I mpartial
The APS is apolitical and provides the 
Government with advice that is frank, honest, 
timely and based on the best available evidence.
C ommitted to service
The APS is professional, objective, innovative 
and efficient, and works collaboratively to 
achieve the best results for the Australian 
community and the Government.
A ccountable
The APS is open and accountable to the 
Australian community under the law and within 
the framework of Ministerial responsibility.
R espectful
The APS respects all people, including  
their rights and their heritage.
E thical
The APS demonstrates leadership,  
is trustworthy, and acts with integrity,  
in all that it does.
Ethics Advisory Service
www.apsc.gov.au/
Assisting APS employees  
integrity-aps 
with ethical issues 
xxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx   
02 6202 3737

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The Code of Conduct requires that an employee must:

behave honestly and with integrity in connection with  
APS employment

act with care and diligence in connection with APS 
employment

when acting in connection with APS employment, treat 
everyone with respect and courtesy, and without 
harassment

when acting in connection with APS employment, comply 
with all applicable Australian laws

comply with any lawful and reasonable direction given by 
someone in the employee’s Agency who has authority to 
give the direction

maintain appropriate confidentiality about dealings that 
the employee has with any Minister or Minister’s member 
of staff

take reasonable steps to avoid any conflict of interest  
(real or apparent) in connection with the employee’s APS 
employment, and disclose details of any material personal 
interest of the employee in connection with the employee’s 
APS employment

use Commonwealth resources in a proper manner and for 
a proper purpose

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

not improperly use inside information or the employee’s 
duties, status, power or authority:
   (a) to gain, or seek to gain, a benefit or an advantage for 
the employee or any other person; or 
   (b) to cause, or seek to cause, detriment to the employee’s 
Agency, the Commonwealth or any other person.

at all times behave in a way that upholds the APS Values 
and Employment Principles, and the integrity and good 
reputation of the employee’s Agency and the APS

while on duty overseas, at all times behave in a way that 
upholds the good reputation of Australia

comply with any other conduct requirement that is 
prescribed by the regulations.1
1
Regulation 2.1 imposes a duty on an APS employee not to disclose certain 
information without authority (ie information communicated in confidence or where 
disclosure could be prejudicial to the effective working of government). APS 
employees should familiarise themselves with the full text of PS Regulation 2.1.
The Code of Conduct is set out in section 13 of the  
Public Service Act 1999.
3379

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