Code of Conduct inquiry by the Merit Protection Commissioner: information for current and former employees
Your agency head (or former agency head) has asked the Merit Protection Commissioner to inquire into and determine whether you have breached the APS Code of Conduct.
The Merit Protection Commissioner can only conduct the inquiry with your consent.
If you don't give consent, your agency can still conduct its own inquiry under their procedures.
The Merit Protection Commissioner can't review her own decision about whether or not you have breached the Code of Conduct. You can still seek external review of the decision.
The inquiry will be conducted by an inquiry officer. The Merit Protection Commissioner makes a decision based on their report.
The inquiry will be conducted consistent with these published procedures.
The Merit Protection Commissioner (or delegate) makes a binding decision on whether or not there has been a breach of the Code of Conduct only. Any decision on sanction is made by the agency.
A Merit Protection Commissioner decision cannot be appealed under the Public Service Act. There are external review options.
More information on the Code of Conduct inquiry service is available.
Code of Conduct inquiries by the Merit Protection Commissioner: information for agencies
One important reason is the confidence that impartial, credible experts bring to the inquiry.
A skilled and experienced inquiry officer is appointed to conduct the inquiry.
The inquiry is conducted by skilled and senior officers supported by subject matter experts.
No procurement process is required.
The main role of the agency is to promptly provide details of the suspected breach, policy information and contact details.
The inquiry will be conducted consistent with published procedures.
The Merit Protection Commissioner (or delegate) considers only decides whether or not the person has breached the Code of Conduct.
A Merit Protection Commissioner (or delegate) decision cannot be appealed under the Public Service Act. There are external review options.
More information on the Code of Conduct inquiry service is available.