A message to you from Secretary Davis, Commissioner Woolcott and Secretary de Brouwer on APS Reform

Dear Colleagues

2023 is an important year for the APS. This year you will see changes that affect your everyday work. A conversation is already underway through service-wide bargaining regarding common conditions across the APS. In addition, we want to start the conversation with you about other changes.

The Minister for the Public Service, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, has outlined the Government’s plan for APS Reform. The four APS Reform priorities are to create an APS that:

1. Embodies integrity in everything it does
2. Puts people and business at the centre of policy and services
3. Is a model employer
4. Has the capability to do its job well.

APS Reform includes 31 practical initiatives across the APS. This includes some proposed legislative changes to the Public Service Act 1999.

The first proposed legislative change is to add the public service responsibility of stewardship to the APS Values. The change will mean that all public servants are stewards of the APS.

So what is stewardship? It can mean different things to people. Being a good steward involves taking steps today to ensure the APS is a strong and effective institution, equipped to address tomorrow’s challenges. 

Whether you’re a Service Officer at Services Australia in Wagga Wagga or a Border Force Officer in Cairns, changing the APS Values affects all public servants.

Conversations are starting across the public service about these changes. Hundreds of public servants have already had their say! Don’t miss out, please visit haveyoursay.apsreform.gov.au

In May, you’ll have the opportunity to have your say on another important legislative change: a clear and inspiring APS purpose statement for the next 5 years. This purpose statement will help us define our commitment and promise. It will be created by public servants, for public servants and the public. This will draw on the lived experience of our staff, the communities we serve, our goals under APS Reform and our obligations under the law.

We want APS Reform to mean something to you. To make your workplace better, support you in your professional development and career, help improve and protect the lives of your fellow Australians.

Thank you