The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) has issued guidance to support public servants passionate about the upcoming Voice to Parliament Referendum to engage with it publicly.
Issuing the guidance, APSC said employees could engage publicly with the referendum provided they did so in a way that was consistent with their obligation to maintain public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the APS.
“APS employees, like all Australian citizens, are entitled to express personal views on the merits of the various positions on the referendum question,” APSC said.
“APS employees have a lot to offer the public conversation as an informed and engaged cohort,” it said.
“In engaging publicly, you should ensure that your conduct is lawful, that it is clear you are expressing your own views, and that your engagement does not conflict with your public service role.”
The APSC said it was important for employees to be aware that their personal engagement in the referendum could potentially breach the Code of Conduct.
It said there were a range of risks and considerations public servants should think through carefully.
“The higher the risk that your behaviour could undermine trust in the APS, the more likely it is to be inconsistent with the Code,” the Commission said.
“The risk of damage to public confidence will always depend on the circumstances—your engagement in the national conversation on the referendum will not in itself undermine trust in the APS.”
The APSC said there were three key factors that could increase or mitigate that risk, the employee’s seniority in the APS, connection with official duties, and how extreme the expression of their view was.
“APS employees can be involved in the Yes or No campaigns in a personal capacity, to the extent that their involvement is consistent with the obligation to maintain public confidence in the integrity of the APS,” it said.
“Speaking privately to family and friends about your views on the referendum is low risk.
“Having said that, you should still make it clear that you are expressing your personal views.”
The APSC’s four-page Engagement in the Voice Referendum in a personal capacity: Guidance for APS employees and Agencies can be accessed at this PS News link.
