HIGH LEVEL POLITICAL CONFERENCE

FOR THE PURPOSE OF SIGNING

THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION AGAINST CORRUPTION

STATEMENT BY THE NEW ZEALAND REPRESENTATIVE

PAUL TIPPING

NEW ZEALAND AMBASSADOR TO MEXICO

New Zealand joins others in welcoming the adoption of the UN Convention against Corruption.

We thank the Government of Mexico for hosting this conference. It is indeed pleasing to see many countries represented here, ready to sign the Convention. That will undoubtedly auger well for its early entry into force.

Corruption affects every country in some way.

Internally, it can jeopardize public trust and confidence in government, create barriers to economic growth, and provide a breeding ground for organized crime.

Corruption elsewhere can also have a flow-on effect for countries that do not have a particular corruption problem themselves. It can raise transaction costs for trade, cause leakages in development aid, and exacerbate regional security concerns.

Every country therefore has an interest in combating corruption.

This Convention, with its wide-ranging provisions, represents a significant step forward.

Its comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach attacks corruption on several fronts.

It uses not only the criminal law, requiring countries to have a range of offences and providing for enhanced international cooperation, but also gives considerable emphasis to preventive measures. Importantly, it recognizes the linkages between the different measures, for example, that strong criminal laws will have little impact if law enforcement is weak and corrupt.

Because the root causes of corruption vary, the methods used to tackle it need to be tailored to each country's situation. The Chapter on Preventive Measures therefore sets out the broad objectives to be achieved but allows some latitude when determining the precise methods of implementation. The reality is that methods that work well in one country may not be as effective elsewhere.

One of the more difficult issues in the negotiations related to the recovery of assets diverted to other countries by corrupt officials. It is not hard to think of examples of countries that have suffered under corrupt regimes which siphoned off millions of dollars. In recognition of the importance of this issue, a workable compromise was eventually found, revolving around the return of embezzled public funds.

However, it is difficult to prevent ongoing diversions of funds unless changes are made to the environment in which corruption breeds. This can take time; but we hope that the Convention will provide an added incentive for countries to renew efforts to put in place effective preventive measures.

New Zealand is fortunate to have comparatively little internal corruption; but it is not corruption-free. Cases that come before the courts from time to time remind us that we cannot afford complacency.

New Zealanders expect people who work 'for the government' to have high ethical standards. We also have a vigilant news media only too ready to highlight examples of corrupt or, more commonly, unethical behavior. Even relatively isolated incidents can impact on public perceptions of the integrity of government institutions.

New Zealand does not have a single agency with overall responsibility for combating corruption. Rather the activities of public servants, both elected and appointed, are subject to external and independent review by a range of bodies with specific roles. These include the courts and Officers of Parliament, in particular, the Auditor-General and the Ombudsmen. Parliamentary select committees also play an increasingly important role.

New Zealand also has a diverse range of legislation of the kind contemplated in the Convention, for example, on public finances and audit, and freedom of information.

Legislation on the State Sector is complemented by various other measures. A Code of Conduct sets out the minimum standards of integrity and conduct required of all public servants.' Other tools, such as sound recruitment policies, merit and performance based progression, and guidelines on client relationships also contribute to the overall framework.

The ongoing challenge is, however, to ensure the public's high expectations are reflected in results. This is essential if public confidence and trust in government is to be maintained.

Further efforts continue to be needed. Several new measures will enhance New Zealand's ability to combat corruption and promote ethical behavior:

• One bill currently before Parliament establishes new procedures and bodies for dealing with complaints against Judges.

• A second bill provides for the disclosure of pecuniary interests by all Members of Parliament.

• A third bill will extend the State Services Commissioner's powers to set minimum standards of conduct and integrity across the broader State Sector, not just the public service.

By signing this Convention here in Mérida, New Zealand wishes to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to the principles that the Convention embodies.

But signing is just the beginning. The challenge now lies in ensuring that the Convention is implemented effectively.

For our part, the Government has agreed to review certain aspects of domestic law and practice over the next year to ensure compliance.

Public confidence in government is fundamental to a successful society. It is hard won and must be nurtured for, once shattered, is difficult to rebuild. Pursuing good governance and accountability, enhancing transparency in public procedures, and promoting the integrity of public officials is, and will continue to be, a priority for New Zealand. Our hope is that this Convention will mark the beginning of intensified efforts in every country to tackle corruption, as that will benefit us all.