What we do with your application
All applications for review are assessed to determine if they are eligible
When we receive an application, we conduct an initial assessment to determine whether it has met the eligibility requirements. The agency who conducted the recruitment process is notified and must put a hold on promotion and any merit pool, ranked merit pool or merit list.
Sometimes we may need to contact the applicant to ask more questions or seek clarification.
Expected timeframes for assessment
| Timeframes from receipt of application | Steps in assessment | Details |
| 2 business days | Receive and record application | An application is received by the MPC. Application is recorded and allocated a reference number. |
| 3 business days | Notice sent to applicant | This notice includes reference number, information about the review process, timeframes, and what will happen next. |
| 4 business days | Eligibility | Determine if application is eligible for review. If not eligible, applicant is advised. The matter is closed. |
| 5 business days | Determine if reviewable | The MPC has a discretion to not to conduct a review under certain circumstances. |
MPC has a discretion not to review a promotion decision
The reasons the MPC can decide to not review a promotion decision are similar to the reasons we may not review other workplace decisions. The same rules and principles apply.
The MPC carefully considers the reasons provided by the applicant on why they believe the selection process was not merit-based. We may make contact and ask for more information or evidence in support of the claim.
The MPC may decide that an applicant is not entitled to a review of the decision if
- the application is misconceived, lacking in substance, frivolous or vexatious
- the applicant has previously applied for a review of the same decision or selection process
- the MPC considers that in all the circumstances a review of the decision is not justified
This is a broad discretion and allows the MPC to consider a range of factors including whether the issue raised is negligible or minor – that is it would not, if found to be true, warrant any action to be taken. Another reason may be where a potential outcome has been overtaken by events (for example, a code of conduct process was initiated and/or the promotion did not proceed).
When the MPC decides to use this discretion, the applicant will be provided with reasons for the decision.