Strategic Commissioning Framework

The Australian Public Service Commission published the APS Strategic Commissioning Framework in October 2023. It sets the expectation that core roles and functions will be delivered by APS employees, not outsourced inappropriately. 

This framework supports the Australian Government’s commitment to reduce reliance on external contractors and consultants and ensure the APS has the capability to do its job well. It requires agencies to deliver core work in-house using APS employees and sets limits on when core work can be outsourced.  

Agencies have identified their core work and set targets to start bringing this work back in-house throughout 2024–25. Agencies are required to publish their targets as part of their corporate plans.

The APSC has worked collaboratively with agencies to develop a resources toolkit, which provides guidance to assist with implementation. Agencies continue to share their learnings as they embed changes to the way core work is delivered.  

Over time, this framework will help deepen capability across the APS, improve delivery, and reduce risks to integrity, expertise and public trust posed by excessive outsourcing.  

The APSC is providing support to agencies to help them make this change through information and communication activities, including agency drop-in sessions and one-on-one assistance. 

The Strategic Commissioning Framework applies to all agencies that employ staff under the Public Service Act 1999.  

See also in this report

Capability and leadership – Australian Government Consulting

Integrity – Integrity Strategy for the Commonwealth Public Sector

Find out more

Australian Government (2024) APS Strategic Commissioning Framework, Australian Public Service Commission website, accessed 19 July 2024.