The ABC has a warning for public servants:
The annual State of the Service Report emphasises the need to build and maintain public trust in the impartiality and integrity of the APS and individual public servants.
In discussing the findings, Commissioner Stephen Sedgwick says it follows the discussion about the capacity of public servants to engage in public debate.
Mr Sedgwick is urging staff to be prudent in expression, particularly in the lead-up to caretaker mode.
“We have to be confident that we can convince governments and alternative governments that we can serve them faithfully and honestly regardless of whether their view aligns with ours personally,” he said.