How reviews are conducted

This page only applies to reviews of promotion decisions advertised from 1 April 2025.

We commit to conducting our reviews in accordance with our expectation and service standards.

Entire selection process

The MPC review the selection process to determine if it has complied with:

• each element of the merit principle as defined in Section 10A of the Public Service Act 1999
• all the requirements of a merit-based recruitment in the APS Commissioner’s Directions 2022

A review is an opportunity to carefully look at each stage of the process from the make-up of the recruitment panel through to the signing of the selection report.

It may be conducted on the papers provided by the Agency only. This means we may not need to speak with anyone as we have enough information to complete the review.

We do not investigate alleged misconduct in a recruitment exercise. If we identify conduct which may be in breach of the APS Code of Conduct, we will refer that back to the Agency for its action.

Who conducts the review

The MPC appoints a suitable qualified staff member to assist them to conduct the review. The reviewer will be an experienced APS employee, who has the necessary skills and qualities to perform the review.

What information can the reviewer consider?

A reviewer is limited to considering all the information that was known to the agency at the time of the selection process.

There is no requirement for candidates to submit any additional information to the reviewer. In fact, the reviewer is not permitted to consider any new submissions or evidence from any person.

A reviewer will look to see if:

• the recruitment panel is qualified and suitable
• all potential conflicts of interest are declared and managed
• applicants are treated fairly and assessed against the same criteria
• the assessment tasks are fair and relevant to the role
• the selection report has clear evidence-based reasons for decisions
• the delegate has the authority to make the decision

A review will be completed within the timeframes set out in our guidance. For larger and more complex the selection process, longer time frames will apply.

Once we have completed our review, there is no further right of review with the MPC under the Public Service Act 1999. However, you can apply to the Federal Court for judicial review.

If you are concerned that we have made a jurisdictional error in our review outcome, you can contact us to discuss your concern at feedback@mpc.gov.au