Australia Test 1
5 min40 WPM required294 words
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The Australian Public Service Commission is the central human resources agency of the Australian Government, responsible for setting the employment framework, professional standards, and values that guide the conduct, performance, and integrity of the approximately one hundred and eighty thousand people employed across the Australian Public Service in over one hundred and eighty agencies, departments, and statutory bodies. The APS Values, which are statutory values set out in the Public Service Act 1999 and binding on all APS employees, include being committed to service by placing the public interest above personal interests and serving the Australian Government and the Australian public, being ethical by acting with integrity, honesty, and consistency, being respectful by valuing diversity and treating all people with dignity and professionalism regardless of their background or circumstances, being accountable by taking responsibility for actions and decisions, and being impartial by providing advice that is frank, honest, timely, and based on evidence rather than on political considerations. All APS employees from the most junior administrative staff at the APS 1 classification through to Senior Executive Service Band 3 officers are expected to understand, internalise, and demonstrate these values in every aspect of their daily work, whether they are processing citizen applications, drafting ministerial correspondence, managing financial systems, or providing policy advice to senior officials and ministers. The APS Code of Conduct prescribes the specific standards of behaviour required of all employees, and breaches of the Code can result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Employment and promotion decisions throughout the APS must be based on the merit of candidates assessed against the requirements of the position, ensuring that the most suitable people are selected through transparent, fair, and consistent processes that are free from political patronage and personal favouritism.