Applying for a review

Important note

This page has information about the promotion decision for vacancies advertised in the Australian Public Service Gazette after 1 April 2025. 

From 1 April 2025 until late 2026, the MPC will be operating concurrent review of promotion decision processes. This period of time covers how long a merit pool can remain active. 

If you are looking to lodge a review for a vacancy advertised before 1 April 2025, please see how to apply.

Eligibility criteria

An application needs to meet a set of eligibility criteria to proceed to a review.

Applications must be made within 14 days from the date of the promotion outcome notice in the APS Gazette.

To be eligible to seek a review you must:

• be an ongoing APS or Parliamentary Service employee
• be employed at APS 1 – 5 (or equivalent)
• have applied for a promotion to an ongoing role at a higher classification
• have applied for a review within 14 days from the date of the outcome notice in the APS Gazette (unless there are exceptional circumstances for the delay)

An applicant must have reasons to believe the selection process was not compliant with the merit principle or the specific requirements in the Commissioner’s Directions on what a merit-based recruitment looks like.

Further information on merit-based recruitment can be found in the APSC guidance.

The entitlement to seek a review under this part of the scheme is not available to Executive Level 1 - 2. 

What type of promotion decisions can be reviewed?

An eligible promotion decision must be:   

• for an ongoing APS 2 – 6 level position (or equivalent)
• to an ongoing APS or Parliamentary Service employee has been promoted to a higher classification
• and where the promotion decision has been published in the APS Gazette and
• has not previously been subject to a review.

How to apply

The application form is your opportunity to explain what your concerns are. It is not necessary to refer to the sections of the legislation – rather we ask you to provide all the relevant details and information (such as dates, names, agency details) to explain your concern and why you think the process was not merit based.

Please also indicate if you have other supporting evidence or information.

You can contact us if you need help to make your application.

Apply here