A message to all APS staff on respect, integrity and current world events

Colleagues

We have a unique role in Australia, serving the Government, the Parliament and the Australian people. Because of that role expectations of us are high, and rightly so.

It is not always easy to separate the personal from the professional. There are conflicts abroad and disagreements at home which offer disturbing images and invite strong responses. You may be seeing images in the media and feeling the impacts in your own family or community.

Our APS Values matter. They are our promise to the Australian people that we will be impartial, committed to service, accountable, respectful and ethical. Our values commit us to honesty and integrity in everything we do. When we join the public service we agree to abide by these values. We hope you embrace them with pride.

At work, the way we express personal, social or political views must not disrupt workplace harmony or politicise the work environment, and we must remain respectful to others. Outside of work, each of us has a right to personal, cultural and political expression, but our actions should still be mindful of the APS Values. We need to be cautious about how private actions could undermine public perception of what we do in our APS roles and on the integrity of the APS.

There is helpful information available through the APS Social Media Guidance and APS Values and Code of Conduct in Practice. Talk to your agency’s ethics officer, HR team or your manager if you would like to discuss these matters further. With a federal election ahead, and with the increased focus and scrutiny this inherently brings, it is particularly timely to ensure that we are demonstrating the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and dedication.

The vast majority of public servants honour our values every day. For that, we thank you. Your role matters a great deal and is valued by many.

If you need more support, talk to your manager or contact the Employee Assistance Program, or the following services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

• Beyond Blue – Call 1300 224 636, webchat, or search their forums
• Lifeline – Call 13 11 14, chat or text for crisis support
• 13YARN – Call 13 92 76 or www.13yarn.org.au, for crisis support for First Nations peoples

We thank you for the work you do every day to support the Government, the Parliament, and the lives of Australians.