Operating context

Under the Public Service Act, the Australian Public Service is apolitical and serves the Government, the Parliament and the Australian public.

Working within the framework of the APS Values, the APS develops major policies and reports and delivers the government’s initiatives for the benefit of the Australian people. To do this, the APS engages and consults widely with business, research partners and communities.

The Australian Government released its sixth Intergenerational Report in August 2023. It projects the outlook for the Australian economy and the federal Budget to 2062–63.  The report highlights the effects of demographic change on economic growth and assesses the long-term financial implications of current policies and trends. It focuses on the forces that will change how Australians live, work and engage with the world.

Working Future: The Australian Government’s White Paper on Jobs and Opportunities was released in September 2023. It sets out the government’s vision for a dynamic and inclusive labour market. The white paper is about helping more Australians make the most of the big changes underway in the economy and society. It includes a new full employment objective where everyone who wants a job is able to find one without having to search for too long.

The Australian Government released the 2024 National Defence Strategy and 2024 Integrated Investment Program in April 2024. The strategy details the government’s approach to addressing Australia’s most significant strategic risks, including the threat of conflict and the prospect of coercion.  The strategy is based on the concept of National Defence, a coordinated, whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach that harnesses all aspects of national power to defend Australia and its interests. 

In its 2024–25 Budget, the Australian Government committed to investing $22.7 billion over a decade in the Future Made in Australia plan. This investment is designed to maximise the economic and industrial benefits of the international move to net zero. It is intended to contribute to securing Australia’s place in a changing global economic and strategic landscape.  

The Australian Government remains strongly committed to engaging with countries in Australia’s region. Recent highlights include the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit to mark 50 years of partnership with the Association of Southeast Nations and the release of a major report to the government on Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. More than $2 billion in development assistance has been committed to be delivered to the Pacific in 2024–25.

The Multicultural Framework Review, Towards Fairness – a multicultural Australia for all report, and the Australian Government Response, were released in July 2024. The review examines the state of Australia’s multicultural society. It recommends changes to laws, policies and institutional settings that build on the strengths of multiculturalism and enable it to respond to contemporary challenges.

In February 2024, the Australian Government released the State of Australia’s Regions 2024 report.  In line with the government’s Regional Investment Framework, the report supports the government’s commitment to targeted, effective and efficient regional investment that works better for people and regions, informed by local voices and priorities.

As the first step to achieving the APS Net Zero 2023 target, the Australian Government released the Net Zero in Government Operations Strategy in November 2023, supported by a roadmap. These set out practical actions, targets and measures required to reduce emissions.

Further strengthening public administration through APS Reform initiatives is an Australian Government priority. The priorities of integrity, capability, a genuine focus on people and business, as well as being a model employer, are intended to underpin trust in Australia’s public institutions. APS Reform supports greater transparency and genuine partnership with the community.  

The Australian Government has released its report on the results of the 2024 Survey of Trust in Australian public services. This national survey captured community feedback from around 1,000 people each month on Australian public services during 2023–24. Measuring trust and satisfaction in public services ensures transparency in community feedback. This allows the public to have a voice in evaluating the effectiveness of services.