APS Section 26 Transfers Explained: Pay, Permanent Moves, Temporary Transfers and How to Negotiate Salary

If you already work in the Australian Public Service and want to move to another agency, a section 26 transfer is often the mechanism that makes it happen. For many APS employees, this is one of the fastest and cleanest ways to move across government without resigning and starting again from scratch.

But there is still a lot of confusion around how APS section 26 inter-agency transfers work in practice. People commonly ask:

• What happens to my salary if I transfer at level?
• Can my agency block a temporary transfer?
• What happens if I am on a high salary point already?
• Will my leave and service history transfer?
• How do I negotiate pay if the gaining agency has a lower pay range?
• Can a temporary section 26 be ended early?

This guide explains the policy settings, the practical process, and the salary negotiation issues that matter most when moving between APS agencies.

If you are preparing for an internal APS move, promotion, or interview linked to a cross-agency opportunity, you may also want to read our APS Pay Scales 2026 guide, our government classification comparison, and our APS interview tips and resources hub.

What is a Section 26 transfer in the APS?

A section 26 transfer is the movement of an ongoing APS employee from one APS agency to another. It is not a brand new APS engagement. Instead, it is an internal movement mechanism under the Public Service Act framework that allows an employee to move at level or, in some cases, to a lower classification.

In plain English, it means you stay in the APS, but your employer changes from one agency to another.

This can happen in a few common ways:

• Permanent transfer at level to another APS agency
• Temporary transfer to another APS agency for a defined period
• Transfer connected to a promotion
• Transfer to a lower classification, either temporarily or permanently, usually at the employee’s request

If the move happens under section 26, the new agency becomes your employer, including during a temporary transfer. That is a key point because it affects the enterprise agreement that covers you, your pay treatment, and how local policies apply while you are there.

Section 26 vs secondment: what is the difference?

APS employees often use the words secondment and temporary transfer as if they mean the same thing, but they are not identical.

In APS mobility guidance, a secondment usually means you move to a host organisation but remain employed by your home organisation. By contrast, a temporary transfer is a movement between APS agencies under section 26, where the gaining APS agency becomes your employer for the term of the transfer.

This difference matters because salary, conditions, and approval pathways can look very different depending on which arrangement is used.

If you are moving from private sector, local government, ADF, or state government into the APS, read our private to public sector transition guide and private to public coaching page.

Who can use a Section 26 transfer?

Generally, section 26 movement is available to ongoing APS employees. It is not the pathway used for someone outside the APS to join as a new recruit.

That means if you work in:

• a state government department
• local government
• the private sector
• a university or not-for-profit

you would usually need to apply through a normal recruitment process rather than relying on section 26.

That is one reason APS candidates should understand the difference between being already inside the APS versus trying to enter it from outside. If that is your situation, our APS pitch statement and cover letter guide and selection criteria and pitch support page may help.

What happens to your leave and service history?

One of the major benefits of a section 26 transfer is that your accrued leave entitlements and service history generally transfer with you, subject to the requirements of the relevant agency employment instrument.

That is a big reason why section 26 moves are often seen as less disruptive than leaving the APS entirely and re-entering later.

However, employees should still check:

• their written offer
• the gaining agency’s enterprise agreement
• any local HR policy on salary maintenance and incremental advancement
• whether there are unresolved conditions of engagement that still attach to the move

Permanent Section 26 transfers

A permanent section 26 transfer is the most straightforward version. You are moving from one APS agency to another on an ongoing basis.

Where the move is not associated with promotion, the transfer date is usually agreed between:

• the employee
• the current agency head or delegate
• the new agency head or delegate

If no date is agreed, the movement generally occurs 4 weeks after the employee informs their current agency head in writing.

This is important because many APS employees wrongly assume their current agency can simply hold them indefinitely. In an at-level permanent section 26 move, there is a policy mechanism that prevents open-ended delay.

Can an agency stop a permanent transfer?

In practice, agencies may try to negotiate timing, especially where there are business pressures, a hard-to-replace capability gap, or a sensitive project underway. But where there is no agreed release date, the APSC guidance points to the movement occurring 4 weeks after written notice by the employee.

That does not mean every workplace conversation will be smooth. It does mean employees should understand their position and communicate professionally, in writing, and early.

Temporary Section 26 transfers

A temporary section 26 transfer is often used when:

• an agency needs short-term surge support
• you want to test a new role or agency before moving permanently
• you are joining a taskforce, reform program, project office, or specialist team
• you want to build experience at a different level or in a different policy or operational environment

For a temporary move, the written agreement generally requires consent from:

• the employee
• the original agency
• the gaining agency

The date of effect and the duration of the move are meant to be agreed in writing.

Unlike some temporary labour arrangements, APS guidance does not prescribe a fixed minimum or maximum period for a temporary section 26 transfer. In real life, this means agencies have flexibility, but it also means employees should pay very close attention to the wording of the written offer.

What happens at the end of a temporary transfer?

At the end of the agreed term, the employee usually returns to their original agency unless one of the following happens:

• the temporary transfer is extended by agreement
• an ongoing move is agreed
• the employee resigns

This is why it is smart to think about your end game before accepting a temporary move. Are you testing the waters? Building capability? Looking for a permanent exit from your current agency? Wanting to stay mobile but reduce risk?

Those are career strategy questions, not just HR paperwork questions.

Can a temporary transfer be blocked?

Yes, temporary transfers are more dependent on agreement than permanent at-level moves. APS guidance says a temporary move requires written agreement between all parties.

However, there is an important wrinkle: where the original agency does not agree to the temporary transfer, but the employee commences duties at the new agency, the move may be treated as ongoing rather than temporary.

That is exactly why agencies usually try to make sure the paperwork is clear before a move starts.

Temporary transfer to a lower classification

Sometimes employees take a temporary opportunity in another agency at a lower classification for strategic reasons:

• to get into a preferred agency
• to move into a new profession or capability stream
• to escape a poor team or unhealthy workplace
• to gain location flexibility or better conditions

APS guidance makes an important distinction here. If you temporarily move to a lower classification, your substantive classification remains your higher classification. In other words, it is not necessarily a permanent reduction in classification just because you are doing lower-level duties for a temporary period.

On cessation of the arrangement, you usually return to duties at your substantive classification in your home agency.

What happens to pay if you temporarily move down?

The APSC guidance indicates that salary in this situation is determined by the applicable industrial instrument. In many cases, the employee continues to receive salary at their substantive classification, unless the relevant industrial instrument allows payment at the lower temporary classification.

This is a very important point for anyone considering a “strategic step sideways” or “step down to step across” move.

Permanent move to a lower classification

A permanent move to a lower classification can also happen, usually at the employee’s request. This is more significant than a temporary arrangement because it is treated as a real reduction in classification, not just a temporary assignment of duties.

If you do this, you should assume the impact is lasting. You generally remain at that lower classification unless you later win promotion through a merit-based recruitment process.

That means this option should be approached carefully, especially if the motivation is mainly short-term frustration rather than long-term career logic.

What happens to pay in a Section 26 transfer?

This is where most APS employees become nervous.

The short version is:

• your written offer should state your pay on commencement
• your new agency’s enterprise agreement and salary structure matter
• at-level transfer does not always mean identical salary treatment across agencies
• employees on higher salaries may need to actively negotiate or seek salary maintenance

APS agencies do not all pay identical salaries at each classification. An APS6 in one agency may sit on a materially different salary range from an APS6 in another. The same issue arises at EL1 and EL2 level, where market differences, specialist capability, and agency-specific bargaining outcomes can produce noticeable gaps.

That is why section 26 transfers can create anxiety for people who are already on a high salary point in their current agency.

If I transfer at level, do I keep my exact salary?

Not automatically in every case.

Some enterprise agreements include explicit provisions for employees moving from another agency at level, especially where the employee’s current salary is above the new agency’s top salary point for that classification. Some agreements provide for salary maintenance arrangements or a method for setting pay within range. Others are more restrictive.

The practical lesson is simple: never assume. Ask for the salary treatment in writing before accepting.

What if I am already on a high salary in my current agency?

If you are already near the top of your band, or above the gaining agency’s ordinary range for that classification, you should clarify:

• whether the agency will match your current base salary
• whether your salary will be maintained above range for a period
• whether future enterprise agreement increases still apply to you
• whether you will be subsumed back into the range over time
• whether any specialist or individual flexibility provisions apply

This matters even more in a fragmented APS pay environment, where some agencies sit above others for the same classification.

It is also worth remembering that APS bargaining guidance has addressed maintained salaries above an agency’s applicable salary range in some contexts, with employees being maintained until subsumed within range. That does not mean every transfer is identical, but it does show why enterprise agreement wording matters.

How to negotiate pay for a Section 26 transfer

If you are moving between agencies and want to protect a higher salary, do not frame the conversation emotionally. Frame it commercially and administratively.

Here is a practical negotiation structure.

1. Ask for the salary position early

Do this before you resign yourself mentally to the move. Once you are emotionally committed, your leverage often weakens.

Ask:

• What salary point will I commence on?
• Will my current salary be recognised?
• Is salary maintenance available if my current pay is above your range?
• How have you treated similar at-level transfers from other APS agencies?

2. Emphasise the value you are bringing

Do not make it sound like a personal favour request. Make it about retaining capability, reducing ramp-up time, and recognising proven APS performance.

Useful talking points include:

• your current classification and salary point
• specialist capability or technical scarcity
• existing government knowledge, clearances, systems familiarity, or stakeholder networks
• the fact you can contribute quickly with minimal onboarding

3. Ask for the offer in writing

The APSC says written offers should include the employee’s pay on commencement. That means salary should not be an ambiguous afterthought.

If the offer is silent or vague, ask for written confirmation before accepting.

4. Review the gaining agency enterprise agreement

Before you accept, look for clauses dealing with:

• salary on movement from another agency
• recognition of prior salary
• salary above range or maintained salary
• incremental advancement
• individual flexibility or agency head determinations

Do not just rely on verbal assurances from a manager who may not control HR decisions.

5. Think beyond base salary

Sometimes the best move is still worth making even if salary is not a perfect match. Consider the full package:

• career trajectory
• promotion prospects
• workplace culture
• flexibility
• location
• leadership quality
• task variety
• long-term résumé value

If the agency is better aligned to your future goals, a short-term salary compromise can sometimes be rational. But it should be a conscious decision, not a surprise discovered after you start.

Terminating a temporary Section 26 transfer

Employees also ask what happens if a temporary transfer is not working out.

The first point is that the written agreement matters. Temporary section 26 arrangements should document the date of effect and the duration, and agencies can also include practical wording around extension, variation, or cessation.

Broadly, temporary arrangements may end because:

• the agreed term expires
• all parties agree to vary or end the arrangement early
• the arrangement converts into an ongoing move
• the employee resigns

If you are considering ending a temporary transfer early, approach it carefully. Think about:

• what the written agreement says
• whether your home agency is ready to receive you back
• whether you want to preserve a future relationship with the gaining agency
• whether another section 26 move is already in play

Do not treat it like an informal internal shuffle. A temporary section 26 is still a formal employment movement, and poor handling can affect your reputation.

What if you accept another job while on temporary transfer?

This happens more often than people think.

If you are on a temporary transfer and then accept an ongoing role in another agency, a new section 26 transfer generally occurs. The agreement about timing is then between:

• you
• the agency you are currently working in
• the agency you are moving to

If there is no agreed date, the usual 4-week written notice rule can apply to the agency that is currently your employer.

This is one reason employees on temporary transfer should stay organised about documentation and notify the relevant parties properly.

What should be in the written offer?

The APS guidance says agencies should, at a minimum, include:

• employee name
• title and duties of the position
• classification level
• pay on commencement
• agency name
• date of effect
• relevant agency policies

That gives you a very practical checklist. If any of those points are unclear, ask questions before signing or accepting.

Career strategy: when is a Section 26 transfer a smart move?

A section 26 transfer can be smart when it helps you:

• move into a stronger agency brand
• gain better leadership exposure
• enter a more promotable work area
• escape a dead-end team
• build breadth before applying for EL roles
• test a new policy, operational, regulatory, or corporate stream

But not every section 26 is automatically a good idea.

Be cautious if:

• the new role is vague or poorly defined
• the salary outcome is unclear
• the move is being rushed without paperwork
• you are being asked to rely on verbal promises
• the role may reduce your competitiveness for future promotion

Sometimes the better decision is to wait for a promotion round, a merit pool pull, or a more strategic vacancy.

Related reading: What is a merit pool?, APS vs State Government, and career coaching.

How to position a Section 26 move in interviews

If you are interviewing for a role that may convert into a section 26 transfer, you should be ready to explain:

• why you want to move agencies
• what transferable capability you bring
• why the move makes sense at your current classification
• how your experience aligns with the new agency’s mission and priorities
• why the move is strategic, not just reactive

This is where many APS candidates underperform. They talk about wanting “a new challenge” but fail to connect their move to capability, outcomes, and value.

If you need help preparing for that conversation, see our interview coaching services, STAR method interview guide, APS interview questions guide, and EL1 interview coaching if you are aiming higher.

APS Section 26 transfer FAQs

Is a section 26 transfer the same as resigning and being re-hired?

No. It is a movement mechanism within the APS, not a fresh external engagement.

Can I do a temporary section 26 transfer?

Yes. Temporary section 26 transfers are specifically recognised, but they require written agreement and clarity on duration and start date.

Do I keep my leave if I transfer?

Generally, accrued leave entitlements and service history transfer with you, subject to the new agency’s employment instrument requirements.

Can I transfer to a lower level?

Yes. This can happen temporarily or permanently, but the consequences are very different, so employees should understand the distinction before agreeing.

What if my current agency does not agree to a temporary transfer?

A temporary move requires agreement, but APS guidance also notes that if the employee commences duties in the new agency without the original agency agreeing, the move may be treated as ongoing.

Can I negotiate salary in a section 26 move?

Yes, and you should. Especially if you are already on a high salary point, transferring into a lower-paying agency, or bringing specialist capability.

Final word

APS section 26 transfers can be one of the best career mobility tools in government. They can help you move faster, keep continuity of service, preserve leave, and open doors to stronger teams and future promotion.

But they are not just administrative formality. A section 26 transfer can materially affect your pay, conditions, classification pathway, and long-term promotion strategy.

Before accepting any move, make sure you understand:

• whether it is temporary or permanent
• who your employer will be during the move
• what happens to your salary
• what happens at the end of the arrangement
• whether the written offer clearly states your pay and start date

If you want help preparing for an APS interview connected to a cross-agency move, promotion, or internal government opportunity, visit our free consultation page, explore our pricing page, or review our coaching case studies.

Need help preparing for an APS interview, pitch, or promotion conversation?
PS Interview Coach helps APS and state government candidates position themselves more strongly for interviews, internal moves, promotions, and career transitions. Start with our contact page or book a free consultation.

Who decides your Section 26 transfer date? (Losing vs Gaining Agency Explained)

This is one of the most confusing parts of a Section 26 transfer — and it causes a lot of frustration in practice.

Many APS employees assume their current (losing) agency can fully control when they leave. That is not entirely correct.

The short answer

• If both agencies agree → the transfer happens on the agreed date
• If no agreement is reached → the transfer defaults to 4 weeks after you notify your current agency in writing

This is based on APS Commissioner’s Directions, which are designed to prevent agencies from blocking movement indefinitely.

What does the “losing agency” actually control?

Your current agency (the losing agency) can:

• negotiate a later release date
• request you stay longer due to operational needs
• attempt to delay for handover or project continuity

But here is the key point:

They do not have absolute veto power over your transfer timing.

If agreement cannot be reached, the default rule applies — and the move proceeds after 4 weeks.

Who actually signs off the transfer?

In practice, Section 26 transfers involve delegates from both agencies:

• Gaining agency delegate – initiates the move and issues the written offer
• Losing agency delegate – consulted on timing and release arrangements

These delegates are usually SES-level or formally authorised HR delegates under each agency’s instrument of delegation — not necessarily the Secretary personally.

If your agency’s delegation register is unclear, that is an internal governance issue — it does not override the APS-wide movement rules.

What if the losing agency refuses to agree?

This is where many APS employees get stuck or confused.

If your losing agency:

• does not agree to a transfer date, or
• delays without formally agreeing

Then you can rely on the fallback position:

The transfer can proceed 4 weeks after you notify your current agency head (or delegate) in writing.

This is why experienced APS employees always:

• provide written notification (email is usually sufficient)
• clearly state the intended transfer date
• copy relevant managers or HR where appropriate

Why this rule exists (and what agencies won’t say)

The APS mobility framework is designed to support:

• movement of talent across government
• career development
• capability sharing between agencies

If losing agencies had full control, they could effectively block mobility — which would undermine the entire APS workforce model.

That is why the 4-week rule exists as a safeguard.

Real-world tip: how to handle this professionally

Even though the policy supports movement, how you handle it matters for your reputation.

Best practice:

• Start with a respectful conversation with your manager
• Offer a reasonable handover plan
• Avoid positioning it as “I’m leaving regardless” too early
• But do not delay formal written notice indefinitely if timelines matter

The APS is smaller than it looks — how you exit one agency often follows you to the next.

Bottom line

The losing agency can influence timing — but cannot indefinitely prevent your Section 26 transfer.

If no agreement is reached, the system defaults to movement after 4 weeks from written notice.

Understanding this gives you clarity, confidence, and control when navigating APS career moves.

APS Section 26 Transfer FAQs (Real Questions Answered)

Who decides the transfer date in an APS Section 26 transfer?

The transfer date is ideally agreed between the gaining agency, losing agency, and the employee. However, if no agreement is reached, the transfer will generally occur 4 weeks after written notice. If you’re preparing for a move tied to an interview or promotion, see our APS interview coaching services to position yourself correctly during this process.

Can the losing agency block a Section 26 transfer?

No. The losing agency can negotiate timing, but cannot indefinitely block the move. If agreement isn’t reached, the transfer proceeds after 4 weeks. Understanding these internal mechanics is critical when navigating APS careers—see our APS career coaching for strategy support.

Who actually approves a Section 26 transfer?

Transfers are approved by delegated officials in both agencies, usually SES-level or HR delegates. The gaining agency issues the offer, while the losing agency is consulted on timing. If you’re unsure how your level compares across agencies, review our government classification comparison guide.

What happens if my agency refuses to agree to a transfer date?

If your agency does not agree, the default rule applies—the transfer can proceed 4 weeks after written notice. This is why it’s important to understand APS rules and communicate professionally. If you’re navigating a sensitive move, our career coaching can help you handle it strategically.

Do I need my manager’s approval for a Section 26 transfer?

You do not need direct manager approval to proceed, but internal consultation will usually occur. Best practice is to communicate early and clearly. If your move is linked to a new role, make sure you’re fully prepared by reviewing our APS interview questions guide.

What is the 4-week rule in APS Section 26 transfers?

The 4-week rule means that if no transfer date is agreed, the move happens 4 weeks after written notification. This ensures APS mobility cannot be blocked. If you’re comparing opportunities across agencies, also review APS pay scales to understand salary differences.

Can a Section 26 transfer happen without the losing agency agreeing?

Yes. While agreement is preferred, the transfer can still proceed after the 4-week notice period. This is why understanding your rights and positioning yourself correctly matters. If you’re moving from outside government, see our private to public sector transition guide.

Will my salary stay the same in a Section 26 transfer?

Not always. Salary depends on the gaining agency’s enterprise agreement and how they treat at-level transfers. Always confirm your starting salary in writing. For a full breakdown, see our APS pay scales guide and APS vs State Government comparison.

Is a Section 26 transfer better than applying for a new APS job?

It depends. Section 26 is faster and keeps your service continuity, but it usually applies to existing APS employees only. If you’re applying externally or aiming for promotion, review our APS selection criteria and pitch support to improve your chances.

How should I explain a Section 26 move in an interview?

You should clearly articulate why the move makes sense for your career, how your skills transfer, and how you align with the new agency’s goals. Avoid vague answers like “new challenge.” Use structured responses—our STAR method guide and EL1 interview coaching can help you stand out.

Can you do a Section 26 transfer while on probation or in a Graduate Program?

This is a common area of confusion — and one where APS policy and real-world agency practice don’t always align neatly.

The short answer

• Graduate program participants: Usually NOT eligible (by program rules, not the Act itself)
• Ongoing APS employees on probation: Generally CAN transfer, but may face practical barriers

Graduate programs: why you are often blocked

If you are part of an APS graduate program, your agency may tell you that you are not eligible for a Section 26 transfer — and in most cases, they are correct in practice.

However, this is an important distinction:

It is not usually the Public Service Act preventing the transfer — it is the structure of the graduate program itself.

Graduate programs typically involve:

• structured rotations across teams
• centralised program funding and workforce planning
• formal training and development pathways
• commitments made by the agency when hiring you

Because of this, agencies often apply internal rules such as:

• no movement during the program period
• restrictions on external transfers until completion
• expectations that you complete the program before moving

So while you may technically be an ongoing APS employee, your participation in the graduate program creates a practical restriction on Section 26 movement.

Bottom line: You are not blocked by legislation — you are constrained by program-level workforce decisions.

Ongoing APS employees on probation (non-graduates)

If you are an ongoing APS employee who is simply within a probation period (outside of a graduate program), the situation is different.

There is generally:

• No explicit rule in the Public Service Act preventing a Section 26 transfer during probation

However, in practice, agencies may still push back due to:

• performance not yet fully assessed
• risk of transferring an employee before confirmation
• internal policy or HR guidance discouraging early movement

This creates a practical barrier, not a legal one.

Key risk: your probation may restart

One of the most important considerations — and something rarely explained clearly — is that:

Your probation period may restart in the new agency.

This depends on the gaining agency’s enterprise agreement and policies, but it is a real risk.

That means you could:

• lose the progress you’ve made toward confirmation
• be reassessed from scratch in a new environment
• increase your overall employment risk if the role is not a good fit

Why agencies discourage transfers during probation

From an agency perspective, allowing early movement can create:

• incomplete performance assessments
• administrative complexity
• risk of “passing on” an unproven employee

This is why managers or HR may say you are “not eligible” — even if that is not strictly written in legislation.

What should you do if you want to transfer?

If you are in this situation, approach it strategically:

1. Clarify your employment status

• Are you a graduate program participant?
• Or an ongoing APS employee on standard probation?

2. Ask the right question

Instead of asking “Am I allowed?”, ask:

“Is there any policy or program restriction preventing a Section 26 transfer in my situation?”

This forces a clearer answer.

3. Understand the risk trade-off

• Is the new role significantly better?
• Are you willing to restart probation?
• Does the new agency have stronger promotion pathways?

4. Get everything in writing

If a transfer proceeds, confirm:

• whether probation restarts
• your employment status in the new agency
• your salary and conditions

Career strategy insight (this is the real takeaway)

For graduates and probationary employees, the question is not just:

“Can I transfer?”

It is:

“Is transferring now the smartest move for my long-term APS career?”

In many cases, completing your graduate program or probation period first will:

• strengthen your internal reputation
• remove restrictions on movement
• increase your competitiveness for promotion

But in the right circumstances — especially where the new role offers significantly better exposure, leadership, or career trajectory — an early move can still make sense.

If you’re weighing that decision, our APS career coaching and interview coaching services can help you assess the move strategically and position yourself for success.

What if a graduate wins a non-graduate APS role?

This is where many APS employees get confused.

If you are in a graduate program and successfully win a merit-based APS role (either at-level or promotion), the move is usually still processed as a Section 26 transfer.

Key distinction

Winning the role is separate from how the movement is processed.

In most cases:

• You are already an ongoing APS employee
• You win a new role through a merit process
• The movement between agencies is completed via Section 26

So why do graduate programs say you cannot transfer?

Graduate programs often impose internal restrictions on movement during the program period. These are program-level workforce rules, not legislative restrictions.

That means:

• You may be discouraged or delayed from moving
• Your agency may try to negotiate timing
• You may be asked to complete rotations or milestones first

However, once a move is formalised as a Section 26 transfer, APS mobility rules apply.

Can your agency stop you from leaving if you win another role?

They can influence timing, but they generally cannot block the move indefinitely.

If no agreement is reached, the standard rule applies:

The transfer can proceed 4 weeks after written notification.

Real-world advice

If you are a graduate who has won another role:

• Expect negotiation — especially early in your program
• Be professional and offer a clear handover plan
• Understand your leverage increases once you have a written offer
• Confirm in writing how the transfer will be processed

Important: Promotions are much harder for agencies to delay than at-level moves, so your experience may differ depending on the role you have secured.

Bottom line

Winning a role does not remove Section 26 — it usually triggers it.

The graduate program may influence timing, but APS movement rules still apply once the transfer process begins.