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Probation
About Probation:
Amongst the conditions that may be imposed on an employee at the time of engagement is that of probation. Should an employee fail to satisfy an Agency Head that they are efficient, effective and of good character during a probationary period then their employment may be terminated.
Current directive publications, circulars & advices:
- Conditions of Engagement
- Probation (2003) (as amended by 2003/7)
- Ongoing Employment - Recruitment and related issues (as amended by 2006/4, 2006/5)
- Termination of employment (2004)
- Circular No 2007/2: The Privacy Act and employee information concerning Code of Conduct matters (as amended by 2008/3)
- Circular No 2006/2: Citizenship requirements for engagement in the Australian Public Service (as amended by Citizenship in the Australian Public Service)
- Circular No 2000/2: Australian Industrial Relations Commission decision in respect of a termination of employment
- Advice No 7: Staffing actions: Non-ongoing employees (Non-SES) (as amended by 2000/6, 2003/2, 2003/5, 2004/3, 2006/5)
Current good practice advice
Reference archive
- The Essentials: Appointment and Probation (1997)
- Circular No 1999/3: Probationary Appointments to the Australian Public Service (APS) - Effect of the Australian Public Service Award 1988 (APS Award) and Amendments to the Workplace Relations Regulations Note - 1999/3 and 1999/4 should be read together
- Circular No 1999/4: Probationary Appointments to the Australian Public Service (APS) - Disallowance of Amendments to the Workplace Relations Regulations Note - this Circular rescinds some of the changes notified in 1999/3; Note - 1999/3 and 1999/4 should be read together
Frequently asked questions
- What are conditions of engagement?
- When can a condition be imposed?
- Can I impose a condition after someone has been engaged?
- How long can a condition of engagement last for?
- What happens when a condition is met?
- What happens if a condition is not or cannot be met?
- What happens when the government implements administrative re-arrangements?
