State Service Act 2000

The State Service Principles are as follows:the State Service is apolitical, performing its functions in an impartial, ethical and professional manner; the State Service is a public service in which employment decisions are based on merit; the State Service provides a workplace that is free from discrimination and recognises and utilises the diversity of the community it serves; the State Service is accountable for its actions and performance, within the framework of Ministerial responsibility, to the Government, the Parliament and the community; the State Service is responsive to the Government in providing honest, comprehensive, accurate and timely advice and in implementing the Government's policies and programs; the State Service delivers services fairly and impartially to the community; the State Service develops leadership of the highest quality; the State Service establishes workplace practices that encourage communication, consultation, cooperation and input from employees on matters that affect their work and workplace; the State Service provides a fair, flexible, safe and rewarding workplace; the State Service plans for and promotes effective performance management in which Heads of Agencies, officers and employees are accountable for the performance of their functions and exercise of their powers; there is an expectation that officers and employees – will perform to the standard and requirements identified in the performance management plan relating to the officer or employee; and will be responsive to Government priorities; and will deliver quality services; the State Service promotes equity in employment; the State Service provides a reasonable opportunity to members of the community to apply for State Service employment; the State Service provides a fair system of review of decisions taken in respect of employees.

For the purposes of subsection (1)(b), a decision relating to appointment or promotion is based on merit if – an assessment is made of the relative suitability of the candidates for the duties; and the assessment is based on the relationship between the candidates' work-related qualities and the work-related qualities genuinely required for the duties; and the assessment focuses on the relative capacity of the candidates to achieve outcomes related to the duties; and the assessment is the primary consideration in making the decision.