APS Values and Code of Conduct in practice

Foreword

This is the second edition of the APS Values and Code of Conduct in Practice, first released by the Commission in 2003. The main change to this edition is revised guidance on the use and disclosure of information contained largely in chapter 3, although there are also small changes in other chapters that refer to the same subject. The changes reflect an amendment to the Public Service Regulations in December 2004 that put in place provisions regulating the disclosure of information by public servants by substituting a new regulation 2.1 into the Regulations.

The aim of this publication is to assist APS employees to understand the practical application of the APS Values and Code of Conduct in both common and unusual circumstances. Along with the Commission's Good Practice Guide, Embedding the APS Values, it is also intended to assist Agency Heads to establish policies and procedures that promote the APS Values and ensure compliance with the Code.

This is a Guide, not a rulebook. The APS Values are intended to allow management flexibility and agility to address change and to handle different businesses, and it is not intended that this Guide should reintroduce detailed, central rules.

At their core, organisational values are about relationships and behaviours. In the APS we are responsible for the way we work with the Government and the Parliament, with the public and each other. We are also expected to have the highest ethical standards. We are different from other employees providing services in the marketplace, in that we exercise authority on behalf of the Government and the Parliament, acting for the public. The public rightly expects high performance and standards of personal behaviour.

These relationships and behaviours effectively define us as the Australian Public Service, no matter what particular business we are involved in.

This Guide provides APS employees and Agency Heads with a useful summary of important legal requirements across the Service, although it does not attempt to be comprehensive. Chief Executive’s Instructions (CEIs) and other agency guidelines provide APS employees with agency-specific policies and guidelines. Where particular legislation or agency directions apply, APS employees should find out about those provisions and not rely solely on this document.

This Guide also provides information about good practice, in situations where legislation allows for discretion, including situations that occur infrequently.

The Guide does not answer every question about official conduct. The principles identified will point to an answer in many cases, as will the more detailed discussion of many issues. I encourage you to discuss ethical issues with experienced and respected colleagues in your agency.

Lynelle Briggs
Australian Public Service Commissioner

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APS Values and Code of Conduct in practice

Foreword