The Public Service Act 1999 provides for the establishment and management of the modern Australian Public Service (APS). The Public Service Act:
• establishes an apolitical public service that is efficient and effective in serving the Government, the Parliament and the Australian public;
• provides a legal framework for the fair and effective employment, management and leadership of APS employees;
• defines the powers, functions and responsibilities of agency heads, the Australian Public Service Commissioner and the Merit Protection Commissioner; and
• establishes rights and obligations of APS employees.
The Public Service Act sets out the APS Values and the APS Code of Conduct22 which govern the manner in which APS employees conduct themselves in performing their official duties.
__________________________________________________________________________________
22 Public Service Act 1999, sections 10 and 13.