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Conflicts of interest aren't always problematic, but "hiding or failing to manage one is", according to a new report calling for better education and internal controls.

In her report, Misconduct in public organisations: A casebook, Victorian Ombudsman Deborah Glass says in the past financial year, her office received:

• 92 allegations about conflict of interest, favouritism, or discrimination;
• 27 allegations about the misuse of public information or materials;
• 20 allegations about the misuse of resources; and
• 55 allegations about the misuse of authority, position, or power.

One of the seven case studies in the report pertains to a manager tasked with filling a role that one of their friends wanted. That manager made decisions about the position description and advertising strategy, formed, and chaired the interview panel, checked references, and hired their friend...