78836 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector

78836 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector: What information regarding conflicts of interest is explicitly requested or expected to be declared as part of the appointment process for Crown boards within ministries, departments, and agencies for which the Minister is responsible?

Hon Louise Upston: I am advised by the Department of Internal Affairs (the Department) that, as a part of the application process for Crown boards, all candidates must complete a Statutory Appointments - Expression of Interest Form which requests details of possible conflicts of interest. This includes whether or not the candidate has ‘any professional associations, community links, investments, or family connections with the body,’ or ‘any other probity issues or other issues the Minister would need to be informed of.’ Additionally, candidates who are interviewed for positions on Crown boards are asked whether or not they have any real or potential conflicts of interest to declare in addition to those stated in their expression of interest form; and whether or not there is anything else I, as the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, should be aware of when making my decision. Enquires are also made by the Department should a matter arise during background due diligence checks which may lead, or contribute, to the perception of a conflict of interest.