Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet Glyn Davis has issued a clear warning to public servants to refrain from political commentary. Photo: University of Melbourne.
Commonwealth public servants have been told in no uncertain terms they are not to get involved in political commentary or activities, even outside of their working hours and particularly in the current turbulent and divisive times.
With conflicts abroad playing out on the streets of Australia and through vigorous social media campaigns – and influencing domestic political debate – the Federal Government has moved to make it clear that public servants are not to take part.
Reports of public servants being involved in political rallies and an increasing incidence of Commonwealth employees becoming more politically active on social media are weighing heavily on the government and the Australian Public Service hierarchy, concerned with perceptions about integrity and political biases.
The warning has come directly from the top of the APS, with a missive issued from the desks of the Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Glyn Davis, and APS Commissioner Gordon de Brouwer.
In their statement sent directly to all public servants, the bosses remind their workforce of the values they all must adhere to as public servants working for the Commonwealth of Australia.
“We have a unique role in Australia, serving the government, the parliament and the Australian people,” they said.
“Because of that role, expectations of us are high, and rightly so.
“It is not always easy to separate the personal from the professional. There are conflicts abroad and disagreements at home which offer disturbing images and invite strong responses.
“You may be seeing images in the media and feeling the impacts in your own family or community.
“Our APS Values matter. They are our promise to the Australian people that we will be impartial, committed to service, accountable, respectful and ethical.
“Our values commit us to honesty and integrity in everything we do. When we join the public service we agree to abide by these values. We hope you embrace them with pride.”
The direction then turns to out-of-hours activities out of concern APS employees could be taking part in political rallies or being overly active on social media.
The note is framed in the context of an impending federal election and offers advice on how to make sure public servants remain apolitical.
“At work, the way we express personal, social or political views must not disrupt workplace harmony or politicise the work environment, and we must remain respectful to others,” the missive states.
“Outside of work, each of us has a right to personal, cultural and political expression, but our actions should still be mindful of the APS Values.
“We need to be cautious about how private actions could undermine public perception of what we do in our APS roles and on the integrity of the APS.
“There is helpful information available through the APS Social Media Guidance and APS Values and Code of Conduct in Practice.
“Talk to your agency’s ethics officer, HR team or your manager if you would like to discuss these matters further.
“With a federal election ahead, and with the increased focus and scrutiny this inherently brings, it is particularly timely to ensure that we are demonstrating the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and dedication.”
The APS bosses commended those public servants who adhere to the code of conduct and keep the integrity of the APS in the forefront of their minds and activities.
“The vast majority of public servants honour our values every day. For that, we thank you,” they said.
“Your role matters a great deal and is valued by many … We thank you for the work you do every day to support the government, the parliament, and the lives of Australians.”
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