News and information

What's new

We are pleased to introduce the MPC Guidance for APS agencies on building an effective system of review. 

As an APS agency, your review policy and procedures must be consistent with the Employment Principles as set out in the Public Service Act 1999 and the requirements of the Public Service Regulations 2023. Within that legislative framework, our Guidance can assist in creating a policy and procedure to suit your agency’s size, organisational structure and type of service delivery. 

Working within that legislative framework, your policy can be tailored to suit your agency’s size, organisational structure and type of service delivery. It should be a useful and practical guide on how to respond to a range of workplace decisions. 

The Guidance is in three parts: Principles, Policy and Practice. We highlight the key principles that underpin an effective system of review, provide instructions on how to draft a policy that takes an strategic approach to managing reviews, and gives practical advice and guidance that walks through each step of the review process.

If you have any feedback on the Guidance including any suggestions for improvement, please email us at feedback@mpc.gov.au 

Webinars

The Merit Protection Commissioner Jamie Lowe speaks to the host David Pembroke in this episode of Work with Purpose about how fairness, transparency and integrity are upheld across the APS.

Explainer video: how workplace decisions are reviewed

Presentations

Presentation slides on changes to how promotion decisions will be reviewed for roles advertised after 1 April 2025 

• MPC - Changes to promotion reviews 11 June 2025.pdf (PDF - 2.59 MB)

Media Articles

Merit Matters The Mandarin  Linda Waugh, Merit Protection Commissioner sat down with The Mandarin's Melissa Coade to discuss the importance of merit in the Australian Public Service. *News article behind paywall. 

Workplace disputes: Five essential steps to conduct a fair merits review  A useful and informative guide from the Merit Protection Commissioner on managing workplace disputes for HR practitioners and review officers. 

New merit webinars to guide entitlements - PS News The Merit Protection Commissioner has launched a new website along with webinars and educational resources for the benefit of the APS and Parliamentary Service employees. 

Under performance in the Public Sector is difficult and painful - The Mandarin Linda Waugh was interviewed by Verona Burgess from The Mandarin about her observations on managing under-performance in the APS, during her time as Merit Protection Commissioner. *News article behind paywall.

Media enquiries

All media enquiries via email to media@mpc.gov.au. Please include your contact details, including your phone number and the deadline.

For other general enquiries, find out how to contact us.