News and information
Find the latest news from the Merit Protection Commissioner.
What's new
As a modern regulator we regularly review our policy and practices. We take feedback from agencies and applicants into account. As a result, we have recently updated our Privacy Collection Notice and changed our practice to share applications for review with agencies. Click on each of the headings below for more information, the reasons why and advice on what has changed.
Changes to practice
Notice to applicants: sharing of application with agency
Review of Actions under the Public Service Regulations 2023 or Parliamentary Service Determination 2024
We will share a copy of your application and any supporting documentation with your employing agency. We do this to ensure a fair and thorough review.
Why your information is shared
- Natural justice: Your agency must be given the opportunity to respond to the claims made in your application. Section 47 of the Public Service Regulations 2023 and section 91 of the Parliamentary Service Determination say review procedures must have due regard to procedural fairness for all parties.
- Information gathering: Your agency needs to provide relevant workplace records, files and statements to the MPC so we can undertake the review.
- Resolution: Sharing information allows both parties to clarify the facts and may help you both to work toward an informed outcome.
If you have concerns about specific sensitive information being shared with your agency, you must contact this office on 02 8239 5330 to discuss your options before the review process begins. This may include redacting parts of your application.
Privacy - Collection Notice
Personal Information
When you lodge an application for review or a complaint about your final entitlements, we collect, use and lawfully disclose your information, including personal information in line with our Privacy Policy. We will use and disclose the personal information we collect about you to exercise the MPC’s functions or powers under the Public Service Act 1999 and the Public Service Regulations 2023 or the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 and the Parliamentary Service Determination 2024 to undertake the review or investigate your complaint about final entitlements.
Sensitive Information
Sometimes we may need to collect sensitive information about you because the sensitive information is reasonably necessary for or directly related to the review you seek or complaint made under the Public Service Act 1999, the Public Service Regulations 2023 or the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 and the Parliamentary Service Determination 2024 and the MPC's exercise of her functions or powers. By completing the application form you are providing your consent within the meaning of section 6 of the Privacy Act 1988 to the MPC to collect sensitive information about you.
MPC Guidance for APS agencies on building an effective system of review
We are pleased to introduce the MPC Guidance for APS agencies on building an effective system of review.
As an APS agency, your review policy and procedures must be consistent with the Employment Principles as set out in the Public Service Act 1999 and the requirements of the Public Service Regulations 2023. Within that legislative framework, our Guidance can assist in creating a policy and procedure to suit your agency’s size, organisational structure and type of service delivery.
Working within that legislative framework, your policy can be tailored to suit your agency’s size, organisational structure and type of service delivery. It should be a useful and practical guide on how to respond to a range of workplace decisions.
The Guidance is in three parts: Principles, Policy and Practice. We highlight the key principles that underpin an effective system of review, provide instructions on how to draft a policy that takes an strategic approach to managing reviews, and gives practical advice and guidance that walks through each step of the review process.
If you have any feedback on the Guidance including any suggestions for improvement, please email us at feedback@mpc.gov.au
Webinars
Upcoming Webinars
Wednesday, 22 July, 10:30 am - 11.30 am
How to conduct a Review of Action
Join us for an insightful webinar on “How to Conduct a Review of Action”, designed to empower APS reviewers with the knowledge and techniques needed to conduct a valid, fair and well-considered Review of Action. In this session, our expert speakers will guide you through the fundamental legislative requirements, practical steps of conducting a review, and where to get further guidance. Learn now reviews can identify capability gaps, enhance accountability, and provide actionable insights that strengthen decision making at both individual and organisational levels.
To register for this webinar, please click on this link Webinar registration page - How to Conduct a Review of Action
Tuesday, 28 July, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Assessing Review of Action Eligibility
Boost your professional expertise by joining our webinar "Assessing Review of Action Eligibility". This session is designed to provide APS reviewers with practical guidance on determining whether an action is reviewable under Section 33 of the Public Service Act 1999 and the Public Service Regulations 2023. This webinar equips attendees to make informed and consistent eligibility determinations, enhancing transparency, accountability, and fairness in the workplace review processes.
To register for this webinar, please click on this link Webinar registration page - Assessing Review of Action Eligibility
Past Webinars
The Merit Protection Commissioner Jamie Lowe speaks to the host David Pembroke in this episode of Work with Purpose about how fairness, transparency and integrity are upheld across the APS.
Explainer video: how workplace decisions are reviewed
Presentations
Presentation slides on changes to how promotion decisions will be reviewed for roles advertised after 1 April 2025
- MPC - Changes to promotion reviews 11 June 2025.pdf (PDF - 2.59 MB)
Media Articles
Merit Matters The Mandarin Linda Waugh, Merit Protection Commissioner sat down with The Mandarin's Melissa Coade to discuss the importance of merit in the Australian Public Service. *News article behind paywall.
Workplace disputes: Five essential steps to conduct a fair merits review A useful and informative guide from the Merit Protection Commissioner on managing workplace disputes for HR practitioners and review officers.
New merit webinars to guide entitlements - PS News The Merit Protection Commissioner has launched a new website along with webinars and educational resources for the benefit of the APS and Parliamentary Service employees.
Under performance in the Public Sector is difficult and painful - The Mandarin Linda Waugh was interviewed by Verona Burgess from The Mandarin about her observations on managing under-performance in the APS, during her time as Merit Protection Commissioner. *News article behind paywall.
Media enquiries
All media enquiries via email to media@mpc.gov.au. Please include your contact details, including your phone number and the deadline.
For other general enquiries, find out how to contact us.