aps values and code of conduct
APS VALUES
The APS Values are as follows:
- the APS is apolitical, performing its functions in an impartial and professional manner;
- the APS is a public service in which employment decisions are based on merit;
- the APS provides a workplace that is free from discrimination and recognises and utilises the diversity of the Australian community it serves;
- the APS has the highest ethical standards;
- the APS is openly accountable for its actions, within the framework of Ministerial responsibility to the Government, the Parliament and the Australian public;
- the APS is responsive to the Government in providing frank, honest, comprehensive, accurate and timely advice and in implementing the Government's policies and programs;
- the APS delivers services fairly, effectively, impartially and courteously to the Australian public and is sensitive to the diversity of the Australian public;
- the APS has leadership of the highest quality;
- the APS establishes workplace relations that value communication, consultation, co-operation and input from employees on matters that affect their workplace;
- the APS provides a fair, flexible, safe and rewarding workplace;
- the APS focuses on achieving results and managing performance;
- the APS promotes equity in employment;
- the APS provides a reasonable opportunity to all eligible members of the community to apply for APS employment;
- the APS is a career-based service to enhance the effectiveness and cohesion of Australia's democratic system of government;
- the APS provides a fair system of review of decisions taken in respect of APS employees
THE APS CODE OF CONDUCT
- An APS employee must behave honestly and with integrity in the course of APS employment.
- An APS employee must act with care and diligence in the course of APS employment.
- An APS employee, when acting in the course of APS employment, must treat everyone with respect and courtesy, and without harassment.
- An APS employee, when acting in the course of APS employment, must comply with all applicable Australian laws. For this purpose, Australian law means:
- any Act, or any instrument made under an Act; or
- any law of a State or Territory, including any instrument made under such a law.
- An APS employee must comply with any lawful and reasonable direction given by someone in the employee's Agency who has authority to give the direction.
- An APS employee must maintain appropriate confidentiality about dealings that the employee has with any Minister or Minister's member of staff.
- An APS employee must disclose, and take reasonable steps to avoid, any conflict of interest (real or apparent) in connection with APS employment.
- An APS employee must use Commonwealth resources in a proper manner.
- An APS employee must not provide false or misleading information in response to a request for information that is made for official purposes in connection with the employee's APS employment.
- An APS employee must not make improper use of:
- inside information; or
- the employee's duties, status, power or authority in order to gain, or seek to gain, a benefit or advantage for the employee or for any other person.
- An APS employee must at all times behave in a way that upholds the APS Values and the integrity and good reputation of the APS.
- An APS employee on duty overseas must at all times behave in a way that upholds the good reputation of Australia.
- ?An APS employee must comply with any other conduct requirement that is prescribed by the regulations.