Further professionalising the APS workforce

The Australian Public Service Commissioner, Peter Woolcott AO, today announced the release of an Australian Public Service (APS) Digital Professional Stream Strategy. It forms part of the plan to further professionalise the APS, this time focusing on the digital expertise of the workforce.

“The Digital Professional Stream Strategy is a structured way to drive a cohesive and engaged digital profession through building digital expertise and delivering for the government and the community” said Mr Woolcott.

The Government’s Digital Transformation Strategy highlights the impact of the digital age on how the APS works. One of its strategic priorities is to create a government that is fit and adaptive in the digital age. This includes equipping the APS with the skills needed to deliver world-leading services and engage with current and future challenges.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored, in the sharpest way possible, the need for the APS to be more joined up and agile with digital technology if we are to effectively meet community expectations” said Mr Woolcott.

Developing a formal professions model was called out in David Thodey’s review of the Public Service. It is a priority for the Australian Public Service Commission, with the aim of lifting in-house skills and expertise, providing rewarding public service careers and delivering for all Australians.

Late last year, Mr Woolcott announced the HR professional stream and this has been followed with the digital strategy launched today. 

The Strategy takes into account international experiences and lessons learned in the UK, Singapore and Canada. It has also been informed by extensive research and partnerships forged with industry, government, the community and academia, all of which will continue to help inform the continued development of the digital profession. 

Mr Woolcott also announced that Randall Brugeaud will be the Digital Head of Profession. Mr Brugeaud is currently CEO of the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) and is uniquely placed to take on the appointment. As Head of Profession, Mr Brugeaud will champion the digital professional stream and collaboration across agencies.

Mr Woolcott said the DTA had developed a reputation for removing barriers to collaboration and reform in the APS and this was being accelerated as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“They have already made remarkable progress on the digital front” he said. “It will be important for the Head of the Digital Profession to work with heads of APS departments and

agencies to ensure we do not revert to business as usual when we emerge from the current crisis”.

The Strategy can be accessed at www.apsc.gov.au

For further information, email media@apsc.gov.au