Strategic priority five: upholding the integrity of the APS

In the 2019-20 Corporate Plan, the Commission describes how the principles of good public administration are at the heart of the public confidence in the way the APS exercises authority when meeting government objectives. The Commission committed to uphold the integrity of the APS by communicating what it means to be a public servant and to be vigilant in identifying and addressing integrity issues.

Under Strategic Priority Five, two focus areas illustrated the Commission’s work to uphold the integrity of the APS. The areas of focus included Integrity Advice and APS values.

Of the two targets set for 2019-20 one was achieved and one was partially achieved.

Performance Analysis

Integrity Advice

In this period, the APSC continued to deliver advice and guidance on ethical matters in the APS through provision of the Ethics Advisory Service. Levels of use of this service were consistent with the previous financial year.

New Guidance was released in October 2019 in relation to declaration of gifts and benefits received by agency heads, and a specialised inbox established to provide advice on this Guidance. This inbox was well-utilised by agencies seeking specific advice on implementation of the reporting requirements under the new Guidance.

The APS Commissioner continued his role of chairing the Integrity Agencies Group (IAG), an agency-head-level forum that leads coordination, enhancement and promotion of institutional integrity in the APS. In December 2019, the IAG settled new Terms of Reference and governance arrangements, published on the public-facing APSC website. The new governance arrangements include publication on the APSC website of key outcomes of each IAG meeting. The IAG also welcomed a new member in December 2019, with the Human Rights Commissioner joining this forum.

APS Values

As the APS Census was not completed within usual timeframes in light of COVID-19, Census evaluation data is not available. However, the number and nature of inquiries raised through the Ethics Advisory Service remained consistent with previous years. Additionally, commentary through wide consultation indicates that professional obligations with respect to APS Values are understood. As part of the APSC’s implementation of government commitments to reinforce APS integrity, the APSC met with all Secretaries, a number of Agency Heads, senior officials and APS staff to discuss integrity in their agencies and in the APS generally. These consultations indicated that levels of compliance with the Code of Conduct remain high across the service, and that understanding of the role of pro-integrity culture is increasing.

Performance Summary