Message from the Australian Public Service Commissioner
Steve Sedgwick
Public Service Commissioner
Welcome to the final edition of SES Notes for 2009.
I am very pleased to have taken up the role of the Australian Public Service Commissioner. I think of myself as a career public servant, having worked in the service for 30 years before joining the Board of the Asian Development Bank and then becoming Director of the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research at the University of Melbourne.
I was tempted back into the public service by the opportunity to help reframe the public service of the future. This is a particularly exciting time for the public service, with the Advisory Group on the Reform of Australian Government Administration deliberating the future settings for the APS and its management. I believe this is an opportunity to maximise the professionalism of a public service which adheres to high ethical standards and values, provides well based, impartial and apolitical advice to Ministers, effectively implements the decisions of the government of the day and actively nurtures talent and builds capability to ensure that it continuously meets the changing needs and expectations of the Australian community.
I thank Carmel McGregor and the senior leadership team for the great work they have done in recent months to manage the Commission and progress its work.
I understand that many of you enjoyed the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the SES on 26 November. It sounded like a great opportunity get together, reflect on what the next 25 years may bring, and listen to some classic 1980s music!
The Commission tabled the State of the Service Report 2008–09 in Parliament on 26 November. This year’s report reflects the challenges that the APS has faced from the Global Financial Crisis as well as the work to support the government’s reform agenda. The APS has also responded to unexpected challenges from the Victorian bushfires, floods in Queensland, and the outbreak of the H1N1 virus.
Looking ahead, we are all anticipating the release in early 2010 of the APS reform blueprint. The Commission has been an active contributor to the Advisory Group preparing this blueprint, which is an exciting process that brings together a range of people to discuss how to improve the performance of the public service. We’ve been watching with interest the discussions on the APS reform blog. It is a great way to engage in the consultation process and tap into what others are thinking. If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to take a moment to look at some of the online discussions. Of course this year’s State of the Service Report and the SES census that the Commission recently conducted are also very relevant to this reform process.
- As you would be aware, a benchmarking study was released on 20 November 2009. The report was prepared to assist the Advisory Group. In the report, APS performance is measured against public services in other countries, using a range of indicators. Overall the report indicates that the APS is a high performer in terms of its independence, values-based culture, responsiveness to changes in the economy and the representation of women in its workforce. However the APS’s performance is rated as comparatively poor in regards to capability for coordinated, informed and strategic policy, and its ability to integrate external expertise and the views of citizens into policy and service design. The report provides another key source of information about how the APS is performing, particularly in relation to workforce and human capital issues.
- There have been some innovative recruitment activities occurring across the APS that highlight the flexibilities in our recruitment guidelines. FaHCSIA have recruited 5 trainees with an intellectual disability, using the special measures under the Public Service Commissioner’s Directions. This is a great initiative that highlights what can be done with the right leadership, vision and support. My Deputy Commissioner, Carmel McGregor, has also been involved in the cross-agency recruitment process for SES Band 2s. This is another example of being flexible and innovative in our approaches to recruitment while still maintaining the merit principle.
- I hope you enjoy reading about some of these initiatives in this edition of SES Notes. Have a safe and happy Christmas and take a well-earned break after a very busy 2009.
Steve Sedgwick
Australian Public Service Commissioner
A consolidated version of this edition of SES notes is available for download (PDF / MS Word)
Key findings and areas of focus for the APS from the State of the Service Report 2008–09
This year’s report provides valuable insight into the capacity of the APS to meet the challenges facing Australia in the 21st century. This assessment is particularly important given the Prime Minister’s recent announcement that a blueprint for APS reform will be developed by early 2010.
FaHCSIA begins pilot traineeship program for people with intellectual disability
The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) is currently piloting a traineeship program for people with intellectual disability.
SES census results
In 2009, almost exactly 25 years after the establishment of the SES, the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) conducted a census of the current SES cohort. Through the census, the SES were asked to scan the horizon and comment on the medium term future of the APS, taking a five year timeframe.
The ICT reform program, 12 months on
In April 2008, the Australian Government engaged British efficiency expert Sir Peter Gershon to conduct an independent review of the Government’s use of information and communication technology (ICT). The government accepted Sir Peter’s recommendations in November 2008 and commenced implementation through the ICT Reform Program.
Upcoming programs
SES development opportunities
Revised SES staffing guidelines
In August the Commission released the Senior Executive Service: Selection, mobility and separation guidelines.
Outcomes of Lohse Decision
No matter how often expected standards of behaviour are communicated to staff, from time to time SES may be faced with having to manage reports of suspected misconduct. Given the resources that are devoted to these matters, it is best to be aware of how such investigations can go off the rails. A recent Federal Court case concerning an employee of the Therapeutic Goods Authority, has pointed to the importance of following agency procedures established for investigating alleged misconduct; ensuring that employees have a reasonable opportunity to respond to evidence; and ensuring that the investigator is demonstrably bringing an unbiased mind to the matter.
SES Gazetted movements
Promotions and engagements from September to 10 December 2009
Read more » Band 1 (Excel) / Band 2 (Excel) / Band 3 (Excel)
