APS reform was the leading topic at the recent Secretaries Board meeting. 

Public service minister Katy Gallagher met with the board in recent days to inform it that the government wants the public sector to be pro-integrity, accountable and transparent.

The Secretaries Board exists to govern the Australian Public Service (APS) as an integrated organisation “with a shared vision and purpose”.

The Secretaries Board meets monthly, usually on the first Wednesday.

Public sector reform secretary Gordon de Brouwer spoke at the most recent meeting too, informing the board on initiatives including several that could impact recruitment practices.

He reviewed secondments with state and territory governments and new measures to recruit from outside the public sector (academic, private and not-for-profit).

APS commissioner Peter Woolcott laid out four “transformational initiatives” ready for investment in 2022-23.

The board noted “the importance of continued investment in the APS Academy to support APS reform and continued uplift in APS workforce capability”.

After recent changes, board meeting communiques are being published when areas of public reform are discussed.

The latest communique is accessible in DOCX form, here.