The APS Code of Conduct and values are set out in the Public Service Act 1999. The Code sets out the conduct expected of public servants and obliges all employees to uphold the APS values. The values establish the framework in which the public service operates, underpinning relationships and behaviour.
The Secretary of Defence has established procedures under the Act for determining breaches of the code. The procedures are set out in the Defence Workplace Relations Manual.
The procedures reflect the Public Service Commissioner's directions that the process is to be carried out with as little formality and as much expedition as possible, the decision maker is independent and unbiased, and provides for information to be provided to the employee.
During 2005–06, Defence finalised investigations of suspected breaches of the Code of Conduct against 96 employees. An employee may be suspected of more than one breach and the total number of suspected breaches was 327. Of the 96 employees investigated, 73 were found to have breached at least one element of the Code and 94 sanctions were imposed. Employment was terminated in 11 cases and a financial penalty was applied in 35 cases. The remaining sanctions involved formal reprimands, warnings and counselling.