Commonwealth Consolidated Acts

PUBLIC SERVICE ACT 1999 - SECT 10

             (1)  The APS Values are as follows:

                     (a)  the APS is apolitical, performing its functions in an impartial and professional manner;

                     (b)  the APS is a public service in which employment decisions are based on merit;

                     (c)  the APS provides a workplace that is free from discrimination and recognises and utilises the diversity of the Australian community it serves;

                     (d)  the APS has the highest ethical standards;

                     (e)  the APS is openly accountable for its actions, within the framework of Ministerial responsibility to the Government, the Parliament and the Australian public;

                      (f)  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;

                     (g)  the APS delivers services fairly, effectively, impartially and courteously to the Australian public and is sensitive to the diversity of the Australian public;

                     (h)  the APS has leadership of the highest quality;

                      (i)  the APS establishes workplace relations that value communication, consultation, co‑operation and input from employees on matters that affect their workplace;

                      (j)  the APS provides a fair, flexible, safe and rewarding workplace;

                     (k)  the APS focuses on achieving results and managing performance;

                      (l)  the APS promotes equity in employment;

                    (m)  the APS provides a reasonable opportunity to all eligible members of the community to apply for APS employment;

                     (n)  the APS is a career‑based service to enhance the effectiveness and cohesion of Australia's democratic system of government;

                     (o)  the APS provides a fair system of review of decisions taken in respect of APS employees.

             (2)  For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), a decision relating to engagement or promotion is based on merit if:

                     (a)  an assessment is made of the relative suitability of the candidates for the duties, using a competitive selection process; and

                     (b)  the assessment is based on the relationship between the candidates' work‑related qualities and the work‑related qualities genuinely required for the duties; and

                     (c)  the assessment focuses on the relative capacity of the candidates to achieve outcomes related to the duties; and

                     (d)  the assessment is the primary consideration in making the decision.