Integrity and fairness

Organisations that perform well are generally characterised by high ethical standards, both externally in their dealings with stakeholders and the community, and internally, in relationships between agency employees.

In the APS, the APS Values (the Values), together with the Code of Conduct (the Code), provide the ethical framework that underpins the operation of the APS and its relationships with Government and the Australian community, as well as workplace relationships. They establish a high benchmark for the professional and personal behaviour of APS employees. Each agency must integrate the Values and the Code into its operations so that they are embodied in daily decision-making and behaviour.

The Values affect the performance of the APS in a number of ways. The Values are building blocks in establishing ethical governance and a healthy agency culture. They incorporate key behaviours linked to performance, for example, the achievement of results, managing performance and effective work practices. The Values also support a strong focus on issues linked directly to integrity and fairness, including ethical standards, merit and equity in employment, the recognition of diversity and the fair review of decision-making. This focus affects both employees’ satisfaction and the agency’s public reputation.

Internationally, considerable attention continues to be devoted to the appropriate expression of codes of conduct and ethical standards for public servants. On 19 June 2007, the NZ State Services Commissioner launched a new Code of Conduct for State Servants and Canada has announced the release of revised ethical guidelines for public office holders, including guidelines for political activities. South Africa has released a Report on Managing Conflicts of Interest in the Public Service aimed at achieving a high standard of professional ethics.

In exploring issues of integrity and fairness, this chapter draws on both employee perceptions and agency practices. The issues discussed include the extent to which the Values and the Code are embedded in agencies, the application of the Code, harassment and bullying, the extent to which fairness and merit are perceived in employment decisions, and the operation of APS review mechanisms.