Public Service Classification Rules 2000
made under subsection 23(1) of the
Public Service Act 1999
Compilation No. 5
Compilation start date: 5 June 2025
Includes amendments up to: F2025L00646
About this compilation
The compiled instrument
This is a compilation of the Public Service Classification Rules 2000 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 5 June 2025 (the compilation date).
The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending Acts and instruments and the amendment history of each amended provision.
Uncommenced provisions and amendments
If a provision of the compiled Act is affected by an uncommenced amendment, the text of the uncommenced amendment is set out in the endnotes.
Application, saving and transitional provisions for amendments
If the operation of an amendment is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision, the provision is set out in the endnotes.
Modifications
If a provision of the compiled instrument is affected by a textual modification that is in force, the text of the modifying provision is set out in the endnotes.
Provisions ceasing to have effect
If a provision of the compiled Act has expired or otherwise ceased to have effect in accordance with a provision of the Act, details of the provision are set out in the endnotes.
Contents
1 Name of Rules
2 Commencement
4 Definitions—the dictionary
5 Approved classifications
6 Classification of APS employees: general
7 Classification of APS employees: section 26 agreement
8 Classification of SES employees
9 Classification of duties
10 Work level standards for classifications other than APS Level, Executive Level or SES classifications
11 Movement from a training classification
12 Reduction of classification of APS employee
13 Delegation
14 Transitional provisions relating to the Public Service Classification Amendment (Work Level Standards and Other Measures) Rule 2014
Schedule 1—Approved classifications
Schedule 2—Training classifications
Dictionary
Endnotes
Endnote 1—About the endnotes
Endnote 2—Abbreviation key
Endnote 3—Legislation history
Endnote 4—Amendment history
1 Name of Rules
These Rules are the Public Service Classification Rules 2000.
2 Commencement
These Rules commence on gazettal.
4 Definitions—the dictionary
(1) The dictionary at the end of these Rules defines certain words and expressions, and includes references to certain words and expressions that are defined elsewhere in these Rules (signpost definitions).
Note: The dictionary only includes a signpost definition for a word or expression if the word or expression is used in more than one rule.
(3) A definition in these Rules applies to each use of the word or expression in these Rules, unless the contrary intention appears.
5 Approved classifications
For the purposes of these Rules, a classification is an approved classification if it is:
(a) a classification under a modern award or a transitional APCS as in force at a particular time or as in force from time to time; or
(b) a classification mentioned in column 2 of Schedule 1; or
(c) a training classification mentioned in column 2 of Schedule 2.
Note: Subsection 23(2) of…
Overview
The Public Service Classification Rules 2000, made under the Public Service Act 1999, were introduced to establish a systematic framework for classifying employees within the Australian Public Service (APS). These rules were enacted to ensure that the classification of APS employees is consistent, fair, and based on the nature and complexity of their duties. The Public Service Classification Rules 2000 were enacted by the Parliament of Australia, aiming to provide a structured approach to classifying APS employees to facilitate effective management and administration of the public service. The policy objective is to ensure that employees are classified appropriately according to their roles, responsibilities, and the value of their work, which helps in maintaining an efficient and equitable public service. These rules address the gap in providing a clear and comprehensive set of guidelines for the classification of APS employees, ensuring that the classification process is transparent and based on objective criteria.
Scope and Application
The Public Service Classification Rules 2000 govern the classification of employees within the Australian Public Service (APS), including Australian Public Service (APS) employees, Senior Executive Service (SES) employees, and duties allocated within agencies. These rules apply to all agencies under the Commonwealth jurisdiction, and their scope is defined by the Public Service Act 1999. An approved classification for the purposes of these rules is one that is either under a modern award or a transitional APCS, or listed in Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 of the Rules. Agency Heads are required to allocate an approved classification to each APS employee based on their duties, except under specific circumstances such as temporary moves under section 26 agreements. SES employees are classified based on specific approved classifications listed in the Rules. The classification of duties is determined by their work value, with certain exceptions and provisions for broadbanding, particularly excluding SES employees. Work level standards for classifications other than APS, Executive, or SES levels must be issued by Agency Heads. There are also provisions for the movement from a training classification, the reduction of an APS employee's classification, and delegation of powers by Agency Heads. Transitional provisions ensure the continuity of certain classifications and work level standards despite amendments to the Rules. The Rules can be further modified by subordinate instruments, and include specific exclusions and thresholds as outlined in the schedules and dictionary.
Key Provisions
- The Public Service Classification Rules 2000, which are governed under the Public Service Act 1999, outline the classification process for Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Rule 5 defines an 'approved classification' as one that is under a modern award, a transitional APCS, or mentioned in Schedule 1 or Schedule 2. Rule 6 mandates that an Agency Head must assign an approved classification to each APS employee based on their duties, except for those temporarily assigned. Rule 7 allows for a different classification for APS employees moving under a section 26 agreement, provided it is within the same classification group. Rule 8 specifies that an APS employee is classified as a Senior Executive Service (SES) employee if their classification is in Senior Executive Band 1, 2, or 3. Rule 9 requires that each group of duties to be performed in the Agency must be allocated an approved classification based on work value, with specific standards for APS, Executive, and SES levels. Rule 10 requires work level standards for classifications other than APS, Executive, or SES levels. Rule 11 stipulates that if an APS employee completes all training requirements for their classification, they must be allocated a related operational classification. Rule 12 defines the reduction of classification for APS employees, and Rule 13 outlines the delegation of powers and functions by the Agency Head, with specific limitations and conditions.
- The obligations imposed by these Rules include the requirement for Agency Heads to allocate approved classifications to APS employees and groups of duties, based on their work value or specific standards where applicable. Agency Heads must ensure that employees moving under a section 26 agreement retain their classification or a comparable one, and that employees who complete their training are appropriately reclassified. Furthermore, Agency Heads must issue work level standards for classifications not covered under APS, Executive, or SES levels. The Rules also allow for delegation of certain powers and functions, subject to the conditions specified.
- Breaches of these Rules may lead to civil or administrative penalties, depending on the severity and nature of the violation. The specific penalties are not detailed within the Rules themselves but would be subject to the broader provisions of the Public Service Act 1999 and any related legislation.
- Area of Law
- Public Service Law
- Instrument
- Legislative Instrument
- Concepts
- Definitions & Interpretation
- Classification of APS employees: general
- Delegation
- Transitional provisions relating to the Public Service Classification Amendment (Work Level Standards and Other Measures) Rule 2014