Media statement on the funding allocation for Round 2 of the Capability Reinvestment Fund

Published

Minister for the Public Service, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher has announced the funding allocation for Round 2 of the Australian Public Service Capability Reinvestment Fund. 

The funding, to be available from 1 July 2024, was outlined as part of the 2024-25 Budget announcements. 

A total of $6.5 million has been allocated across 9 projects, involving 24 agencies. Through building workforce capability, these projects will position the APS to deliver better outcomes for the Australian community.

The successful projects are:

  1. AI for integration and inclusion: Delivering AI-powered tools to enhance policy development, inclusive design and community engagement across the APS; and building foundational knowledge in the use of data and AI.
     
  2. APS integrity data framework: Creating a framework to measure and monitor the impact and effectiveness of the integrity system and reforms.
     
  3. Uplifting APS capability to work effectively with First Nations data and evidence: Enhancing APS officers’ understanding and engagement with First Nations data, knowledge and evidence.
     
  4. Building APS capability to draw strong policy insights through an integrated data tool: Piloting a digital integrated map of human service delivery. 
     
  5. Building safety and integrity capability across the APS: Building and strengthening integrity and psychological safety in leadership capability through programs and good work design.
     
  6. APS integrated unconscious bias training program: Mitigating unconscious bias across the APS through a capability program to support a culturally competent and inclusive APS.
     
  7. Greening government microcredentials: Developing and trialling internationally aligned microcredentials.
     
  8. Narratives of the lived experience: Addressing barriers to culturally and linguistically diverse employees in the APS through the collection, curation and publishing of CALD and non-CALD employee’s stories.
     
  9. Futures exercises for developing Asia and the Pacific expertise: Developing scenario exercises to increase regional understanding and inform whole-of-government responses to future challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

The Fund supports the APS Reform priority of building capability through innovative approaches. It addresses common capability gaps and is an investment in strengthening the APS’s capability to deliver for the Australian community, now and into the future.

Round 2 focused on 5 priority capability themes:

  • Enhancing data analytics and policy integration capabilities
  • Ensuring cultural and psychological safety in physical and virtual workspaces
  • Adapting to a green economy workforce
  • Building APS understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) application in the public sector
  • Enhancing APS capability for working in Asia and the Pacific.

Round 1 projects were funded through the 2023-24 Budget and began delivery on 1 July 2023. Further information on Rounds 1 and 2, and the Capability Reinvestment Fund is available on the APS Reform website.

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