Supplier conduct

About this guide

Learn about supplier obligations and the standards of behaviour expected throughout the procurement and contract lifecycle.

The South Australian Government values suppliers as partners in delivering outcomes for the community and expects them to conduct business ethically, responsibly and professionally.

Supplier conduct charters

Charters of conduct set out expectations for the government and for its suppliers, including expectations for relationships between suppliers and sub-contractors.

Supplier Conduct Charter
Supplier Conduct Charter (information for sub-contractors)
Government Conduct Charter (for working with suppliers)

Expectation of suppliers

Suppliers must comply with the relevant conduct charters and maintain high standards of ethical conduct and responsible business practice. The expectations below outline the standards that apply when doing business with the South Australian Government.

Ethical conduct

Suppliers working with government are expected to act ethically, avoid conflicts of interest and report suspected wrongdoing.

Suppliers must not offer gifts, hospitality or other benefits to government employees or contractors.

Government employees and contractors are not permitted to accept gifts, hospitality or other benefits from suppliers or potential suppliers. Offering such benefits may be perceived as inappropriate or corrupt conduct.
A conflict of interest occurs when personal, financial or professional interests could influence, or appear to influence, a decision or action. Private interests can include a person’s own professional and financial interests, as well as past and present associations with other individuals, groups, or family.

You must ensure that any actual, perceived, and potential conflicts of interest are reported to the relevant agency as soon as you become aware of the conflict.
If you are contracted to an agency or working as a sub-contractor on a government contract, you are considered a public officer for the duration of that work.

As a public officer, you have the same ethical responsibilities as those who are employed by an agency. You are expected to act honestly and diligently, and you are expected to speak up if you notice any wrongdoing. All public offers and contractors must report suspected corruption, misconduct or maladministration. If a public officer or contractor suspects corruption within an agency, they must report this to the Office for Public Integrity.

Read more about reporting wrongdoing as government contractor on the ICAC website.

Responsible business practices

Suppliers working with government are expected to meet standards relating to security, workplace safety, fair payment practices and human rights.

Information provided by, or collected from government is confidential, unless it is clearly identified as public information or is already publicly available. You must take appropriate steps to protect confidential and commercially sensitive information and prevent unauthorised access, use or disclosure.

Suppliers must not improperly use private, confidential, or commercially sensitive information obtained through their dealings with the government. Suppliers are expected to manage cyber security, data protection, and personal data in accordance with contractual requirements and data protection and privacy laws.

Suppliers should be able to show on ongoing commitment to managing cybersecurity and data protection risks.
You are expected to provide a safe work environment and integrate sound health and safety management practices into your business.

You are expected to:
- comply with all applicable workplace health and safety laws and regulations
- manage and review workplace hazards
- proactively train staff, where necessary.
You are expected to offer payment terms to sub-contractors similar to the terms provided to businesses. The government is committed to payment terms of 15 calendar days from receiving the invoice.
You are expected to conduct business in an ethical and transparent manner and are expected to take all reasonable steps to ensure your business and associated supply chain are not engaged in or benefitting from human rights exploitation or any modern slavery practices as defined in the Modern Slavery Act 2018.

This includes:
- proactively conducting risk assessments and managing risks in vulnerable industries
- establishing policies and practices that address any identified risks of modern slavery and other human rights exploitation.