Code of Conduct

1 Purpose

This Standard has been developed to enable our people to understand the behaviours expected in order to pursue Queensland Rail’s vision and purpose.
Queensland Rail also has a set of values that defines how we will work together to support the '1Team’ approach. 
Our Board and leaders are committed to this Standard. We expect our people to demonstrate the behaviours outlined in this Standard and the Queensland Rail Values outlined in the Values Principle MD-12-555 in all business interactions.

This will enable all our stakeholders to understand the expectations of our people and how their actions will contribute to our brand, commerciality, reputation, integrity and corporate social responsibility. 

This Standard and our Values Principle MD-12-555​ make sure our people are aware of their responsibility to act in an ethical manner, to make commercially responsible decisions and to be accountable for their actions.  As a result, we will continue to deliver results, meet the needs of our customers and stay focused on our commitment to safety.

This Standard is important as it provides our people with an understanding of the organisation’s behavioural expectations. 

Below is a summary of the expectations. Please refer to Section 2 for specific detail.

Safety

• Safety comes first, always
  
• We are fit for work

Customer

• We provide excellent customer service internally and externally

People

• We respect other people and demonstrate professionalism

Commercial

• We use our resources appropriately
• We maintain and protect information
• We avoid conflicts of interest

Community

• We consider and recognise our responsibility to our community and the environment

1.1 Scope

This Standard applies to those referred to in Section 3.1 in the workplace, at places where there is a connection with work, or where their behaviour impacts, or has the potential to impact, Queensland Rail, including (without limitation) when:

• at work/on duty for Queensland Rail
• attending and representing Queensland Rail at a work-related event or function. This includes but is not limited to a conference, an awards event, a media briefing, a meeting
• wearing Queensland Rail branded clothing including personal protective equipment, lanyards, photo IDs or lanyard cards that show the Queensland Rail brand
• they can be identified as working for Queensland Rail (including when using social media at or away from work);
• on Queensland Rail’s property or premises under the control of Queensland Rail; and
• in relation to personal behaviour, whether in or out of the workplace, that does not reflect the high standards of trust expected by the public and has, or could, undermine public confidence.

1.1.1 What is out of scope

• Anyone not mentioned in Section 3.1, such as customers of Queensland Rail’s services, and
• Anyone mentioned in Section 3.1 in situations other than as referred to in Section 1.1.

2 Requirements of this Standard

Queensland Rail expects our people to act, behave, understand and abide by this Standard and related documents. Our people should conduct themselves in an ethical, professional and honest manner in all that they do.

In addition to these expectations, our leaders will lead by example, manage any breaches, ensure our people have access to this Standard and communicate position requirements and expectations.

These expectations are outlined in the following sections. 

2.1  Safety 

2.1.1 Safety comes first always

Queensland Rail is committed to all forms of safe​ty including physical safety, psychosocial safety and cultural safety. Our people must perform their work in a safe manner at all times. Working safely is a condition of employment.
Our people will:

• prioritise all forms of safety, including physical safety, psychosocial safety and cultural safety;
  
• make sure all our actions and behaviours are safe when performing our duties and follow all rules, procedures, legislative requirements and approved methods of work
• have the necessary qualification, licence, permit or accreditation, if required, to use any resource prior to using any resource
• promptly report and take appropriate action to address unsafe work practices, injuries, conditions or risks and hazards
• observe all local security procedures such as procedures for entry to Queensland Rail premises
• wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) / clothing and use equipment according to Queensland Rail requirements.

2.1.2  We are fit for work

Our people must be ready, fit for work and able to perform their role when signing on for work, when on duty, when rostered on call or when representing Queensland Rail.

Our people will be fit for work by:

• complying with Queensland Rail’s Fatigue Risk Management MD-10-178 and Alcohol and Other Drugs Management MD-10-166 and other relevant legislative requirements

Our people will advise their Leader if they:

• are unfit for work
• have a condition, medical condition and/or medication that may affect their ability to undertake their work in a safe and effective manner with such notifications to be made prior to attending the workplace; and
  
• know or suspect that their colleague is unfit for work.

2.2 Customer

2.2.1 We provide excellent customer service internally and externally

Our people will:

• be helpful, courteous, respectful and provide timely communication in all their dealings with customers
• aim to meet any commitments according to Queensland Rail’s Customer Charter
• treat and handle customer’s property with respect and responsibility while in the care of Queensland Rail

2.3 People

2.3.1 We respect other people and demonstrate professionalism

Our people will conduct themselves in an ethical, professional and honest manner in all that they do, and Leaders will lead by example.  Further, our people will:​

• treat others fairly, courteously and respectfully
• make sure our workplace is inclusive and free from workplace bullying and harassment, sexual harassment, unlawful discrimination, workplace violence, vilification (including serious vilification), racial hatred and victimisation
• be appropriate in our relationships and recognise that others have the right to hold views which may differ from our own
• be unbiased and objective when making decisions
• ensure that discussions are not covertly recorded
• attend duty on time and for the full scheduled hours – noting that a lack of immediate work to do is not reason to leave the workplace​
• comply with all reasonable and lawful directions given in the course of their duties​
• only smoke in designated areas and in accordance with legislation
• maintain their personal hygiene, a tidy and professional appearance while on duty and wear the applicable full and current issued uniform.
  

2.3.2 We meet public expectations

2.4.1 We use our resources appropriately

Our people will:

• only use Queensland Rail resources for work purposes in an appropriate, safe and ethical manner.  Limited personal use may be allowed where specified in relevant policy documents or with the appropriate approval
• make sure items are secured against loss, vandalism and theft and are properly stored, maintained and repaired.

2.4.2 We maintain and protect information

Our people will:

• make sure all Confidential Information is kept confidential and only used for work purposes
• comply with records management and privacy of personal information and information management standards, related documents and any other legislative requirements
• make sure approval is obtained by the delegated manager before publishing official information
• not trade in shares or other securities while in possession of confidential information related to the shares or securities  obtained through the course of their duties.
• not store or transmit Confidential Information outside the Queensland Rail network/system without authority
• make sure Intellectual Property invented or created by an employee in the course of their employment with Queensland Rail remains the property of Queensland Rail
• refer to the Brand, Communications and Media Policy before making any work-related public comment.
  

A Conflict of Interest involves a conflict between a person’s Queensland Rail duties and responsibilities and the Person’s Private Interests.Conflicts can be actual, perceived or potential depending on the circumstances. A Conflict of Interest can arise from avoiding personal losses as well as gaining personal advantage - whether financial or otherwise.​

Our people will:

• transparently and appropriately identify, declare, manage and monitor their Conflicts of Interest in accordance with the best interests of Queensland Rail, and the requirements of the Conflicts of Interest Standard MD-13-322.

• upon becoming aware of a Conflict of Interest, at the earliest possible time, disclose the conflict to their Leader, and make a record of this disclosure by completing a Declaration of Conflicts of Interest Form on the Self Service portal. If there is any uncertainty about whether a Conflict of Interest exists, then the matter must be disclosed.

• cease any involvement in matters affected by the conflict until an assessment of the declaration has been made, and an agreed Management Strategy is put in place.

• generally, not accept gifts and benefits other than of a token nature, and do not request gifts and benefits

• ensure gifts and benefits of a non-token nature are declared and assessed as soon as practicable. Refer to Gifts, Benefits and Entertainment Specification MD-10-234 prior to accepting any gift or benefit.

Examples of a Conflict of Interest include (but not limited to) where you are, or it could be perceived that you are:

• in a position to influence the appointment, advancement or reward of a person that you are related to (family member), or are engaged in a close personal relationship with
• in a position to influence or engage a supplier whom you have a close personal relationship​
• are involved in paid or unpaid work (such as a second job) outside Queensland Rail, that may lead to a Conflict of Interest with your Queensland Rail duties.​

2.5 Community

2.5.1 We recognise our responsibility to our community and environment

Our people will:

• identify, assess and manage environmental, heritage including Aboriginal Cultural Heritage, and community risks when planning and undertaking work
• have the necessary environmental licence, permit and/or approval to conduct work prior to commencing work
• promptly report and take appropriate action to address environmental incidents, risks and hazards
• treat the community and the environment with respect and care ensuring our behaviour is of a high standard; and​
• use resources efficiently in consideration of local and global environmental impacts.

2.6 Breaches of this Code of Conduct

2.6.1 We manage and report any suspected breaches

If any of our people observe, or have good cause to suspect that misconduct is occurring, or if this Standard or any Queensland Rail related documents and/or legislative requirements has been breached, they have a responsibility to report it to their relevant leader in a timely manner.

All suspected and actual Corrupt Conduct must be reported to the immediate leader as well as Corporate Ethics on ethics@qr.com.au and/or to the Queensland Rail Ethics Hotline on 1800 723 515.  The hotline can be used where anonymity is preferred.

The process for employees to make a Public Interest Disclosure in relation to Corrupt Conduct and/or a reprisal is outlined in the Public Interest Disclosure Procedure. Further information can be found by contacting Safe Station on 1800 723 377.​

Anyone, who in good faith, makes a complaint or disclosure about an alleged breach of this Standard, will not be disadvantaged or prejudiced in the making of such a complaint or disclosure. All reports will be treated as confidential.

Leaders have an obligation to manage breaches of this Standard as soon as practicable after the incident is observed or reported.

Breaches of this Standard will be treated as a serious matter and may have serious consequences. If any employee has breached this Standard, they may be subject to disciplinary action, including termination of employment. Contractors and consultants who breach this Standard may have their contracts with Queensland Rail terminated.

3 Responsibilities

The following establishes the unique accountabilities and responsibilities of the key internal stakeholders specific to this Standard.

3.1 Who does what?

Board

Responsible for the approval of related Policy in accordance with legal and regulatory obligations, and to enable Queensland Rail’s pursuit of opportunities aligned with its vision and values in an ethical and responsible manner.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 

Responsible for authorising the commitments in this Standard.

Leads Queensland Rail’s implementation of and compliance with the related Policy, by:

• communicating Queensland Rail’s vision, values and the importance of the Standard, to all Queensland Rail personnel
• responding to recommendations made when the Standard is reviewed, to ensure the Standard remains up to date and relevant to Queensland Rail

Executive Leadership Team (ELT) 

Must assist the CEO with the implementation of this Standard and by extension the related Policy, by leading the implementation of this Standard in their respective functions, everywhere, every day.

Are also accountable for ensuring this Standard has been implemented and complied with.

Group Executive People, Wellbeing & Sustainability 

As the Functional Owner approves this Standard and must:

• develop and implement related documents and processes to ensure this Standard is reflected in Queensland Rail’s day to day operations
• establish and maintain processes to provide assurance to the CEO that this Standard is being followed by Queensland Rail
• review this Standard annually, and provide recommendations to the CEO

Group Senior Manager Respectful Behaviour & Employee Relations

Is the Content Developer, on behalf of the Functional Owner.

Leaders of functions, areas and teams 

Must:

• support and communicate the Standard to their employees, contractors and consultants to ensure they understand the Standard
• demonstrate compliance with the Standard
• manage breaches of the Standard as soon as practicable after the incident is observed or reported

All employees, contractors and consultants Everyone who needs to make use of this Standard for work purposes must ensure that they understand and comply with this Standard.

4 Terms and definitions

The following key terms and definitions are unique to this Standard. Please refer to the Business Glossary for other terms not included in this section.

A close personal relationship 

A close personal relationship is any relationship you have with a person that could give rise to a perception of favouritism or bias if you were to be involved in a decision relating to that person.  The types of relationships that can fall within the scope of this obligation are wide and varied.  

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage is anything that is:

1. a significant Aboriginal area in Queensland; or
2. a significant Aboriginal object; or
3. ​​​evidence, of archaeological or historic significance, of Aboriginal occupation of an area of Queensland.​

​Confidential Information 

Includes, but is not limited to, any information is considered sensitive information of a kind which, if disclosed to third persons, could or might adversely affect, cause loss or damage (including damage to reputation) to the Company, employees or its stakeholders. Such information includes, but is not limited to, information in the operation or business affairs of the Company, its systems or techniques, financial information, marketing material, information about employees, customers, databases and information, documents, procedures and processes relating to the Company’s business of any nature in any form (whether printed or in electronic form). 

Conflict of interest 

A conflict of interest involves a conflict between an employee's duties and responsibilities and the employee's private interests. A conflict of interest can arise from avoiding personal losses as well as gaining personal advantage – whether financial or otherwise. 

Types of Conflicts of Interest:

• An Actual Conflict of Interest involves a conflict between an employee's duties and responsibilities and the employee's private interests.
• A Perceived Conflict of Interest can exist where it could appear to others that your Private Interests could improperly influence the performance of your official duties and responsibilities, whether or not this is actually the case.
• A Potential Conflict of Interest arises where you have Private Interests that could in the future conflict with your official duties and responsibilities at Queensland Rail.

​Corrupt Conduct

As defined under the Crime and Corruption Act 2001.

Cultural Safety

Is the creation of an environment where a person's cultural identity is respected and not assaulted, challenged, or denied. 

Cyber Security

A term used to describe measures used to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of systems, devices and the information residing on them.​

Electronic communication systems 

Includes but not limited to, computers, computer networks, internet, intranet, telephones, mobile phones, email, PDAs, blackberries, faxes, radio networks and any other communications device or service provided by Queensland Rail. 

Family member

A “family member” includes any person you are in a relationship with (including but is not limited to) a spouse, partner, child, brother, sister, parent, stepchild, stepparent, as well as mother-, father-, son, daughter-, brother-, or sister-in-law, and any other person living with you (except tenants).

Gifts or benefits 

Includes but not limited to: conference/seminar costs, gratuity, remuneration, allowance, discount, fee, subsidy, hospitality, travel, entertainment, alcohol, raffle tickets, scratch card, lotto/casket tickets, books, equipment, goods or other services received. 

Harassment including Sexual Harassment

Harassment due to personal characteristics such as age, disability, race, nationality, religion, political affiliation, sex, relationship status, family or carer responsibilities, sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status.

Sexual harassment - any unwelcome sexual advance, unwelcome request for sexual favours or other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, in circumstances where a reasonable person, having regard to all the circumstances, would anticipate the possibility that the person harassed would be offended, humiliated or intimidated.

Harmful behaviour that does not amount to bullying (such as single instances) but creates a risk to health or safety.​

Source: Managing psychosocial hazards at work - Code of Practice  2022​

Intellectual Property 

Includes, but is not limited to, ideas, concepts, copyright, inventions, patents, trademarks or other designs, drawings, plans, products or processes developed or created either in whole or part, arising from or in connection with the performance of an employee’s employment with the Company. Queensland Rail Business Glossary.

Management Strategy (for Conflicts of interest)

This strategy is based on registering, restricting, recruiting, removing, relinquishing, or resigning. ​

Medical Condition 

A disease, illness or injury diagnosed by a medical practitioner and/or allied health professional, including but not limited to physical, psychological conditions. 

Personal information

Is information or an opinion about an identified individual or an individual who is reasonably identifiable from the information or opinion— (a) whether the information or opinion is true or not; and (b) whether the information or opinion is recorded in a material form or not.

Private Interests

​A Private Interest are those personal, professional or business interests that can benefit or disadvantage us as individuals, or others we may wish to benefit or disadvantage. They also include the personal, professional or business interests of individuals or groups we associate with (e.g. relatives, friends, non profit associations).

Public Interest Disclosure

As defined in section 11 of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2010 (Qld).​

Queensland Rail’s resources

Queensland Rail’s resources include property, plant and equipment, vehicles, information systems, computing resources, goods, products and valuables.

Racial hatred

An act, done otherwise than in private, if:

(a)  the act is reasonably likely, in all the circumstances, to offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate another person or a group of people; and

(b)  the act is done because of the race, colour or national or ethnic origin of the other person or of some or all of the people in the group.​

Serious vilification​

A person must not, by a public act, knowingly or recklessly incite hatred towards, serious contempt for, or severe ridicule of, a person or group of persons on the ground of the race, religion, sexuality or gender identity of the person or members of the group in a way, includes:

(a) threatening physical harm towards, or towards any property of, the person or group of persons; or

(b) inciting others to threaten physical harm towards, or towards any property of, the person or group of persons.

​​Token nature 

Gifts and hospitality being less than an accumulated annual total of $150 within a financial year. 

Unlawful discrimination ​

Occurs when a person with an attribute specified under anti-discrimination or human rights legislation is treated or proposed to be treated less favourably than a person without that attribute in the same or similar circumstance, on prohibited grounds. Adapted from the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Website

Victimisation 

means doing an act or threatening to do an act to the detriment of a person who has made or intends to make a complaint, or a person who is a witness to a complaint. Adapted from the Anti Discrimination Act 1991

Vilification 

A person must not, by a public act, incite hatred towards, serious contempt for, or severe ridicule of, a person or group of persons on the ground of the race, religion, sexuality or gender identity of the person or members of the group. Anti Discrimination Act 1991

Workplace bullying 

Workplace bullying is repeated, and unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker or a group of workers that creates a risk to health and safety in the work place. This includes bullying by workers, clients, patients, visitors or others.

​Source: Managing psychosocial hazards at work – Code of Practice 2022​

Workplace violence

Means any incident where an employee is physically attacked or threatened in the work environment by a co-worker, including a supervisor, manager or employee.

Within this definition:

Threat means a statement (verbal) or behaviour that causes a reasonable person to believe they are in danger of being physically attacked.
Physical attack means the direct or indirect application of force by a person to the body of, or to clothing or equipment worn by, another person where that application creates a risk to health and safety. 

Source: Workplace Health and Safety Queensland Website

5 Appendices

Appendix 1 – Related documents

Legislation and regulation

Commonwealth Acts 

• Age Discrimination Act 2004 (Cth)
  
• Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth)
  
• Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)
  
• Disability Descrimination Act 1992 (Cth)
  
• Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth)
• Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
  
• Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth)
  
• Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth)
  

State Acts 

• Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (Qld)
• Anti-Discrimination Act (Qld) 1991
• Environmental Protection Act (Qld) 1994
• Electrical Safety Act 2002 (Qld)
• Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld)
• Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld)
• Public Interest Disclosure Act (Qld) 2010
• Public Sector Ethics Act 1994 (Qld)
• Rail Safety National Law (Qld)
• Right to Information Act (Qld) 2009
• Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act  (Qld) 1995
• ​Work Health and Safety Act (Qld) 2011

​Other 

• Various Australian Standards, Codes of Practice, Memoranda of Understanding / Agreement and Government Policies are also applicable.

Guiding principles

The following guiding principles relate to this Standard:

• Government Owned Corporation Guidelines
• Queensland Rail Customer Charter
  

Queensland Rail documents

Policy

• MD-12-142  Brand, Communications and Media
  
• MD-11-7062 Information
  
• MD-10-67  People​
  

Principle 

• MD-10-227 Record keeping Principles
• MD-12-555  Values

Standard 

• MD-10-166  Alcohol and other drugs
• MD-13-322  Conflicts of Interest
• MD-12-432  Digital Security
• MD-10-510  Diversity, Inclusion and Discrimination
• MD-10-178  Fatigue Risk Management
• MD-13-327  Performance and Behaviour  
• MD-10-236  Privacy of Personal Information

Strategy / Plan 

• Queensland Rail Strategic Plan
  

Specification / Framework

• MD-10-447  Appropriate Use of Electronic Communications Systems Specification
• MD-10-52 Discipline Process
• MD-25-191  Generative Artificial Intelligence Acceptable Use 
• MD-10-234  Gifts, Benefits and Entertainment​
• MD-10-508  Health Management Administration Specification
• MD-11-6837  Public Interest Disclosure Specification​
• MD-10-497  Reasonable Adjustment Specification
• MD-12-571  Records Management Framework
• MD-10-448 Recruitment and Selection Specification

Procedure 

• MD-13-487  Employee complaints
• MD-14-807  Flexible Work
• MD-13-486  Performance and Development​

​Guideline 

• MD-12-462  Guidelines for Best Management Practice for Reasonable Adjustment
• MD-13-483  Performance Management Framework for Leaders
• MD-12-730  Protecting Queensland Rail Information - Documents and Records​