Ethics Statement

Our ethics govern our attitudes and actions. Our ethics must reflect our distinctive status as a government owned provider of legal services to Commonwealth departments and agencies, in a largely contestable market.

Subject to the Judiciary Act 1903, as a legal service provider we are subject to the duties and obligations applicable to all lawyers in relation to our clients and the courts. Professional rules of conduct are an important aspect of our ethical framework.

Unlike private sector law firms, AGS's stakeholders and clients are comprised almost entirely of Commonwealth departments and agencies. Our standards of conduct must, at all times, reflect the standards required of our clients. To this end, the values and codes of conduct applicable to public sector agencies must be reflected in our attitudes and behaviours in delivering legal services.

Our ethics must distinguish us from our competitors. We are accountable for everything we do. Our attitudes and actions must be defensible by reference to the ultimate principle of governance in the Commonwealth public sector - the public interest.

Our core values are integrity and professionalism.

Integrity requires honesty and impartiality.

Professionalism requires excellence, diligence, and efficiency.

If we act in accordance with our core values of integrity and professionalism we shall earn the respect of, and show respect for: our clients, stakeholders, professional colleagues, the legal system, and the public at large.