Output 1: APS policy, legislation and information

Output 1 is drawn from the Public Service Commissioner’s statutory role, listed in section 41 of the Public Service Act 1999 (PS Act 1999), to:

• evaluate the extent to which agencies incorporate and uphold the APS Values
• evaluate the adequacy of systems and procedures in agencies for ensuring compliance with the Code of Conduct
• promote the APS Values and the Code of Conduct
• develop, promote, review and evaluate APS employment policies and practices
• provide advice and assistance on public service matters to agencies on request.

Activities undertaken by the Commission which support Output 1 include:

• briefing the Government on APS policy and employment matters
• publication of the State of the Service series of reports
• managing the APS Employment Database and publishing advice on specific employment issues for use by agencies
• a detailed examination of how six APS agencies are embedding the APS Values and Code of Conduct
• briefing of overseas delegations and counterpart organisations.

Significant achievements for the Commission in 2002—03 were:

• MAC Organisational Renewal Report
• finalisation of the APS Values and Code of Conduct in Practice: A guide to official conduct for APS employees and Agency Heads
• promoting of Indigenous employment and career development including publication of Our Stories: Career profiles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in the Australian Public Service
• amendments to the Public Service Regulations and Commissioner’s Directions.

The total price for Output 1 is set out in Figure 3. Detailed explanation for the pricing information is given in the performance information tables at the end of this section.

Figure 3: Total Price for Output 1