Mobility in the APS

Movement of ongoing Australian Public Service employees between agencies on a permanent basis continued at a historically high level in 2022–23, at 7,945 employees or 5.4% of ongoing employees (Figure 3.1).

Figure 3.1: Mobility rates for ongoing employees (2008–09 to 2022–23)

A line graph showing mobility rates for ongoing employees from 2008–09 to 2022–23. In 2008–09 the mobility rate was 2.3%. It declined to its lowest rate of 1.1% in 2013–14. In 2021–22 it increased sharply from 3.1% to 5.4%.It remains at 5.4% in 2022–23.

Source: APSED

Delivering for Tomorrow: the APS Workforce Strategy 2025 identifies employee mobility as a key strategic workforce management tool. It highlights the importance of removing barriers to movement. Work is ongoing to continually improve the platforms and systems that facilitate the movement of employees and support an agile workforce.

In addition to the movement of employees on a permanent basis between agencies, the ability and willingness of employees to move to different roles on a temporary basis provides many opportunities. This includes opportunities to build skills and experience, progress careers and keep engaged in their workplace. In the 2023 APS Employee Census, 22% of respondents reported barriers to seeking a temporary move, down from 28% in 2022 and 29% in 2021.

The APS Jobs website remains the focal point for advertising roles in the APS, including ongoing roles for engagement, promotion or transfer. In 2022–23:

  • 22,900 job vacancies were listed on APS Jobs
  • 3,574,800 visits were made to the website’s home page by 454,900 users
  • 14,530,000 visits were made to the job search page by 956,300 users.

A new section on APS Jobs was launched by the Australian Public Service Commission in June 2022 to make it easier for Australian Government employees to apply for short-term roles in the APS. In 2022–23, 84 agencies used the page to list 1,037 temporary job opportunities.

The ability to register for the APS Surge Reserve was added to APS Jobs in February 2023. Employees can now sign up and identify themselves as available for a temporary move to another agency at short notice to deliver critical services in times of crisis. At 30 June 2023, 1,138 APS employees had registered.

From September 2022, agencies have been able to access thousands of current merit lists online, making it easier to leverage recruitment activity across the APS to fill similar vacancies.

See also

Australian Government (n.d.) APS Workforce Strategy 2025, APSC website, https://www.apsc.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/aps-workforce-strategy-2025, accessed 5 October 2023.

Australian Government (n.d.) APS Jobs – Gateway to the Australian Public Service, APS Jobs website, https://www.apsjobs.gov.au/s/, accessed 5 October 2023.

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