public servants; and contracted service providers no less than mainstream government operators) to the 'ethics of accountability'. The aim of this Discussion Paper is to promote fresh discussion on the political design and performance of Australian institutions protecting the ethics of accountability.