Public servants cleared to publicly engage in Voice referendum, but they are being warned: Australian Public Service Commission

The Australian Public Service Commission has on Tuesday released new referendum guidance for APS employees and agencies, clearing the way for them to engage publicly with the referendum which is expected to go to a vote between October and December.

The referendum will ask Australians if Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be recognised in the constitution through a representative Voice to Parliament.

The APSC has advised public servants can engage publicly with the referendum, but they must do so in a way that is "consistent with your obligation to maintain public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the APS". Public servants are also being reminded they are being held to high standards of behaviour.

The new guidance covers scenarios such as attending a community event, making comments on social media, volunteering time or donating money to a campaign, and discussing the referendum with family and friends.

APS employees are advised they can be involved in the "Yes" or "No" campaigns in a personal capacity, but they must be mindful there is potential for a conflict of interest with their public service role as well as undermining trust in the APS.

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However, wearing or display campaign material in the workplace is not allowed, as it may give the impression that the employing agency endorses the material.

Those with senior classifications are being reminded they have a significant degree of responsibility and the community is more likely to believe senior employees' comments are based on specialised inside knowledge.

Public servants, particularly on social media, are advised that the risk to public confidence is greater the more extreme the behaviour or expression in participating in the national conversation, including the tone and language of comments.

If there is any doubt, public servants are being asked to raise the concerns with their manager or HR area. Possible fixes include taking leave, rearranging existing duties, transferring to other duties, or taking a less significant campaign role.

APS employees are advised that speaking privately to family and friends about personal views on the Voice referendum is "low risk", but they should still make it clear that the views are personal.