The Australian Public Service:

• is apolitical, performing its functions in an impartial and professional manner;
• is a public service in which employment decisions are based on merit;
• provides a workplace that is free from discrimination and recognises and utilises the diversity of the Australian community it serves;
• has the highest ethical standards;
• is openly accountable for its actions, within the framework of Ministerial responsibility to the Government, the Parliament and the Australian public;
• is responsive to the Government in providing frank, honest, comprehensive, accurate and timely advice and in implementing the Government's policies and programs;
• delivers services fairly, effectively, impartially and courteously to the Australian public and is sensitive to the diversity of the Australian public;
• has leadership of the highest quality;
• establishes workplace relations that value communication, consultation, co-operation and input from employees on matters that affect their workplace;
• provides a fair, flexible, safe and rewarding workplace;
• focuses on achieving results and managing performance;
• promotes equity in employment;
• provides a reasonable opportunity to all eligible members of the community to apply for APS employment;
• is a career-based service to enhance the effectiveness and cohesion of Australia's democratic system of government;
• provides a fair system of review of decisions taken in respect of employees.

Agency heads are bound by the Code of Conduct in the same way as APS employees and have an additional duty to promote the APS Values.