The Code of Ethics applies to and binds anyone employed in the South Australian Public Sector regardless of whether you are employed on a full-time, part-time, or casual basis, and regardless of your occupation.

Some public sector employees, such as police, fire fighters, health professionals and lawyers, are bound by codes of conduct specific to their profession. In such cases, employees must comply with the Code of Ethics for the South Australian Public Sector as well as their professional code.

The Code of Ethics applies only to people who are employed in the South Australian Public Sector.

It does not apply to volunteers who work with South Australian government organisations, employees of local government or employees of the Australian Federal Government.

The Code of Ethics is issued by the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment under the Public Sector Act 2009. For more information on the role of the Commissioner, Part 4 of the Act, particularly Section 15, which covers the public sector code of conduct.

As well as issuing the Code, the Commissioner is required to maintain the Code under review, and may vary the Code, or revoke and substitute the Code.

The Code has been updated to ensure its relevance to a modern public sector in South Australia. It incorporates the views provided by employees of the public sector and other stakeholders.

In particular, the inclusion of the Public Sector Values reflects the desire to have the Code act as a single point of reference for the expected behaviours of employees.

The previous version of the Code of Ethics for the South Australian Public Sector has been revoked.

The previous Code no longer applies to public sector employees, and all public sector employees are required to comply with the current Code.

In order to develop the current version of the Code, we consulted with departmental chief executives and other heads of organisations in the South Australian Public Sector, as well as human resources directors. Public sector employee associations were also provided with a draft version.
The Public Sector Values were developed by Ministers, chief executives and over 600 other public sector employees in early 2013. These values reflect the passion of those participants for providing excellent public service and having great places in which to work.

In the first instance you should speak to your manager or a colleague. The meaning and intent of the Code should be the subject of open debate amongst employees.

If you are still unsure, then you can contact someone in your Human Resources division or section.

Should you require further information, please contact us.>