| APS Conduct requirements include: |
| • Public Service Act 1999 (section 10 - APS Values, section 13 - Code of Conduct) (PS Act) |
Employees of the Australian Public Service (APS) are trusted by the Government and the community to undertake important work on their behalf. With this trust comes a high level of responsibility that should be matched by the highest standards of ethical behaviour.
The APS Values, APS Employment Principles and the APS Code of Conduct set out the standard of behaviour expected of entity heads and APS employees. They give the public confidence in the way public servants behave including in their exercise of authority. All employees must make themselves familiar with their obligations under the PS Act3.
If you do not comply with the requirements of the PS Act or the Crimes Act, you may face criminal, civil or administrative proceedings. Australian Government employees engaged under other enabling legislation such as the Australian Defence Force are bound by similar codes of conduct.
Where contracted staff are involved in managing contracts, they are, generally, obliged under their employment contract to comply with all Commonwealth laws and policies, declare conflicts of interest and not act fraudulently. If they breach their contract conditions, an entity can seek remedies under the employment contract or they may face similar legal proceedings.
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3 Australian Public Service Commission - APS Values and Code of Conduct in practice. https://www.apsc.gov.au/aps-values-and-code-conduct-practice