Misconduct occurs when a public officer abuses their authority for personal gain, or to cause detriment to another person, or acts contrary to the public interest.
In its simplest form, misconduct occurs when a public officer acts with dishonesty or a lack of impartiality which could affect their official capacity and which could result in dismissal under the Public Sector Management Act.
Serious misconduct occurs when a public officer:
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corruptly misuses their authority for gain for themselves or others, or to cause detriment to another person; or
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in their official capacity commits an offence punishable by 2 or more years’ imprisonment.
