Code of conduct

ActewAGL has a strong focus on ethics and the ethical behaviour of its employees as well as its consultants, contractors and other external service providers engaged by ActewAGL.

We encourage individuals to report conduct that they reasonably believe constitutes a breach of the ActewAGL Code of Conduct (PDF, 670KB) or actions that include:

• fraud or other criminal or disciplinary offences including; theft, providing false and misleading information, failing to provide information when there is an obligation to do so, bribery, and corruption or abuse of office (the benefit obtained may be tangible or intangible)
• interference with the honest, or efficient, or impartial performance of ActewAGL
• a breach of trust or a misuse of information held by ActewAGL
• an immediate threat to public health or safety
• negligent or incompetent operations leading to substantial waste of funds
• misconduct of an ActewAGL employee likely to warrant disciplinary action, or reveal unlawful behaviour by outsiders which causes damage to ActewAGL, or
• an unlawful reprisal against someone who has made a fraud or wrongful behaviour disclosure.

When and how should I report fraud or unethical behaviour?

All suspected fraudulent or unethical behaviour or activity should be reported as soon as possible.

In order to lodge an allegation, you should either put it in writing, telephone or contact in person one of the contact points listed.

This will ensure that any incidents are promptly investigated for appropriate evaluation and remedial action. All allegations of fraud will be recorded by the Investigations Section.

Reports can be made to:

• Group Security Manager — 6270 7457
• Investigations Officer — 6248 3155
• Director Audit Services — 6248 3540

What happens when I make a report?

Where disclosures are reasonably based, a thorough investigation will be conducted. Allegations of substantial fraud are likely to be referred to the Australian Federal Police. There is no obligation on ActewAGL to investigate a disclosure which is frivolous, or vexatious, or lacking substance, or which has already been dealt with. However, ActewAGL reserves the right to investigate disclosures where the seriousness and apparent credibility of the disclosure makes investigation seem advisable.

Protection and confidentiality

ActewAGL undertakes to protect and indemnify employees or non-employees who report fraudulent and wrongful behaviour and will attempt to keep confidential any information about such a disclosure except where such disclosure is authorised or required by law.

Feedback and courses of action

ActewAGL will provide feedback on the outcome of investigations to the person making the allegation if requested.

Should fraud or other breaches of the Code of Conduct be proven, ActewAGL will consider the appropriate courses of action and may forward those cases it considers worthy of prosecution under the Crimes Act to the Australian Federal Police.

ActewAGL will pursue vigorously the recovery of monies or property lost irrespective of whether a prosecution is undertaken.

Marketing code of conduct for electricity and gas

All licensed electricity and gas retailers and marketers, including ActewAGL, are required to comply with the Marketing Code of Conduct when operating in NSW. This is designed to protect small retail customers in respect of the marketing activities of electricity retailers and their representatives.