SENATOR THE HON KATY GALLAGHER
MINISTER FOR FINANCE
MINISTER FOR WOMEN
MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE
MINISTER FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES
THE HON PATRICK GORMAN MP
ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE
ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR EMPLOYMENT AND WORKPLACE RELATIONS
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR PERTH
2025 APS EMPLOYEE CENSUS SHOWS A STRONGER, MORE INNOVATIVE AND ENGAGED APS
The Albanese Labor Government has made rebuilding and strengthening the Australian Public Service (APS) a priority, setting out a clear reform agenda built on four pillars: Integrity, putting people and business at the centre of policy and services, being a model employer, and building capability
These latest Census findings show that commitment in action. They reflect the Government’s determination to restore capability to the APS and to value the contribution of public servants after years of underinvestment and outsourcing.
Three years on, the benefits of reform are evident. The 2025 Australian Public Service Employee Census reveals a stronger, more resilient APS, one that is engaged, innovative and focused on delivering better outcomes for Australians.
The results demonstrate that when we invest in people, culture and systems, we build a public service that is confident in its purpose, proud of its work and better equipped to serve the community.
With a record 81% of APS employees participating, the Census paints a clear picture of a service that is proud of its purpose, highly engaged, and committed to innovation and integrity.
The data demonstrates that investment in the APS is paying off, with staff reporting higher levels of motivation, wellbeing, and confidence in their agencies. Public servants overwhelmingly say they are prepared to go the extra mile (91%), strongly believe in the purpose and goals of their agencies (88%), and feel empowered to act with integrity (81%).
The survey also shows strong leadership support, with 87% of employees saying their immediate supervisor cares about their health and wellbeing, and 84% reporting their agency actively promotes an inclusive workplace culture. Importantly, 83% of staff see continuous improvement as part of their responsibility, reflecting a workforce committed to innovation and better ways of working.
Agency-level Census results will be released on agency websites in the coming weeks.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Public Service, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher:
“These results show what happens when a government values the public service and invests in its people. The APS is more engaged, more confident, and better equipped to deliver the services and policies Australians rely on.
“For too long, the public service was undermined and hollowed out. We’ve made it a priority to rebuild capability, strengthening systems, investing in culture, and recognising the importance of public servants as a trusted, professional workforce.
“Public servants are motivated, they’re innovative, and they’re delivering results. The survey shows a workforce that is committed to going the extra mile, that believes strongly in their purpose, and that is supported by leaders who value inclusion and wellbeing. That is exactly the kind of service Australians deserve.”
Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for the Public Service, the Hon Patrick Gorman MP:
“Australians rely on the public service every day, from Medicare and Centrelink, to Defence and national security, to policy advice across government. This Census shows the APS is not only meeting these challenges but is doing so with dedication and pride.
“Nearly nine in ten staff are committed to their agency’s goals and strongly believe in the value of their work. That tells us the APS is an organisation with purpose, where people care deeply about delivering policy which makes a difference for their communities.
“We know there is always more to do, but these results show the progress we’ve made. The APS is more inclusive and more committed to innovation. That is good for the workforce and it’s good for Australians.”
ENDS
