ACT public servants have been warned against campaigning for or against marriage equality wearing their lanyards ahead of a postal vote next month.
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ACT Public Sector Standards Commissioner Bronwen Overton-Clarke issued a directive to workers reminding them of their responsibilities under the Public Sector Management Act 1994.
"Similar to Commonwealth or ACT government election campaigns, ACT public servants can in their own time: participate in political campaigns including doorknocking, letterboxing, phone polling and other volunteer campaign activities; engage in political debate including making comment in a private capacity; and participate in rallies and events," she wrote.
"It is important, however, that participation in any of these activities does not give the impression that you are acting in an official capacity. Accordingly, you should not wear work uniform that identifies you as an ACT public servant, and you should avoid creating the perception that you are acting in your role as an ACT public servant.
"ACT public servants cannot disclose any information gained in the course of their employment as a public servant; and purport to speak on behalf of the government, including the directorate for which they work, or create the impression that they are doing so."
However Ms Overton-Clarke batted away suggestions from Liberals leader Alistair Coe the territory-sponsored support of the campaign for marriage equality would undermine the impartiality of the public service.
Mr Coe wrote to her to ask her "as a matter of urgency" to rule on whether it was appropriate for ACT public servants to become involved in the campaign for marriage equality.
However Ms Overton-Clarke said public servants had not been tasked to "to actively participate in this survey".
She said the guidelines made it clear public servants could not allow their participation in any activities for or against same-sex marriage to give off the impression they were acting in an official capacity.
"I hope this information reassures you that the ACT Public Service has considered all aspects of both the government policy of inclusivity to the LGBTIQ community and the campaign for the proposed voluntary postal survey in relation to same-sex marriage," Ms Overton-Clarke said.
