Pre-appointment checks will be undertaken of the preferred candidate and will include a declaration of private interests. The pre-appointment checks will be consistent across all appointments to the Commission. 2.8.5 Assessment panel report At the conclusion of the selection process, a report is to be prepared containing an assessment of the relative suitability of candidates. The report should be provided by the Secretary to the APS Commissioner for endorsement as to the integrity of the process. If the APS Commissioner (or their Deputy Commissioner) did not participate on the assessment panel directly, their representative on the panel will provide separate certification to the APS Commissioner confirming that the selection process has been based on merit, and that advertising and panel composition requirements have been met. The APS Commissioner may then endorse the report. Regardless of who chairs the assessment panel, the Secretary must provide a final report (which has been agreed by the assessment panel) to the Attorney-General at the conclusion of the assessment recommending a shortlist of suitable candidates for the Attorney-General’s consideration. The candidate selected by the Attorney-General must be found suitable by the assessment panel. 2.9 Duration of appointment All appointments will ordinarily be made for a period of five years, unless: • • • individual appointees advise in writing that a shorter or longer period is sought, or the relevant legislation stipulates a different period (such as in relation to a reappointment), or other special circumstances arise justifying a shorter or longer term. If an appointment is made for less than five years based on one of the above considerations, the minimum term of appointment is three years, consistent with the Paris Principles. If an appointment is made for more than five years, the maximum term of appointment is seven years. 2.10 Costs All costs associated with a selection process for President or Commissioner positions, such as advertising and travel costs (including costs for all panel members), will be borne by the Commission, or as otherwise determined by the Secretary. An example of where the Secretary may consider that 15