In this episode of Work with Purpose, host David Pembroke speaks with Jamie Lowe, the Merit Protection Commissioner for the Australian Public Service and the Parliamentary Service, about how fairness, transparency and integrity are upheld across the APS.
Described as the Commonwealth’s “workplace umpire,” Jamie and her office review promotion decisions, Code of Conduct inquiries and other workplace matters to make sure they’re not only lawful, but fair and correct. She explains how her team provides impartial review, carefully manages conflicts of interest, and works with agencies to lift capability and strengthen decision-making.
Jamie also shares her career journey as a long-serving public servant, the lessons the APS can take from Robodebt, and why procedural fairness is essential in maintaining trust and confidence across the APS.
key tips
- Document decisions clearly – thorough records ensure fairness and allow meaningful feedback in recruitment and promotions.
- Empower staff through reviews: Code of Conduct processes give people the confidence to raise concerns and strengthen workplace culture.
- Own-motion audits, shared case studies and communities of practice improve decision-making and integrity across the APS.
guest
Jamie Lowe
Ms Jamie Lowe is the Merit Protection Commissioner for the Australian Public Service and the Parliamentary Service. Jamie was appointed on the 22 July 2024 and commenced in the role on 30 September 2024. The Office of the Merit Protection Commissioner is the Commonwealth ‘workplace umpire’, and its core function is to conduct independent reviews of workplace decisions and actions.
Jamie was previously the First Assistant Commissioner at the Australian Public Service Commission. In this role, she led the Centralised Code of Conduct Inquiry Taskforce, established in response to the Robodebt Royal Commission Report.
Jamie has led multidisciplinary teams at the National Disability Insurance Agency and the Attorney-General’s Department to deliver major policy reform and program design for government.
Jamie holds Bachelors of Law (Honours) and Arts.