Public sector shows high compliance with conduct and performance expectations

Published 13 September 2024

• Public sector employee conduct and performance data has been released — showing 98.5% of the state's public sector workforce meets or exceeds the standards expected of them.
• The annual data release supports transparency and accountability in government.

Each year, the Public Sector Commission compiles and publishes whole-of-sector and individual agency information on the frequency, seriousness and timeframes for resolution of employee conduct and performance matters.

This year 3,679 performance matters were recorded, significantly lower than the 5,464 recorded in 2022–23.

The reduction in total numbers brings results back in line with pre-COVID levels.

Only 1.5% of the sector workforce has been subject to conduct and performance matters this year, which is at the lower range of the 1.4 to 1.9% seen over the past decade.

The most common types of conduct and performance issues reported were in the least serious category, which includes things like failure to show courtesy or respect, or performance deficiencies.

The most common outcome in 2023–24 was management action (47%) which includes discussion, training and development and implementing a performance improvement plan.

This was followed by no further action (36%), then discipline (17%).

The timeframe for managing matters remains outside of the sector's benchmark target of 75%, at only 35% compliance.

The Public Sector Commission continues to work with agencies to identify opportunities to increase performance across the public sector and improve benchmark timeframes.

Quotes attributable to the Public Sector Commissioner, David Mackie

'I am proud of the dedication and professionalism shown by the public sector workforce, the vast majority of whom consistently act in line with the high standards expected of them by the Queensland community.'

'This year's data underscores our commitment to the values and integrity that define the Queensland public sector.'

'The release of this year's conduct and performance excellence data reaffirms what we already know – our workforce is committed to the highest levels of ethical behaviour.'

'While the vast majority of public servants are doing the right thing – we remain focused on continuous improvement, ensuring that we not only meet, but exceed community expectations.'

Further information

Queensland public sector conduct and performance data 2023–24.

Visit the website for more information on the CaPE categorisation framework.

The sector benchmark timeframes for resolving matters are:

• Category 2 matters involve ongoing or repeated conduct or performance that is not meeting expectations or is inconsistent with the employee Code of Conduct and should be resolved within 51 days
• Category 3(a) matters involve serious neglect of duties and performance or serious misconduct inconsistent with the employee Code of Conduct and should be resolved within 139 days
• Category 3 (b) matters involve conduct that is in breach of criminal law and includes alleged breaches of criminal law resulting from an employee's behaviour in the workplace or in private and should be resolved within 200 days.

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