Mr Zack Burton

Developing capability through microcredentials ‘Stewardship is important because it ensures the long-term sustainability of the APS. It safeguards against short-term thinking and prioritises the welfare of the public we serve.’

Joining the Australian Public Service

Why did you decide to join the APS?

I joined the service because I want to contribute to, and learn from, Australia’s most important public asset: the APS. I believe the APS is our greatest tool for improving the lives of Australians and ensuring our country’s ongoing prosperity.

I’m at the beginning of my APS career, which I hope is a journeyed story filled with happiness, contribution, achievement and knowledge. I hope to continue making a significant impact and using my skills to strengthen our public sector and assist everyday Australians.

Describe your first APS role.

My first role in the APS was as an Adviser in the APS Reform Office within Prime Minister and Cabinet. I was part of a team that worked on improving methods of engagement between Australian businesses and the APS.

Stewardship

What does stewardship mean to you, and why do you feel it’s important?

For me, stewardship is about embodying responsibility, integrity and care when performing my role. It’s also about recognising that the work I do is not just for today, but for future generations.

Stewardship fosters accountability and transparency. It’s about making decisions that reflect the highest standards of ethics and public interest. It demands the responsible use of public resources for the collective good.

Stewardship is important because it ensures the long-term sustainability of the APS. It safeguards against short-term thinking and prioritises the welfare of the public we serve.

Was there a defining moment or person who influenced your thinking on this?

There have been several people that have influenced my understanding around stewardship.

My late father, whom I miss dearly, was a passionate news photographer who believed his role went beyond capturing images. Dad’s commitment, accountability and high-quality work reflected his belief in transparency. Dad saw his work as a way to create visibility in areas of public affairs that may have otherwise been missed.

My mother is a long-serving public servant who is passionate about Indigenous Affairs. Her passion has always been about improving outcomes of First Nations Australians, and all Australians, both now and for generations to come.

My manager has an unwavering commitment to stewardship and good governance. This is born from their integrity and understanding of the devastating, real-world effects of poor public administration.

Together, these influences have shaped my understanding of stewardship as both a concept and a practice, rooted in personal responsibility and caring for others.

What professional experiences or achievements are you most proud of?

I’m very proud to have worked in the APS Reform Office, where I spent each day striving to improve and optimise our public services. I’m also proud to now work with a group of passionate, like-minded individuals at the APS Academy. The Academy’s learning and development offering supports the APS workforce to build capability and performance.

What is a legacy you hope to leave in your current role and when you finish your career in the APS?

From my current role, I hope to be remembered as someone who effectively contributed to the maturity of the APS Academy by completing their work to a high standard and by being a helpful colleague to engage with.

When I finish my career, I hope my legacy is of an effective, passionate and high-calibre public servant who put in their best shift and positioned the APS to prosper for the future.

What professional advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to continue learning from those around you, and be excited and willing to participate. A good public servant is a curious public servant.

APS Academy program participation

Which program have you participated in?

I came over to the APS Academy to work as a project manager on the APS Capability Reinvestment Fund Round 1 project: Developing capability through microcredentials.

My role has been to establish good working relationships with our partners and ensure project goals, milestones and Fund responsibilities are met and delivered in a timely manner.

What were the reasons you chose to join the program?

I chose to join the program as I wanted to continue working towards the development of the APS. I was excited by the prospect of improving industry partnerships with universities and effectively contributing to high-priority capability uplift in the APS.

Describe your program experience.

Throughout our program pilot, I have grown to further appreciate the experience, knowledge and passion it takes to be an expert within a certain field. I’ve also found that it takes a high level of skill to effectively exercise this expertise.

I’ve found it highly gratifying to see the genuine capability uplift and learning transfer that has occurred for participants of the program.

I’ve discovered there are many individuals in the APS who are willing and able to improve its capability across critical areas. However, people need to be offered assured learning opportunities to achieve this.

How has this experience contributed to your current role?

The program has enabled me to strengthen my stakeholder relationship skills through high level engagement with internal and external partners.

Administering the program has made me a stronger public servant who better appreciates the effort, skill and systemic knowledge required to excel in the APS.