Review of workplace decisions

Any APS or Parliamentary Service employee (other than SES employees) can apply for a review of a workplace decision that affects them in the workplace, under the Review of actions scheme (subject to certain exceptions). Some reviews are conducted directly by the Merit Protection Commissioner (MPC); others are done by the employee’s Agency first, but can be referred to the MPC for a secondary review if the employee is not satisfied with their Agency’s review.

Reviews by the MPC ensure decisions are lawful, as well as fair and reasonable. The MPC will consider all relevant laws, policy and facts, and recommend to confirm, vary or set aside the action or decision under review. The MPC assesses whether the action or decision was the right one in the circumstances of the case, or whether a different decision would have been preferable.

The Explore more link to the MPC is designed for any APS employee interested in learning more about their review rights in relation to performance management decisions. The link sets out how to apply for review of a performance management decision, what the role of the employee’s agency is, and what the role of the MPC is.