Legislation - Acts, Regulations and Directions
Our legislation page provides links to Commonwealth legislation that impacts upon the functioning of the Australian Public Service. Other acts and regulations relevant to the human resources management function are also provided.
Where possible we link to Comlaw, the Commonwealth legal database site, for our legislative links.
Public Service Act and instruments made under that Act
Public Service Act 1999
The principal Act governing the establishment and operation of, and employment in, the Australian Public Service.
The Public Service Act is available on the Comlaw website.
Public Service Regulations 1999 (Consolidated version)
The purpose of the Regulations is to make necessary or appropriate provisions in relation to a range of matters for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of the Act.
The Public Service Regulations are available on the Comlaw website.
Public Service Commissioner's Directions 1999 (Consolidated version - May 2013)
The current consolidation of the binding Directions issued by the Public Service Commissioner in accordance with the power provided at section 42 of the Act. They cover matters relating to the APS Values, Diversity in Employment, Merit in Employment, the Code of Conduct and SES Employment.
Public Service Commissioner's Directions 1999 (consolidated May 2013)
The Public Service Commissioner's Amendment Directions
Public Service Commissioner’s Amendment Direction 2013 (No. 2)
Explanatory statement
Public Service Commissioner’s Amendment Directions 2010 (No. 2)
Explanatory statement
Public Service Commissioner’s Amendment Directions 2010 (No. 1)
Explanatory statement
Public Service Commissioner’s Amendment Directions 2009 (No. 2)
Explanatory statement
Public Service Classification Rules 2000
Establishes the general service wide levels of APS employees, regardless of the operation of agency classifications arranged through Certified Agreements.
The Rules are available on the Comlaw website.
Prime Minister's Public Service Directions 1999 (Consolidated version)
The binding Directions issued by the Prime Minister in accordance with the power provided at section 21of the Act. They cover mandatory leave for employment under the MOP(S) Act and APS-wide Training Schemes.
The Prime Ministers Directions are available on the Comlaw website.
Australian Public Service Award 1998 (Consolidated version)
This Fair Work Australia consolidated award incorporates all amendments up to and including 17 November 2008.
The Award is available on the Fair Work Australia website.
Other Acts relevant to Human Resource Management
Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975
The Act enables the review of decisions made under certain legislation (particularly the Superannuation legislation, the FOI Act, the Compensation Act and some secrecy provisions) by the AAT.
The AAT Act is available on the ComLaw website.
Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977
The Act enables the review of decisions made under an Act by the Federal Court - it also provides for a person who is affected by a decision to seek the reasons for that decision.
The Administrative Decisions Act is available on the ComLaw website.
Crimes Act 1914
The Act provides criminal penalties for a range of actions (such as fraud, theft, bribery, browsing a Commonwealth Computer, release of Commonwealth information) that may be committed against the Commonwealth whilst in employment or after employment.
The Crimes Act is available on the ComLaw website.
Disability Discrimination Act 1992
The Act aims to eliminate, as far as possible, discrimination against persons on the ground of disability in certain areas, including employment.
The Disability Discrimination Act is available on the ComLaw website.
Equal Employment Opportunity (Commonwealth Authorities) Act 1987
The Act promotes equal employment opportunity for a range of identified groups.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Act is available on the ComLaw website.
Equal Opportunity For Women In The Workplace Act 1999 (Consolidated version)
The Act aims to achieve the elimination of discrimination against, and the provision of equal opportunity for, women in relation to employment matters.
The Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act is available on the ComLaw website.
Fair Work Act 2009
The Fair Work Act 2009 provides a process for agreement-making and specific protection against unfair dismissal, unlawful termination and discrimination.
- The Fair Work Act is available on the ComLaw website.
- The Fair Work Regulations 2009 (Consolidated version) made under the Act.
Freedom of Information Act 1982
The Act provides the public with a right of access to many Commonwealth Records.
The Freedom of Information Act is available on the ComLaw website.
Privacy Act 1988
The Act protects the personal privacy of an individual in relation to any Commonwealth record maintained in relation to that individual.
The Privacy Act is available on the ComLaw website.
Public Employment (Consequential and Transitional) Amendment Act 1999 (Consolidation version)
The Act deals with the consequential and transitional matters arising from the repeal of the PS Act 1922 and the Merit Protection Act and the enactment of the replacement legislation - PS Act 1999.
The Public Employment (CAT) Act is available on the ComLaw website.
Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988
An Act relating to the rehabilitation of employees of the Commonwealth and certain corporations and to workers' compensation for those employees and certain other persons, and for related purposes.
The Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act is available on the ComLaw website.
Sex Discrimination Act 1984
The Act aims to eliminate, so far as is possible, discrimination against persons on the ground of sex, marital status, pregnancy or potential pregnancy.
The Sex Discrimination Act is available on the ComLaw website.
Superannuation Act 2005
The Act establishes the Superannuation Scheme for a number of Commonwealth employees
The Superannuation Act 2005 is available on the ComLaw website. The following are also on the ComLaw website:
Work Health and Safety Act 2011
An Act relating to work health and safety, and for related purposes.
The Work Health and Safety Act is available on the ComLaw website.
Other regulations relevant to Human Resource Management
Public Employment (Consequential and Transitional) Amendment Act 1999 Regulations (Consolidated version)
The Regulations made under the Public Employment (CaT) Act.
The Regulations are available from the ComLaw website.
Workplace Relations Regulations 2006 (Consolidated version)
The Regulations made under the Workplace Relations Act.
The Workplace Regulations are available from the ComLaw website.
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