APS values and Code of Conduct

APS Values (Section 10 Public Service Act 1999)

1. The APS Values are as follows:

1. the APS is apolitical, performing its functions in an impartial and professional manner
2. the APS is a public service in which employment decisions are based on merit
3. the APS provides a workplace that is free from discrimination and recognises and utilises the diversity of the Australian community it serves
4. the APS has the highest ethical standards
5. the APS is openly accountable for its actions, within the framework of Ministerial responsibility to the Government, the Parliament and the Australian public
6. 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
7. the APS delivers services fairly, effectively, impartially and courteously to the Australian public and is sensitive to the diversity of the Australian public
8. the APS has leadership of the highest quality
9. the APS establishes workplace relations that value communication, consultation, co-operation and input from employees on matters that affect their workplace
10. the APS provides a fair, flexible, safe and rewarding workplace
11. the APS focuses on achieving results and managing performance
12. the APS promotes equity in employment
13. the APS provides a reasonable opportunity to all eligible members of the community to apply for APS employment
14. the APS is a career-based service to enhance the effectiveness and cohesion of Australia’s democratic system of government
15. the APS provides a fair system of review of decisions taken in respect of APS employees.

The APS Code of Conduct (Section 13 Public Service Act 1999)

1. An APS employee must behave honestly and with integrity in the course of APS employment.
2. An APS employee must act with care and diligence in the course of APS employment.
3. An APS employee, when acting in the course of APS employment, must treat everyone with respect and courtesy, and without harassment.
4. An APS employee, when acting in the course of APS employment, must comply with all applicable Australian laws. For this purpose, Australian law means:
   1. any Act (including this Act), or any instrument made under an Act; or
   2. any law of a State or Territory, including any instrument made under such a law.
5. 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.
6. An APS employee must maintain appropriate confidentiality about dealings that the employee has with any Minister or Minister’s member of staff.
7. An APS employee must disclose, and take reasonable steps to avoid, any conflict of interest (real or apparent) in connection with APS employment.
8. An APS employee must use Commonwealth resources in a proper manner.
9. 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.
10. An APS employee must not make improper use of: 
    1. inside information; or
    2. 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.
11. 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.
12. An APS employee on duty overseas must at all times behave in a way that upholds the good reputation of Australia.
13. An APS employee must comply with any other conduct requirement that is prescribed by the regulations.

Public Service Regulations 1999

2.1 For the purposes of subsection 13(13) of the Act an APS employee must not, except in the course of his or her duties as an APS employee or with the Agency Heads express authority, give or disclose, directly or indirectly, to any person any information about public business or anything of which the employee has official knowledge.