Probity in procurement
Probity is a fundamental requirement of activities involving the expenditure of government funds, such as the purchase of goods and services for and by public health services – a core activity HSV helps to facilitate.
Probity in procurement – also known as ethical procurement – refers to standards of ethical behaviour including honesty, fairness, impartiality, transparency and accountability that are implemented as part of a robust procurement process.
We have a legislated responsibility under the Health Services Act 1988 (Vic) to ensure probity is maintained in health service purchasing, tendering and contracting activity. Health services and suppliers are also expected to comply with probity standards.
We carry out our responsibility by:
- assessing health service compliance with the HSV Purchasing Policies
- undertaking probity audits of health service procurement activity
- giving probity advice to health services and suppliers
- providing probity training to health services.
Probity for health services
Victoria’s public health services are public organisations bound by probity standards set by government. This includes complying with the processes and guidelines in the HSV Purchasing Policies (HSV PPs).
The HSV PPs provide a strategic framework for health services to deliver best practice procurement, including probity.
Health services are required to submit periodic reports to us on their compliance with the HSV PPs. Reports include a triennial audit of their activity over the preceding three years.
We assess health service reports and audits, which involves assessing the probity practice and accountability measures implemented throughout their activities. Following assessment, we will work with health services to address any outstanding probity matters.
To support health services, we have developed guides to probity in procurement. Health services can access these guides on the Procurement practice resources page.
We also offer online probity in procurement training for health services. For more information, visit the Probity training for health services page.
For information on goods and services procurement legislation and principles, and how it applies to government organisations, visit the Buying for Victoria website.
Probity for suppliers
Organisations supplying to the government must adhere to a set of standards called the Supplier Code of Conduct. The Code describes the minimum mandatory requirements for suppliers when selling goods and services to the government.
To access the Supplier Code of Conduct, visit the Buying for Victoria website.
Suppliers must also adhere to the HSV supplier mandatory minimum standards when contracted to supply under HSV collective agreements. For details, visit the Modern slavery risk mitigation for suppliers page.
Lobbying and market-led proposals
Lobbying and market-led proposals provide pathways for the private sector to influence or propose investments for the government to consider. They involve inherent probity-related risks and must be conducted ethically, transparently and in accordance with probity requirements.
Prospective suppliers must conduct lobbying activities in line with the Victorian Government Professional Lobbyist Code of Conduct.
To access the Code, visit the Lobbyist Register website.
For a guide to conducting market-led proposals, visit the Department of Treasury and Finance website.
Content reviewed: September 2025