Question
(Fraud and Corruption )
In relation to QON 1730:
- Can the Minister provide for each complaint or any other mechanism of referral in relation to fraud and misconduct to Environment Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD) the length of time between the Directorate being made aware of these allegations and the allegations being closed between 2016 and present, including if the complaint has been referred internally or externally.
- If the case is still open can the Minister (a) provide details of when the allegation was received by the directorate and (a) how many days the allegation has been investigated either internally or externally.
- Can the Minister provide the same information as parts (1) and (2) for each bullying and harassment allegations made to EPSDD between 2016 and present.
Answer
(1) Since 2016 to present, nine referrals in relation to fraud and misconduct have been received by EPSDD. All nine referrals have been closed, within an average time of 252 calendar days. Timeframes for closure have ranged from 61 days to 809 days for more complex cases. Seven referrals resulted in further referrals to the Public Sector Standards Unit and 2 referrals resulted with external investigators being appointed.
(2) No cases are currently open.
(3) Since 2016 to present, there have been 22 specific allegations of bullying and harassment. Of the allegations received, 17 have been addressed internally, with five being referred externally. Twenty-one allegations have been considered and closed with only one matter currently in progress. The matter that is current was received in April 2024. All 22 bullying and harassment allegations all have been closed with the average time of 71 calendar days. Times for closure have ranged from six days, to 157 days for more complex cases.