Employment framework

Our Employment framework page sets out the employment framework for Federal government employment, including links to relevant legislation, the APS Award 1998 and work level standards. 

Changes to Australian Government employment bargaining arrangements

On 31 January 2011, the Government announced new bargaining arrangements to support Australian Government employment as it relates to Australian Public Service (APS) agencies. These changes mean the Australian Government Employment Bargaining Framework has now been replaced by a new APS Bargaining Framework.

The new Bargaining Framework relates to APS agencies only. Non–APS agencies continue to be covered by the Australian Government Employment Bargaining Framework.

What has changed from the previous bargaining framework?

The Australian Public Service Bargaining Framework continues to support agency level bargaining with employees and representatives in regard to terms and conditions, consistent with Fair Work Act 2009.

Supporting guidance has been developed to provide detailed guidance on the new framework to assist agencies in their agreement-making.

The new framework introduces a range of changes including recommended, non-binding terms and conditions with the aim of supporting the concept of one APS and includes guidance for agencies around appropriate agency salary increases. It also outlines changes to some processes such as approval of an agency’s bargaining position and proposed enterprise agreement by the Special Minister of State for the Public Service and Integrity.

The APSC is working with agencies providing information on how the new bargaining Framework changes agreement-making and bargaining for APS agencies. For further information on the assessment of enterprise agreements refer to Supporting tools for enterprise agreement assessment.

For further information on the changes phone the workplace relations policy team on (02) 6202 3949 or email apsbargaining@apsc.gov.au.

Annual APS Remuneration surveys

A remuneration survey of Australian Public Service (APS) employees is conducted annually. The survey provides participating APS agencies with agency-specific and APS-wide data that informs their remuneration practices. 

Find out more about the Remuneration surveys

Allowance subscription service

The Commission operates an allowance subscription service which is available only to Commonwealth agencies. The service provides updates to a range of employment-related allowances. These include travelling allowance, motor vehicle allowance, district allowance and a variety of specialised payments.

Further information on the Allowance subscription service can be obtained by emailing AllowanceService@apsc.gov.au.