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APS Values
The APS Values provide the real basis and integrating element of the Service, its professionalism, its integrity and its impartial and responsive service to the government of the day.
The APS Values
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.
Ethics Advisory Service
The Ethics Advisory Service is available to all Australian Public Service employees who want advice on ethical issues in the workplace and on how to make sound decisions around these issues. We provide guidance on how to apply the APS Values and Code of Conduct and strategies and techniques for ethical decision-making in the APS.Publications
The following books help APS employees to understand the practical application of the Values and Code. They can also help Agency Heads to establish policies and procedures that promote the Values and ensure compliance with the Code.
To order a hard copy version of any of the following publications please go to the Commission’s publications page.
Being Professional in the APS—Values Resources for Facilitators
The Being Professional in the APS—Values Resources for Facilitators kit is the first comprehensive package of materials to address situations specific to the APS.
Embedding APS Values: Framework and checklist
Extract from Public Service Commissioner's Directions 1999
Guidelines on Workplace Diversity (2001)
Respect: Promoting a Culture Free from Harassment and Bullying in the APS (2007)
