Definition overview
1 Definition
If a University Member has an interest that conflicts or may conflict with the discharge of the University Member's duties the University Member should Declare the nature of the interest and the conflict to the University Member's Supervisor as soon as practicable after the relevant facts come to the University Member's knowledge and must not take action or further action relating to a matter that is or may be affected by the conflict until authorised.
An Executive Leader may direct a University Member to resolve a conflict or possible conflict between an interest of the University Member and the University Member's duties.
A reference to an interest or to a Conflict of Interest is a reference to those matters within their ordinary meaning under the general law, and, in relation to an interest, the definition in the Acts Interpretation Act 1954, Schedule 1, does not apply.
A Conflict of Interest will arise when a University Member's Private Interests conflict with their duty to the University or to serve the public interest as a University Member. The risk of having a conflict of interest increases where a University Member's responsibilities include the authority to make decisions.
A conflict of interest may be potential, perceived or actual -
- when a University Member is in a role where future decision making may be influenced by their Private Interests if a certain condition is fulfilled, they have a potential conflict of interest;
- a perceived conflict of interest arises where it appears that decisions a University Member make in the course of their University employment may be influenced by their Private Interests, whether or not this is in fact the case;
- an actual conflict of interest exists where a University Member's actions could be unduly, improperly or excessively influenced by their Private Interests.
Serious misconduct can occur when a conflict of interest is concealed, understated, mismanaged or abused.
2 References
UniSQ Defined.
3 Definition Information
| Approved Date | 9/9/2019 |
| Effective Date | 9/9/2019 |
| Record No | 16/1063PL |