Chapter 5: The Values and workplace relationships
› Review of employment actions
› Remuneration
› Workplace consultation
› Safe workplaces
› Key chapter findings
The Values, which provide the framework for effective workplace relationships in the APS, articulate an APS:
- where employment decisions are based on merit
- that provides eligible members of the Australian community with the opportunity to apply for APS employment
- that is free from discrimination and recognises and utilises the diversity of the Australian community it serves
- where workplace relations value communication, consultation, cooperation and input from employees on matters that affect their workplace
- that provides a fair, flexible, safe and rewarding workplace
- that focuses on achieving results and managing performance
- that promotes equity in employment
- that provides a fair system of review of decisions taken in respect of APS employees.
In examining the relationship between the Values and workplace relationships, this chapter draws on both employee perceptions and agency practices. The issues discussed include the application of merit in employment decisions, review mechanisms, the major developments in APS remuneration in 2004–05, consultative mechanisms adopted by agencies and, finally, data from Comcare is presented.
Other important aspects of workplace relationships in the APS—personal behaviour including bullying or harassment, diversity and leadership—are discussed in Chapter 6, ‘Personal Behaviour’, Chapter 9, ‘Workplace Diversity’ and Chapter 10, ‘Leadership, Learning and Development in the APS’.
