Released 31/10/2025
Mr Andrew Metcalfe AO today commenced his role as the new independent ACT Public Sector Standards Commissioner.
The Public Sector Standards Commissioner is an integral component of the ACT Public Sector (ACTPS) Integrity Framework and plays a key role in promoting high standards of conduct across the ACT public sector.
The Commissioner operates independently from government and the ACT Public Service and is responsible for issuing the ACTPS code of conduct, managing complaints and oversighting misconduct processes, as well as other integrity-related functions. This includes capturing and sharing insights from misconduct processes to support best practice initiatives that reduce misconduct and reinforce the signature behaviours expected of public servants.
Mr Metcalfe is a highly regarded senior public sector leader, both in Australia and internationally, with significant experience as Secretary in various Commonwealth departments where he has dealt with complex and often high-profile issues where integrity have been paramount, and the political and community stakes extremely high.
Mr Metcalfe also brings extensive experience in leading high-profile public sector reviews. He was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2012 and became a Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration Australia in the same year. In 2010 he was recognised as the ‘Federal Government Leader of the Year’ by the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia.
“Mr Metcalfe has extensive experience as a senior leader in the Australian public sector and will bring valuable insight and expertise to this role. He will play a key part in supporting all public servants to uphold the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism,” ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.
“I would like to acknowledge the outgoing Commissioner, Ian McPhee AO PSM for his nearly eight years of dedicated service. During his tenure, he raised awareness throughout the Service of the ACT Public Sector’s signature behaviours and in doing so, enhanced overall integrity across the Service. I wish him all the best in retirement.”
The Public Sector Standards Commissioner is an independent part-time appointment performing functions pursuant to s.144 of the Public Sector Management Act 1994.
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Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases