The role of the agencies

An important purpose of the MPC’s audit function is to embed the application of merit in recruitment across the APS.

Importantly there is no requirement for an agency to place a promotion on hold. A merit pool, a ranked merit pool, or merit list that was created from the recruitment exercise can continue to be used during the audit process.

Agency application of merit 

We encourage agencies to refer to the APSC recruitment guidelines when planning for recruitment to understand how to make sure the process is merit based. We will produce a guide on what a good recruitment exercise needs to consider at a later date.

Respond to a notice of an audit

Once the MPC has selected a recruitment exercise to audit, the MPC will provide a notice to the responsible agency. The notice will include a request for information, with instructions on the MPC requirements for how to produce documents and timeframes to respond to the request.

Providing information to the MPC

An agency must provide the MPC with all the information required to conduct the audit of the selection exercise.

Agencies are asked to collate documentation, using the naming protocol and in a sequential order. This will assist the MPC to complete the audit in line with the timeframes.

If agencies have any questions about an MPC request for information, they can contact our review team review@mpc.gov.au