Connecting Government: The Future Public Service

In April 2003 MAC commenced work on its fourth project Connecting Government which investigated whole of government approaches for the Australian Public Service (APS).

MAC defined ‘whole of government’ as: "public service agencies working across portfolio boundaries to achieve a shared goal and an integrated government response to particular issues.

Approaches can be formal and informal. They can focus on policy development, and program or service delivery."

MAC identified a number of imperatives for the APS that make whole of government work increasingly important. These include pressures:

  • on the APS to offer sophisticated whole of government policy advice that comprehends a range of stakeholders’ views, and to respond to complex policy challenges
  • to join up program management to address crisis situations, and intractable social issues, such as illicit drugs, decline of rural communities and child health and well being.
  • to integrate service delivery including rising community expectations for easier access to government, including through new technologies.

Broadly, MAC is suggesting that APS agencies consider:

  • developing a supportive culture and skills base
  • instituting appropriate governance, budget and accountability frameworks
  • maximising information and communication infrastructure
  • improving government’s engagement with individuals and communities; and
  • building the capacity to respond quickly and effectively to emerging issues and future crises.

The main report draws on ten Australian current case studies of whole of government approaches and an extensive national and international literature review.

Agencies will be encouraged to give their staff experience on whole of government projects and to support their participation with other agencies in such projects. Collegiality at the most senior levels of the service is a key part of this culture. The report highlights the need for agencies to recruit and develop people with the right skills.

Whole of government is the public administration of the future, linking to the global community of ideas, knowledge and understanding essential for the APS to face the governance challenges of the 21st century.

 

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