Andrew Metcalfe dealt with complex and often high-profile issues in the APS. Photo: IPAA.
One of Australia’s top public servants has been appointed to oversee standards and behaviour in the ACT Public Service.
Andrew Metcalfe AO has taken up his role as the new independent ACT Public Sector Standards Commissioner.
The Public Sector Standards Commissioner is an integral component of the ACT Public Sector (ACTPS) Integrity Framework, playing a key role in promoting high standards of conduct across the ACT public sector.
The Commissioner operates independently of the government and the ACT Public Service and is responsible for issuing the ACT Public Service code of conduct, managing complaints, and overseeing misconduct processes, as well as other integrity-related functions.
This includes capturing and sharing insights from misconduct processes to support best practice initiatives that reduce misconduct and reinforce the signature behaviours expected of public servants.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said Mr Metcalfe was a highly regarded senior public sector leader, both in Australia and internationally, with significant experience as Secretary in various Commonwealth departments where he had dealt with complex and often high-profile issues where integrity has been paramount, and the political and community stakes extremely high.
Mr Metcalfe also brought extensive experience in leading high-profile public sector reviews.
He was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2012 and became a Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration Australia in the same year.
In 2010, he was recognised as the ‘Federal Government Leader of the Year’ by the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia.
“Mr Metcalfe has extensive experience as a senior leader in the Australian public sector and will bring valuable insight and expertise to this role,” Mr Barr said.
“He will play a key part in supporting all public servants to uphold the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism,” ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.
Mr Barr acknowledged the outgoing Commissioner, Ian McPhee AO PSM, for his nearly eight years of dedicated service.
“During his tenure, he raised awareness throughout the Service of the ACT Public Sector’s signature behaviours and, in doing so, enhanced overall integrity across the Service. I wish him all the best in retirement,” he said
The Public Sector Standards Commissioner is an independent part-time appointment under s.144 of the Public Sector Management Act 1994.
