Foreword

Public entities should procure services and manage conflicts of interest in a transparent manner, particularly when there is a risk of actual or perceived impropriety, or when potential conflict of interest issues arise. Public entities need to handle procurement with care and in accordance with expectations of good public sector practice.

My findings in this report are a reminder that public entities need to manage contracting for services to ensure two outcomes. The first is that they are receiving value for money. The second is that the risks of actual or perceived impropriety, especially those associated with concurrent or former employment with the entity, are managed in a transparent way.

I would like to thank the Director-General of Health and her staff, and the principals and staff of Allen and Clarke Policy and Regulatory Specialists Limited for their prompt and willing assistance with my inquiry.

K B Brady
Controller and Auditor-General

19 December 2005