Frequently Asked Questions
1. What types of enquiries can be made to the Ethics Advisory Service?
The Ethics Advisory Service provides advice and resources for the application and interpretation of the APS Values and Code of Conduct, and advice on strategies and techniques for making ethical decisions in the APS. We also provide information on legislative, policy and good practice aspects of managing allegations of misconduct or whistleblowing disclosures.
2. Will my details remain confidential?
If you tell us about a matter that raises serious or systemic issues, we may need to disclose information about your query to your agency or another agency.
Please read the Client Service Charteror talk to the Ethics Advisory Service about circumstances in which your personal details may be disclosed.
3. Will a copy of my enquiry be given to my agency?
The information you disclose to the Ethics Advisory Service will not be provided to your agency except as outlined under question 2 above or as otherwise authorised by law.
4. Will the Ethics Advisory Service represent me?
The Ethics Advisory Service cannot represent you, or offer counselling, dispute resolution and case management.
5. Can I be anonymous?
Yes. Just let us know if you wish to remain anonymous.
6. Can I report misconduct to the Ethics Advisory Service?
The Ethics Advisory Service cannot accept reports of misconduct.
If you wish to report allegations of misconduct, you should follow your agency’s procedures. Agencies are required by law to have in place mechanisms for determining whether an employee has breached the APS Code of Conduct.
We can advise you on how the misconduct provisions in the Public Service Act are intended to operate as well as advice on related policy and good practice.
7. Will the Ethics Advisory Service accept whistleblowing reports?
The Ethics Advisory Service cannot accept whistleblowing reports.
If you wish to make a whistleblowing report, you should follow your agency’s procedures. Agencies are required by law to establish procedures for dealing with whistleblowers' reports.
It is by following the procedures that whistleblowers are provided legal protection from victimisation and discrimination under the Public Service Act.
We can advise you about how the whistleblowing provisions in the Public Service Act are intended to operate as well as advice on related policy and good practice.
8. Will the Ethics Advisory Service carry out investigations?
No. The Ethics Advisory Service cannot carry out investigations.
We can advise on where to go to make a particular complaint.
9. What is the legal status of advice the Ethics Advisory Service provides?
Advice provided by the Ethics Advisory Service is not legal advice and should not be acted upon as such.
10. Why does the Ethics Advisory Service collect personal information about me, including my agency, classification and location?
The Ethics Advisory Service is required to report annually to the Parliament on the ethical issues raised during the year and the issues and concerns that may need to be addressed. The information we collect is used to identify general trends. Personal information, like your name and contact details, will not be included in our reporting.
