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Publications
The APS Commission issues a range of information covering a wide range of HR issues. The following books, brochures and forms are current under the Public Service Act 1999 unless otherwise indicated.
The information in individual publications may have been amended or updated by subsequent publications or circulars. A full list of current operative publications and circulars can be found on our employment policy and advice page.
Search by subject
A list of current operative publications and circulars — listed by subject matter heading — can be found on our employment policy and advice page.
Ordering APS Commission publications
Where possible publications are available in hard copy from our online orders website https://apsc.infoservices.com.au.
Latest releases
Ethics Advisory Service
The Ethics Advisory Service is available to all Australian Public Service (APS) employees who want advice on ethical issues in the workplace and on how to make sound decisions around these issues. We provide guidance on how to apply the APS Values and Code of Conduct and strategies and techniques for ethical decision-making in the APS.
Contemporary Government Challenges: Delivering performance and accountability
This paper examines how the current accountability and
performance management arrangements are dealing with new modes of policy
implementation.
Current releases
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I, J, K | L | M | N | O | P, Q | R | S | T, U | V | W, X, Y, Z |
| Publication | Download | Hard copy |
|---|---|---|
| A | ||
| A History in Three Acts Evolution of the Public Service Act 1999 |
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Online only |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander APS Employees Census Report The Census Report provides information on the employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the APS. |
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| Ability at work: Tapping the talent of people with disability Assists APS managers and employees with their understanding of disability in the workplace. A summary guide for senior managers is also available. |
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 Online order |
| Ability at Work: A Good Practice Guide - Working better together Aims to provide assistance to disability support providers and others involved in supporting employment of people with disability. |
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Online order |
| Agency Head selection (see Merit and transparency: Merit-based selection of APS agency heads and statutory office holders) | ||
| Agency Health: Monitoring agency health and improving performance Identifies key indicators of corporate health in a range of governance-related areas. It also identifies some indicators of particular relevance to the public sector, and looks at strategies for agencies to use in assessing their corporate health. |
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Online order |
| Annual Reports and corporate publications Publications that explain our role and services or Parliamentary reports outlining achievements against performance measures. |
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| Annual Report 2007–08 Outlines the achievements and state of the organisation during the financial year. Includes Commission use of consultants. |
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Online order |
Application for review of promotion decision form
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Online only | |
| APS agencies Lists the current APS agencies. |
Online only | |
| APS Employment and Capability Strategy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employees | Online only | |
| APS Induction programme Developed to ensure that new starters are equipped with a broad understanding of the Australian Government and the roles and responsibilities of the APS. |
Online only |
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| APS Statistical Bulletin and State of the Service Report reports by the Public Service Commissioner on the state of the APS during the financial year |
Online order |
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APS Values and Code of Conduct in Practice: Guide to official conduct for APS employees and Agency Heads |
Online only |
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APS Values and Code of Conduct in Practice: a Guide to Official Conduct for APS Employees and Agency Heads (quad fold) |
Online only | |
| APS Values and Code of Conduct bookmarks The bookmarks have the APS Values printed on one side and the APS Code of Conduct printed on the other side. They are available free of charge in packs of 100 |
p 1300 889 873 | |
| (The) Australian experience of public sector reform The Profile provides an overview of the Australian government and public administration framework. |
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Online order |
| Australian Government use of information and communication technology Available from the Management Advisory Committee page |
Online order |
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| Australian Public Service Commission Collective Agreement Employment conditions in the Commission |
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Online only |
| Australian Public Service Commission Corporate Plan Future directions and goals for the Commission. |
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Online only |
| B | ||
| Being Professional in the APS—Values Resources for Facilitators The Kit has been designed to assist facilitators in delivering training sessions on the APS Values and Code of Conduct. It is the first comprehensive package of materials to address situations specific to the APS and includes session plans, case scenarios and other activities designed to highlight ethical dilemmas. |
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| Better, Faster: streamlining recruitment in the APS The approach in this booklet can be used for individual or bulk recruitment processes to accurately analyse, diagnose, define and implement meaningful enhancements to recruitment. |
 Email ordercharges may apply |
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| Building an Indigenous employment strategy kit The Commission has released an Indigenous Employment Strategy kit to assist agencies in building their own Indigenous employment strategy. The kit is available online along with a list of resources and Menu of actions. |
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Online only |
| Building Better Governance The challenge for public servants is understanding the full responsibilities of good governance. This publication provides practical, directly relevant and common sense examples about what agencies are actually doing. Please note that this publication has been amended to reflect that Stephen Bartos is the author of Public Sector Governance—Australia |
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Online order |
| Building business capability through workforce planning Enables you to make the critical decisions and identify the key strategies that will assist your agency to deliver business outcomes. |
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| Building capability: A framework for managing learning and development in the APS Draws on the experiences of the ANAO audit of learning and development, the Management Advisory Committee study of organisational renewal, as well as international and private sector trends. A summary is also available. |
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Out of stock |
| Building corporate capability: The APS in transition Identifies if significant common themes exist across the APS and, where common themes do exist, identify what might be the 'next steps' for agencies. |
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Out of stock |
| C | ||
Census Report: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander APS Employees |
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Online order |
| Certification of assessment process form from Senior Executive Service |
Online only | |
| Certification of SES selection exercise form from Senior Executive Service |
Online only | |
| Changing behaviour: A public policy perspective Deals with the challenge of how democratic governments can most effectively influence the behaviour of their citizens. |
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Online order |
| Circulars and advices APS Commission circulars and advices from 1996 to the present |
Online only | |
| Citizenship in the Australian Public Service Covers what APS agency heads and staff need to know when employing non-Australian citizens as APS employees or when imposing citizenship as a condition of engagement. Note: This publication replaces Chapter 3 of Conditions of engagement |
Online only | |
| Code of Conduct bookmarks The bookmarks have the APS Values printed on one side and the APS Code of Conduct printed on the other side. They are available free of charge in packs of 100 |
p 1300 889 873 | |
| Conditions of engagement Covers the conditions of engagement that may be imposed, excluding probation, when engaging APS employees Note: Chapter 3 of this publication has been replaced by Citizenship in the Australian Public Service |
Online order |
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| Connecting Government: Whole of Government responses to Australia's priority challenges) Available from the Management Advisory Committee page |
Online order |
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| Corporate publications Publications that explain our role and services or Parliamentary reports outlining achievements against performance measures. |
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| Cracking the Code: How to apply for jobs in the Australian Public Service A series of fact sheets with information and tips to help you understand who we are and what we do, what types of jobs are available in the APS and where to find them and how to apply for jobs and address selection criteria. |
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Online only |
| Country profile (The Australian experience of public sector reform) An overview of the Australian government and public administration framework |
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Out of stock |
| D | ||
| Delegations provides information about the delegation of powers and functions within the APS environment. |
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Online order |
| Delivering performance and accountability examines how the current accountability and performance management arrangements are dealing with new modes of policy implementation. |
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| Developing a service charter for policy functions Guidelines on developing service charters |
Out of stock | |
| Developing leadership intended to assist in the promotion of a broader understanding of leadership development issues in the public sector. It seeks to provide readers with a snapshot of current leadership development programs and other initiatives in a variety of APS agencies. |
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| E | ||
Ethics Advisory Service website |
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Embedding the APS Values – Framework and checklist (Tri-fold) |
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| Employment of people with disability in the APS Available from the Management Advisory Committee page |
Online order |
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| Ensuring Leadership Continuity in the Australian Public Service: A guide to succession management Succession planning is about ensuring the ongoing success of agencies and the APS. |
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Email order charges may apply |
| Evaluating learning and development (2005) (web resources) The guide provides practical support and guidance for human resource and learning and development practitioners to effectively evaluate their agency's learning and development. |
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Email order |
| Example clauses relating to management of unsatisfactory performance A set of clauses relating to the assessment and determination of unsatisfactory performance |
Online only | |
| F | ||
| Fostering an attendance culture Supporting employees with genuine illness and caring responsibilities underpins the APS as a model employer. However, absenteeism is a significant issue that has the potential to reduce productivity and damage the credibility of the APS. A summary version is also available. |
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| Foundations of Governance in the APS Foundations is designed to assist agency heads meet their obligations and responsibilities and covers a wide range of agency head responsibilities. |
Online only | |
| G | ||
| Get it right - a recruitment kit for managers Get it Right has been designed specifically to assist APS line managers achieve quality recruitment and selection decisions. |
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| Getting a job in the APS The Australian Government is looking for more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to work in the APS. Getting a job in the Australian Public Service aims to help you apply for and get jobs in the APS. |
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Online order |
| Guidelines on the involvement of public servants in public information and awareness initiatives Guidelines setting out the ethical concerns that need to be considered when public servants, including agency heads, become involved in helping to explain and implement Government policies and programmes. |
Online only | |
| Guidelines on Workplace Diversity information on workplace diversity in the APS |
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Out of stock |
| H | ||
| Handling Misconduct A human resources practitioner’s guide to the reporting and handling of suspected and determined breaches of the APS Code of Conduct This good practice guide has been developed to assist human resource practitioners in agencies to review and improve their guidance material and procedures for reporting and dealing with suspected breaches of the Code. A summary guide is also available in PDF. |
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| Human Resource Capability Model sets out the skills required of highly effective human resource people in the APS. |
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Online order |
| I, J, K | ||
| Implementing Machinery of Government Changes: A good practice guide This publication has been designed to provide practical guidance to help agencies implement machinery of government changes |
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Out of stock |
Implementing organisational renewal: Mature aged workers in the APS
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Online order |
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| In whose interest? Available from the Ethics Advisory Services website |
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| Independent Selection Advisory Committees (MPC) information on selection committee services available from the Commission — Application form |
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Online only |
| Integrated Leadership System The ILS provides capability development guidance for individuals and agencies in the form of descriptions and behaviours. It contains practical tools for individuals and agencies to chart leadership development. |
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| L | ||
| Leading productive people Leading Productive People has been developed to help new APS managers build their people management skills. It identifies the essential steps and best approaches that managers can take to build the productivity and effectiveness of their people. |
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Email order charges may apply |
| Learning and development evaluation guide (web resources) Provides practical support and guidance for human resource and learning and development practitioners to effectively evaluate their agency's learning and development. |
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Online only |
| Legislation Links to legislation related to our functions are available on our legislation page |
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| Lifting and raising of the Marriage Bar Produced with the Office for Women this booklet provides snapshots of the historical events and changes that have affected women in the APS. |
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Online only |
| Looking Back... Looking Forward The anniversary of the 1967 referendum has given the Commission the opportunity to recognise the contribution of Indigenous Australians to the APS over the last century. |
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Out of stock |
| M | ||
| Make It Count: Strategies to recruit accountants into the APS The Commission has been working with agencies to identify and overcome perceived barriers to recruiting accountants into the APS. |
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Managing and sustaining the APS workforce) |
Online order |
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| Managing succession within the APS managing the succession planning process to ensure the organisation's future capability |
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Out of stock |
| Management Advisory Committee documents from the Management Advisory Committee (MAC)
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Online order |
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Media and speeches |
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| Merit and transparency: Merit-based selection of APS agency heads and statutory office holders The Australian Government has introduced a policy implementing transparent and merit-based assessment in the selection of most APS agency heads and other statutory offices working in, or in conjunction with, APS agencies. |
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| Misconduct: A human resources practitioner’s guide to the reporting and handling of suspected and determined breaches of the APS Code of Conduct (see Handling Misconduct A human resources practitioner’s guide to the reporting and handling of suspected and determined breaches of the APS Code of Conduct) |
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| N | ||
| New Apprenticeships: Consider the possibilities — Supplementary Advice: Temporary Employment Provisions of the Public Service Act (1922) information on the apprenticeships scheme |
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Online order |
| Not just a job: Jobs for Indigenous Australians in the Australian Public Service Working in the APS is not just a job. It can be a journey of learning, growing, challenges, achievement, rewards and satisfaction and a way to contribute to the community and influence change |
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Online order |
| Note for file: Recordkeeping in the APS Available from the Management Advisory Committee page |
Online order |
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| O | ||
| Ongoing employment – Recruitment and related issues Provides general advice on non-SES, ongoing recruitment and selection issues. |
Online order |
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| One APS - One SES Available from the Management Advisory Committee page |
Online order |
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| Organisational renewa) Available from the Management Advisory Committee page |
Online order |
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Outsourcing — Human resource management issues (2002) |
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Out of stock |
| P, Q | ||
| Parliament – Master of its own Household? | |
Online order |
| Parliamentary reports Parliamentary reports outlining achievements against performance measures. |
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| Performance management (employment policy and advice) go to the employment policy and advice page for current publications, circulars and good practice advice |
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| Performance management in the APS: A strategic framework Available from the Management Advisory Committee page |
Online order |
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| Performance Management This booklet provides advice and guidance on performance management. It sets out the basic requirements of the legislation and policy framework which agencies must observe and around which they should establish appropriate agency-specific performance management arrangements. |
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Online order |
| Probation The booklet provides Agency Heads, and agency staff, with advice on matters that should be considered in relation to engaging an employee on probation. |
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Out of stock |
| Promotion Review Committee registration form Register of APS employees available to serve as nominees to Promotion Review Committees and Independent Selection Advisory Committees |
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Online only |
| Public Service Act and other legislation Links to legislation related to our functions are available on our legislation page |
Online order (PS Act) |
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| Public Service Commissioner's Annual Report outlines the achievements and state of the organisation during the financial year. Includes Commission use of consultants |
Online order |
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| Public Service Commissioner's Directions Links to the Directctions are available on our legislation page |
Online only | |
| Public Service Commissioner's Directions (extract) Chapter 2 of the Commissioner's Directions provides further information and clarification on each of the APS Values |
Online only | |
| R | ||
| Recruitment: Do you measure up?) In its audit report Management of Recruitment in the APS, the Australian National Audit Office assessed whether the recruitment processes of APS agencies assisted in providing the workforce capability to deliver government programs effectively. This document complements the report and the Commission’s suite of better practice recruitment advice by drawing out a range of key recruitment metrics. |
Online only | |
| Recruitment of Indigenous Australians in the Australian Public Service Covers the legal framework that applies to the recruitment and development of Indigenous Australians, as well as providing ideas regarding strategies that agencies might adopt and develop |
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Online only |
| Reducing red tape in the APS Available from the Management Advisory Committee page |
Online order |
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| Reinvigorating the Westminster tradition Available from the Ethics Advisory Services website |
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| Respect: Promoting a culture free from harassment and bullying in the APS Available from the Ethics Advisory Services website |
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Review (by the Parliamentary Service Commissioner) of Aspects of the Administration of the Parliament |
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Online only |
| Review of employment-related actions (MPC) information on the review of employment-related decisions |
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Online only |
Review of promotion decisions (MPC)
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Online only |
| Role of the Merit Protection Commissioner The Merit Protection Commissioner is an independent statutory office holder appointed by the Governor- General in Council on the advice of the Public Service Minister. |
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| (The) Role of the Public Service Commissioner’s representative in Senior Executive Service selection exercises This page outlines the role of the Public Service Commissioner’s representative in selection exercises for SES duties. |
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Online only |
| S | ||
| Senior Executive Leadership Capability Framework framework outlining SES leadership expectations |
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| Senior Executive Service outlines procedural requirements relating to SES selection, engagement, promotion, retirement and termination |
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Online order |
| Senior Executive Service movements and advertising form Notification form (SES Form 1) |
Online only | |
| Senior Executive Service declaration of personal interests revised information on statements of registration of interests |
Online only | |
| Serving the Nation: 100 years of Public Service A history of the Public Service in Australia |
Online order |
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| Sharpening the focus: Managing performance in the APS This guide has been prepared to assist agencies to reflect upon, review and refine their performance management approaches and systems. |
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Speeches and media releases |
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| State of the Service Report, State of the Service — Workplace Diversity Report and APS Statistical Bulletin reports by the Public Service Commissioner on the state of the APS during the financial year |
Online order |
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| Statutory Office holder selection (see Merit and transparency: Merit-based selection of APS agency heads and statutory office holders) | ||
| Supporting Ministers, Upholding the Values Examines good practice principles associated with establishing the roles and responsibilities that define interactions between public servants and Ministers and their advisers. |
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Online order |
| T, U | ||
| Tackling Wicked Problems : A public policy perspective The term ‘wicked’ in this context is used as an issue highly resistant to resolution. The publication aims to stimulate debate around what is needed for the successful tackling of wicked problems. |
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Online order |
| Termination of employment Advice on matters that should be considered in relation to termination of employment decisions. It sets out the basic obligations which agencies must observe, and around which they should establish appropriate arrangements. |
Out of stock | |
| Turned Up and Tuned In A practical resource for managers. It is designed to complement your agency’s policies and procedures |
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| V | ||
| Values in the Australian Public Service advice on how the APS Values might be applied in the workplace. A full set of documents related to the APS Values is available on our Values in the APS page. |
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Out of stock |
| W, X, Y, Z | ||
| Workforce ageing: Materials for Human Resource practitioners in the APS see Implementing organisational renewal for related publications |
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| Working together: Principles and practices to guide the Australian Public Service Available from the Management Advisory Committee page |
Online order |
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| Working with you about the Commission, our organisation and the services we provide |
Online order |
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| Workplace Diversity Report Now part of the State of the Service report - report on the state of the APS during the financial year |
Online order |
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