Section 4 - Classifications and broadbands

Updated: 6 May 2024

Graduates

  1. The AEC maintains a graduate broadband from the APS 3 to APS 5 classification.
  2. AEC graduates recruited to participate in the AEC’s graduate program commence at the minimum increment of the APS 3 classification unless otherwise determined by the Electoral Commissioner.

Broadband advancement

  1. Within the first 12 months of employment, advancement within the graduate broadband may occur when the Electoral Commissioner is satisfied the graduate has:
    1. successfully completed probation;
    2. successfully completed the graduate development requirements set by the AEC;
    3. demonstrated the necessary skills and proficiency to perform the work at the higher classification; and
    4. there is sufficient work available at the higher classification.
  2. Within 12 months of having advanced in accordance with clause 101, advancement within the graduate broadband may occur when the Electoral Commissioner is satisfied the graduate has:
    1. received a performance rating of ‘meets expectations’ at the end of the most recent annual performance cycle;
    2. demonstrated the necessary skills and proficiency to perform the work at the higher classification; and
    3. there is sufficient work available at the higher classification.

Entry level programs

Cadets

  1. An employee engaged as a Cadet APS will undertake a cadet development program as determined by the Electoral Commissioner. Cadet APS will be paid a percentage of the minimum point of the APS 1 classification as follows:
    1. 100% when undertaking work experience or development; or
    2. 60% when undertaking full-time study.
  2. The Electoral Commissioner, subject to evidence, may reimburse a Cadet APS for the purchase of compulsory books and any other equipment required for their studies.
  3. On successfully completing the cadet development program, the Electoral Commissioner will assign final duties and determine a pay increment at the APS 3 classification having regard to:
    1. work availability at that classification;
    2. a work value assessment;
    3. the cadet’s skills and experience; and
    4. the cadet’s overall performance as a cadet.

Trainees

  1. An employee engaged as a Trainee APS (Administrative), to undertake a traineeship with the AEC, will be paid at the minimum point of the APS 1 classification. On the successful completion of the required training and development activities, trainees will move to the APS 1 classification and immediately advance to the APS1.2 pay point.

Lawyers

  1. Subject to clause 109, the Electoral Commissioner may designate a position as a government lawyer, senior government lawyer, or principal government lawyer position (Legal Positions) for the provision of internal legal services to the AEC by employees.  
  2. The Electoral Commissioner will determine the appropriate Legal Position pay increment within an APS classification in accordance with Attachment A – Base salaries, having regard to the employee’s skills and experience as a lawyer.
  3. Unless the Electoral Commissioner determines otherwise, an employee cannot be assigned to a Legal Position unless the employee:
    1. has been awarded a degree in law from an Australian tertiary institution or a comparable overseas qualification; and
    2. is admitted as an Australian Legal Practitioner, however described, of the High Court or the Supreme Court of an Australian State or Territory; and
    3. holds a current practising certificate issued by the ACT Law Society.
  4. An employee engaged in a Legal Position is entitled to payment or reimbursement of formal training and practising costs associated with maintaining the employee’s legal accreditation.
  5. Employees engaged in Legal Positions who are eligible for incremental advancement will progress through the Legal Position salary pay increments outlined in Attachment A – Base salaries.
  6. Subject to clause 111, substantive progression to a Legal Position pay increment within a higher APS classification is still subject to a merit selection process or broadbanding arrangement.     

Work Level Standards

  1. The APS Work Level Standards continue to operate and describe the work at each of the classification levels in this agreement, consistent with the Public Service Classification Rules 2000, made in accordance with section 23 of the PS Act.