A revamped framework for federal capability reviews is set to be unveiled.

A spokesperson from the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) has told reporters that an updated framework will place a particular emphasis on defining engagement standards and outlining how government departments should interact with their stakeholders. 

Gordon de Brouwer, APS commissioner, says the commission is looking for ways to gauge the performance of departments and agencies against international engagement standards.

The APSC spokesperson noted that the current framework for engagement and participation in the Australian Public Service (APS) closely aligns with methodologies such as the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2).

As part of a pilot program, capability reviews have already been conducted for the APSC and the Department of Health and Aged Care. 

The APSC review highlighted the need for meticulous workforce planning within the commission, while the Health Department's review shed light on the challenges it faces in a post-pandemic world.

Currently, two more reviews are in progress, one focusing on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts, and the other on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry. 

The APSC intends to refine the framework based on insights gained from these initial reviews.

The spokesperson assured that an updated version of the framework, incorporating lessons from the first three reviews, will be released in the near future.

Notably, amendments to the Public Service Act were introduced to legislate capability reviews, a recommendation stemming from the Thodey review. 

The Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee recently proposed these amendments be enacted into law. 

The committee has also questioned why capability reviews are not mandatory for all APS agencies and called for related review documents to be presented in parliament alongside long-term insights reports and action plans.

In response to these developments, Coalition senators aim to modify the bill to include ministerial consultation in the capability review process.

Capability reviews, previously conducted from 2011 to 2016, are being reinstated to enhance the efficiency and transparency of Australian government agencies.