Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2025N00144:schedule:3:p1
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2025N00144
Segment Type: schedule
Provision Reference: sch 3 (pt 1/3)
Character Range: 28545–31562

Schedule 3—Ministerial Staff Code of Conduct

Ministerial Staff Code of Conduct for MOP(S) Act employees employed under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984

    1.         The Code

The opportunity afforded to ministerial staff to provide advice and assistance to Ministers carries with it an obligation to act at all times with integrity and observe the highest standards of conduct.
While ministerial staff work closely with public servants, this code recognises that their role complements, and does not supplant, the role of the Australian Public Service.
Ministerial staff and consultants and Ministers' electorate officers employed under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 must:

 1.        Behave honestly and with integrity in the course of their employment.

 2.        Act with care and diligence in the performance of their duties.

 3.        Disclose, and take reasonable steps to avoid, any conflicts of interest (real or apparent) in connection with their employment, noting that staff are required to provide their employing Minister with a statement of private interests.

 4.        Divest themselves, or relinquish control, of interests in any private company or business and/or direct interest in any public company involved in the area of their Ministers' portfolio responsibilities.

 5.        Declare to their employing Minister in writing, within a reasonable time, all hospitality, gifts and sponsored travel received in association with their employment and otherwise comply with any applicable gift policy.

 6.        Have no involvement in outside employment or in the daily work of any business, or retain a directorship of a company, without the written agreement of their Minister.

 7.        Conduct themselves in a manner that supports a safe and respectful workplace for everyone.

 8.        Treat with respect and courtesy all those with whom they have contact in the course of their employment.

 9.        Make themselves aware of the Values and Code of Conduct which bind Australian Public Service (APS) and Parliamentary Service employees.

10.    When travelling overseas on official business, behave in a manner consistent with the APS Values and Code of Conduct, to the extent they apply to officials on duty overseas.

11.    Not knowingly or intentionally encourage or induce a public official by their decisions, directions or conduct to breach the law or parliamentary obligations or fail to comply with an applicable code of ethical conduct.

12.    Recognise that ministerial staff are employed in line with Westminster principles and are accountable to their Minister.

13.    Acknowledge that ministerial staff do not have the power to direct APS employees in their own right and that APS employees are not subject to their direction.

14.    Recognise that executive decisions are the preserve of Ministers and public servants and not ministerial staff acting in their own right.

15.    Facilitate direct and effective communication between their