Integrity is central to public trust in the Australian Public Service. It underpins how we make decisions, manage risk, use public resources and serve the Australian community. To support a shared understanding of how integrity operates across the APS, the Australian Public Service Commission has launched the APS Integrity System schematic.
The schematic presents integrity as a connected system, rather than a collection of standalone rules, agencies or responses. It brings together people, leadership, frameworks, legislation and oversight to show how integrity is delivered across the APS – and how every role contributes.
At the heart of the integrity system is the Commonwealth Integrity Strategy, which provides the shared framework for integrity across the Commonwealth. The strategy is built around three priorities: culture, systems and accountability. These priorities flow through agency responsibilities, leadership behaviours, workforce obligations and the role of integrity agencies.
The schematic highlights that:
- agencies, leaders and individuals all have defined responsibilities for managing integrity risks and embedding integrity into everyday practice
- integrity agencies support, promote, monitor and enforce integrity through legislation, frameworks, guidance and oversight—working across agencies as part of one system
- strong integrity outcomes depend on leadership behaviours, speak‑up cultures, good systems and continuous learning, not just compliance
- people, leadership, collaboration, governance and oversight, and investment are the key enablers that underpin the Commonwealth’s integrity efforts and help maintain public trust.
Designed as a sense‑making tool, the APS Integrity System schematic helps public servants understand where they fit within the broader system and how their day‑to‑day actions connect to integrity outcomes across the service.
Managers, teams and individuals can use the schematic to support integrity conversations, onboarding, learning and professional reflection. It reinforces that integrity is a shared responsibility – embedded in everyday decisions and behaviours across the APS.
The APS Integrity System schematic is available on the APSLearn website and available for all staff.
Any queries on the schematic can be directed to our Ethics team at ethics@apsc.gov.au