The APS Gazette is a crucial resource for anyone seeking employment within the Australian Public Service. As the official platform for job listings, outcomes, and updates, it serves as the go-to website for those looking to stay informed about opportunities in the public sector. In this article, we will explore APS Gazette jobs, APS Gazette outcomes, and other essential features to help you effectively use this resource in your job search.
What is the APS Employment Gazette?
The APS Gazette is the official publication for Australian Public Service (APS) job listings and announcements. Its primary purpose is to notify the public about job vacancies, actions, and decisions within the public service, as required by sections 25 and 40 of the Australian Public Service Commissioner’s Directions 2022.
In addition to APS vacancies, the Gazette also features job postings from the Australian Parliamentary Service and other Commonwealth agencies, providing a comprehensive overview of public sector opportunities. The website is organised into two main sections: Notification of Vacancies and Notification of Decisions.
Notification of Vacancies
The first key feature of the APS Gazette is the Notification of Vacancies section. This section, governed by Section 25 of the Australian Public Service Commissioner’s Directions 2022, lists available job openings within the Australian Public Service. While Section 27 allows for some exceptions where a vacancy may not be listed, this is relatively uncommon. According to Section 10A(2) of the Public Service Act, there is a principle that all eligible members of the community should have the same opportunity to apply for APS vacancies, ensuring transparency and equal access.
For vacancies listed in the Gazette, the closing date must be at least seven calendar days from the date of notification, unless a specific circumstance requires a shorter period. Even in such cases, there must be a reasonable opportunity for members of the community to apply for the position.
If you are looking for a new role within the APS, it is advisable to check the website weekly to stay updated on all relevant job opportunities. The Gazette is published as a downloadable document every Thursday, including all new job vacancies and any ongoing listings.
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Using the APS Gazette
Every Thursday, the Gazette is updated with a downloadable document listing all available roles. By regularly checking the website, you can stay up-to-date with new job openings and find potential roles that match your skills and interests.
Each job listing in the Gazette provides comprehensive information about the role. This typically includes the job title, type of employment, location, salary range, classification, and a link to the agency’s website where the position is advertised. Additionally, each listing provides specific details about the job’s requirements, daily responsibilities, and the desired characteristics of potential candidates. The job listings also include the name of the hiring manager and their contact information, making it easier for you to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification about the role.
When reviewing the Gazette, it’s important to carefully read through each job listing to ensure your application meets all the specified requirements. Pay close attention to the closing date for applications, as it will also be included in the listing.
Notification of Decisions
The next section of the website will cover the notification of employment decisions. This is a requirement under Section 40 of the Directions, which mandates that certain employment decisions be publicly notified. The information that should be included in these notifications encompasses the following scenarios:
- Promotion of any ongoing employee in the current agency.
- Promotion of an ongoing employee following a PRC (promotion review committee) decision.
- The engagement of an ongoing Parliamentary Service employee as an ongoing APS employee, if they have been provided a higher classification than their current classification as a Parliamentary Service employee.
- The engagement or promotion of an individual in accordance with the Independent Selection Advisory Committee decision.
- The employment termination of an ongoing employee is based on a breach of the APS code of conduct.
According to Section 40, all employment decisions must be notified in the PS Gazette within three months of the decision. There are exemptions to this rule, but these must be agreed upon with the Commissioner. Additionally, if an employee is required to meet specific clearances, such as security or character clearances, the three-month notification period begins only once the eligibility criteria are met, not from when the job offer is extended.
Furthermore, the employee’s name must generally be included in the PS Gazette notification. However, there are exceptions to this requirement. For instance, the agency head may decide to withhold an employee’s name due to specific work or personal circumstances, or in cases where an employee’s termination is related to a breach of the APS Code of Conduct.
Using the Notification of Decisions
The notification of employment decisions can be a valuable resource for those seeking work within the APS. By reviewing these notifications, you can gain insights into various employment decisions, helping you understand when you are no longer being considered for a role. Additionally, this information can reveal which positions are primarily filled through internal promotions, allowing you to identify potential career paths or areas where there may be fewer opportunities for external candidates.
Moreover, these notifications can serve as a starting point for networking and professional development. By identifying the hiring managers associated with certain roles, you have the opportunity to reach out and request feedback on your application. While hiring managers are not obligated to provide feedback, many may be willing to offer constructive advice that could enhance your chances in future applications. Leveraging this feedback can help you improve your application strategy and better align your skills and experiences with the needs of the APS.
Regularly checking the APS Gazette is a crucial step for anyone pursuing a career in the APS. By staying informed about available positions and recent hiring decisions, you can better understand the current job market and identify opportunities that align with your skills and career goals.
Public Service Careers Coach, PS Careers Practice Manager