Report on the public sector principles and Code of Conduct

The Principles Report 2025 (PDF, 905.5 KB) provides information on the application of public sector principles and implementation of the Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service.

Public sector principles

Public sector entities in Queensland are established for a public or State purpose. They operate with the trust and confidence of the community, which expects them to attain the highest standards of conduct as both service providers and employers of a significant portion of Queensland’s workforce.

To meet these expectations, section 39 of the Public Sector Act 2022 sets out thirteen (13) contemporary public sector principles. These principles guide public sector entities in managing their operations and in their employment of public sector employees.

Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service

The Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service describes how government employees should conduct themselves while delivering services to the Queensland community. The Code of Conduct is based on the following core ethics principles that underpin good public administration, as prescribed by the PSE Act:

• Integrity and impartiality
• Promoting the public good
• Commitment to the system of government
• Accountability and transparency.

Sector Strengths

In addition to fulfilling reporting obligations under the Public Sector Act 2022 and Public Sector Ethics Act 1994, the report highlights key strengths within the public sector, including:

• A strong focus on service delivery
• Overall low levels of conduct and performance issues
• High perceptions of ethical behaviour
• A robust chief executive performance framework
• A commitment to fostering diverse and equitable workplaces.

Read the full report (PDF, 905.5 KB)

Future reporting on the public sector principles may be delivered in different formats through other Public Sector Commission reports and publications.