This research, only recently initiated, is designed to ascertain the extent to which there is a broad consensus on best practice in a Code of Ethics, and if so, to identify the objectives and contents of that code. In particular, it will determine

• The structure of professional codes. It will analyse differences in code objectives and contents from profession to profession. Also assess whether a code should spell out the conditions under which a discipline should resolve complex ethical decisions.

• Provisions for reporting, investigating and levying sanctions against infringement. What should be the basis for those sanctions.

• An internal whistleblowing system for codes for all professions, corporations and government agencies, with a facility for the complainant to report outside the organisation and have the complaint investigated.

The website will summarise that research and note the references in a way that will assist academic teaching, industry and public sector practice and professional training programs.

Research on Australian Codes of Ethics is also noted under Australian Research. The paper by Greg Wood of Deakin University, June 2000, provides an indication of the content of codes in the US , Canada and Australia.

Other references that may be useful are

• Australian Competition and Consumer Commission system for endorsing Codes of Conduct. See http://www.accc.gov.au

• Professional Standards Council: Model Code of Ethical Principles - June 2002, developed by Prof. Seumas Miller of the Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics, Copies of the report can be obtained by contacting the Professional Standards Council on 1300 555 772 or psc_excellence@agd.nsw.gov.au

• The NSW Board of Architects has recently bought out a Code of Professional Conduct which is available on http://www.boarch.nsw.gov.au/ Public comments closed in February 2004.

• Standards Australia has a number of standards on ethical issues:
http://www.standards.org.au/
• AS 8000-2003, Corporate Governance – Good governance principles.
• AS 8001 -2003, Corporate Governance – Fraud and Corruption control.
• AS 8002 – 2003, Corporate Governance - Organisational Codes of Conduct.
• AS 8003 -2003, Corporate Governance - Corporate Social Responsibility.
• AS 8004-2003, Corporate Governance – Whistleblower protection programs for entities.
• AS 4121-1994, Codes of Ethics and procedures for selecting consultants, produced with the Australian Construction Industry Development Agency.

The Network is collecting copies of on-line Codes of Ethics and will, over coming months, identify those that meet the best practice criteria. Samples from large business corporations can be found at
http://www.boeing.com/companyoffices/aboutus/ethics/

http://www.westpac.com.au
Allows internal and anonymous whistleblowing, but not whistleblowing to an outside organisation.