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Integrity and conduct in the APS

Supporting a strong ethical delivery culture in the Australian Public Service is a key priority, as the APS continues to learn from the failures in Robodebt. Key integrity agencies are working together to develop and deliver complementary measures to support agencies and individual APS officers.

Integrity measures delivered in 2024ꟷ25 included new guidance and resources to support the implementation of the new APS Value of Stewardship, and to help build a speak-up culture in APS workplaces.

The Senior Executive Service Performance Leadership Framework was updated and the SES Skills Lab and Mentoring Project helped SES employees to embed relational leadership capabilities. The APS Academy continued to offer integrity learning opportunities at all levels.

From 1 April 2025, the Merit Protection Commissioner has greater visibility of promotion and engagement processes. The Merit Protection Commissioner acts as an independent statutory office holder under the Public Service Act 1999 and the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 to perform employment-related functions.

The Strengthening Integrity in the APS Strategy was released by the Australian Public Service Commission in June 2025. As custodian of the APS Values, Code of Conduct and Employment Principles, the APSC plays an important role in upholding high standards of conduct and integrity in the APS through administration of the Employment and Integrity Framework.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission detects, investigates and reports on serious or systemic corrupt conduct among public officials, and provides education and information on corruption risks and prevention. It has supported Commonwealth agencies to assess and improve their internal integrity frameworks through the Commonwealth Integrity Maturity Framework and the first Commonwealth Integrity Survey.

The Oversight Legislation Amendment (Robodebt Royal Commission Response and Other Measures) Act 2025 began on 15 February 2025. It implements 2 recommendations of the Royal Commission related to strengthening the powers and capability of the Commonwealth Ombudsman to investigate the actions of departments and agencies.

Explore Integrity and conduct in the APS
Personal conduct in the APS Strengthening Integrity in the APS Strategy
Supporting an APS integrity culture Integrity maturity of Commonwealth agencies
Merit in the APS Enhanced oversight of the APS
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Acknowledgement of Country

The APSC acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.