Embedding stewardship as an APS Value

The Australian Government introduced the Public Service Amendment Bill 2023 to Parliament in June 2023 to amend the Public Service Act 1999. One proposed change is to add stewardship as an Australian Public Service Value:

Stewardship – The APS builds its capability and institutional knowledge and supports the public interest now and into the future, by understanding the long-term impacts of what it does.

This proposed new value aligns with the Australian Government’s priority for an APS that embodies integrity in everything it does. It highlights the important and enduring role that all public servants play in stewarding the APS, and serving the Government, Parliament and Australian public. Stewardship underpins the integrity of advice and implementation of Government policies and programs. It also builds trust through the collective harnessing of experience, diversity and resources for the ongoing and sustainable delivery of policies and programs.

Stewardship captures the notion of responsibility for how an institution performs now and into the future. It is central to a trusted, professional and high-performing public service. It means taking steps today to ensure the APS is equipped to address tomorrow’s challenges and continues to support the Australian Government and the Parliament and meet the interests of the Australian community.

Early in 2023, all APS employees were encouraged to put forward their views on what stewardship means to them and their role. Over 1,500 submissions were received. Around 90% of respondents said that they saw themselves as stewards in their workplace.

Most respondents suggested that stewardship means taking care for the long-term and future generations, maintaining knowledge and responsible management.

Most respondents suggested that acting like stewards includes:

  • sharing knowledge
  • providing advice on long-term impacts
  • supporting employees to grow capability
  • maintaining information
  • ensuring good record keeping
  • building better and lasting systems.

Respondent insights will be used in embedding stewardship as an APS Value, including through updates to the APS Commissioner’s Directions and in guidance materials.

See also

Australian Government (n.d.) APS Reform outcomes and initiatives, APS Reform website, https://www.apsreform.gov.au/about-aps-reform/our-focus-areas, accessed 5 October 2023.

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