The ability to interpret and apply legislation, guidelines, instructions, policy and procedures

To complete the technical aspects of my work I refer to various legislation, guidelines, instructions, policy and procedures
including:

The Financial Management and Accountability Act (1997) which is the overarching piece of legislation regarding financial
management in the Australian Public Service. All of the Department’s guidelines, instructions, policies and procedures flow
down from this piece of legislation, and when in doubt regarding an instruction I always refer back to the Financial
Management and Accountability Act.
The Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines provide more detailed instructions regarding procurement within the Australian
Public Service and provide a framework of guidelines under which Departments can issue their own policies and procedures.
The Department of X’s Procurement Manual provides step by step processes together with departmentally specific
requirements for the procurement of goods and services and articulates the Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines in an
operational capacity.

As a people manager who is regularly involved in the hiring of new staff, I also refer to and comply with a number of
associated policies, guidelines and legislation, including:

The Public Service Act 1999 - particularly in reference to Part 3 Section 10 (the APS Values), Part 3 Section 13 (the APS Code
of Conduct), Part 3 Section 19 (prohibition of patronage and favouritism, with specific reference to staff selection decisions),
Part 3 Section 18 (promotion of equity in employment), and Part 4 Division 1 Sections 22 to 27 concerning movements into
and within agencies.
The Public Service Regulations 1999 - which provides information pursuant to the Public Service Act. For example, when
deciding on the date of effect of a promotion for one of my employees, I refer to Public Service Regulations.
I am aware of the Merit Protection Commissioner’s Instructions 2000, and the Public Service Act 1999 Advices that contain
information on review of promotion decisions and I refer to these in cases where employees are not satisfied with a promotion
decision.
I regularly refer to the Department of X’s Certified Agreement for information regarding salary negotiation and the
requirements for applicants commencing in a position above the base of the salary range.

I refer to, interpret and apply these documents on a daily basis and also provide advice to others based on my research and
interpretation. I am quick to learn and able to transfer my skills in policy interpretation to new and unfamiliar documents.

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