Workplace investigations (Directive 17/20)

Status:
Current
Effective:
25 September 2020-current
Responsible agency:
Public Service Commission

Summary

The Public Service Act 2008 (PS Act) requires the Commission Chief Executive (CCE) to make a directive about the procedures for investigating the substance of a grievance or allegation relating to a public service employee's work performance or personal conduct.

The purpose of this directive is to:

  1. outline the procedures for investigating the substance of a grievance or allegation relating to a public service employee's work performance or personal conduct
  2. outline how natural justice requirements may be met in relation to a workplace investigation
  3. provide for periodic reviews of a workplace investigation, including the period within which reviews must be conducted, to ensure timely finalisation of the investigation.

This directive has been updated to support the Review of public sector employment laws. The review was commissioned by the government to ensure Queenslanders have the most responsive, consistent and reliable public service possible.

What has changed in this directive?

What’s new? Previous directive
Mandatory internal and external timeframe review periods built in for investigation processes, and the ability for an employee to request an external review by the Public Service Commission Chief Executive. This is a new requirement of the legislation with no previous corresponding directive or framework.
Sets out requirements for the conduct of investigations and the use of external investigators to conduct investigations.

Download the directive

Workplace investigations (Directive 17/20) (PDF File, 418.0 KB)

Workplace investigations (Directive 17/20) (MS Word Document, 280.2 KB)