PUBLIC SERVICE ACT 1999
- SECT 10
APS Values

(1)

The APS Values are as follows:

(a)

the APS is apolitical, performing its functions in an impartial and professional manner;

(b)

the APS is a public service in which employment decisions are based on merit;

(c)

the APS provides a workplace that is free from discrimination and recognises and utilises the diversity of the Australian community it serves;

(d)

the APS has the highest ethical standards;

(e)

the APS is openly accountable for its actions, within the framework of Ministerial responsibility to the Government, the Parliament and the Australian public;

(f)

the APS is responsive to the Government in providing frank, honest, comprehensive, accurate and timely advice and in implementing the Government's policies and programs;

(g)

the APS delivers services fairly, effectively, impartially and courteously to the Australian public and is sensitive to the diversity of the Australian public;

(h)

the APS has leadership of the highest quality;

(i)

the APS establishes workplace relations that value communication, consultation, co-operation and input from employees on matters that affect their workplace;

(j)

the APS provides a fair, flexible, safe and rewarding workplace;

(k)

the APS focuses on achieving results and managing performance;

(l)

the APS promotes equity in employment;

(m)

the APS provides a reasonable opportunity to all eligible members of the community to apply for APS employment;

(n)

the APS is a career-based service to enhance the effectiveness and cohesion of Australia's democratic system of government;

(o)

the APS provides a fair system of review of decisions taken in respect of APS employees.

(2)

For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), a decision relating to engagement or promotion is based on merit if:

(a)

an assessment is made of the relative suitability of the candidates for the duties, using a competitive selection process; and

(b)

the assessment is based on the relationship between the candidates' work-related qualities and the work-related qualities genuinely required for the duties; and

(c)

the assessment focuses on the relative capacity of the candidates to achieve outcomes related to the duties; and

(d)

the assessment is the primary consideration in making the decision.