Policies and publications
Our policy documents and statutory instructions, as well as the reference material we rely on when conducting reviews or other functions.
Case studies of our review outcomes
We publish de-identified real life case studies of our reviewed cases. Employees, managers and decision makers are encouraged to have a look at these case studies to inform better practice decision making. The case studies are also a good insight into our work and how we reach our decisions.
Our statutory policies and instructions
Discretion to decline to review
When deciding to conduct a review of a decision, we have regard to a number of factors. When we use our discretion to not take any action we take into account the individual circumstances of each case and provide reasons for our decision.
The way we exercise this discretion is set out in our policy, which is also available in .pdf format:
Investigation procedures
Our procedures are developed in accordance with s 15(3) of the Public Service Act 1999 and s 15(3) of the Parliamentary Service Act 1999. These are the procedures we apply when engaged to conduct a workplace investigation into an alleged breach of the code of conduct. Agencies or departments may use these procedures as a guide on how to determine a breach and meet procedural fairness requirements.
We have investigation procedures for current and former APS employees, as well as current and former Parliamentary Service employees.
We also have these procedures in .pdf format:
Instructions for Promotion Review Committees
When a Promotion Review Committee is formed, the members of the committee must follow the instructions issued by the Merit Protection Commissioner. The instructions are reviewed regularly and set out the procedures, gives useful definitions and explain the obligations and responsibilities of the committee and its members.
The Merit Protection Commissioner has issued instructions relevant to both APS employees and Parliamentary Service employees.
We also have these Instructions in .pdf format:
Instructions for Independent Selection Advisory Committees
An independent selection committee can be formed to conduct a recruitment process on behalf of an agency or a department. The Merit Protection Commissioner sets out the instructions on how a committee is to operate and the procedures it is required to follow to reach a merits based recruitment decision. Recommendations from an independent selection committee are not subject to a promotion review.
The Merit Protection Commissioner has issued instructions relevant to both APS employees and Parliamentary Service employees.
We also have these Instructions in .pdf format:
Our operational policies
Privacy policy
Our privacy policy describes how we comply with the Privacy Act 1988 and explains the type of personal information we collect, how we use that information, and when and who it can be disclosed to.
We also have this policy in .pdf format.
Access to information
How you can access information we hold and how we proactively publish certain information under the Information Access Scheme.
Our policy explains how we will deal with a request for information the is held or owned by the MPC.
Feedback and complaints policy
How we handle and respond to complaints and feedback about us.
Our expectations and service standards
What you can expect from us, and what we expect from you.
Reference materials that we refer to in our work
When we make decisions about reviews, complaints or conduct investigations we apply the Code of Conduct, the Values and Employment Principles in accordance with the Public Service Act and Parliamentary Service Act.
The administration of our statutory functions is set out in the Public Service Regulations and Parliamentary Service Determination and the Australian Public Service Commissioner's Directions, and the Parliamentary Service Commissioner's Directions. We explain the details about our legislative framework.
The Australian Public Service Commission publishes helpful policy and practical guidance. The following are of particular importance and value: