Own motion audits
The MPC can conduct an own motion audit review on an eligible selection exercise to determine if the process was merit based
Important note
An own motion audit can only be conducted on selection exercises that were advertised in the APS Gazette on or after 1 April 2025.
What is an own motion audit?
The own motion audit power means the MPC can decide to conduct an audit into a selection exercise without the need for a complaint or an application for review.
The MPC can conduct an audit review into a selection exercise at any stage of the process – including prior to a final selection decision being made.
It is a discretionary power and designed to give greater visibility of APS agencies’ compliance with the merit principle. It will provide an opportunity to educate and uplift recruitment capability and outcomes.
How will the MPC decide what to audit?
The MPC can audit selection exercises for APS 2 – 6 roles that have been advertised after 1 April 2025. A process can only be reviewed once.
The MPC will take a range of factors into account when deciding which selection exercises to audit.
The audit function allows the MPC to inspect those recruitment processes that would otherwise not be eligible for review. We will also use intelligence received from complaints and concerns raised with us, or through our other review work.
How an audit is conducted?
An audit will be conducted using the same tools and compliance checks as the review of a promotion decision.
An audit will review the entire selection process to determine it meets the:
- elements of the merit principle as defined in Section 10A Public Service Act 1999and
- requirements of a merit-based recruitment in the APS Commissioner’s Directions 2022
Learn about the outcomes of audit findings and recommendations