SENATOR THE HON KATY GALLAGHER
MINISTER FOR FINANCE
MINISTER FOR WOMEN
MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE
SENATOR FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

THE HON LINDA BURNEY MP
MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS
MEMBER FOR BARTON

BOOSTING REPRESENTATION OF FIRST NATIONS PEOPLE AT SES LEVELS ACROSS THE APS

The Albanese Government has today announced a new recruitment strategy to boost representation of First Nations people at senior leadership levels across the Australian Public Service (APS).

The SES 100 initiative, co-sponsored by the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) and the National Indigenous Australians Agency, aims to increase the number of First Nations SES leaders across the service from 54 to 100.

Minister for the Public Service, Senator Katy Gallagher, said it’s not just about increasing numbers, it's about harnessing the skills and perspectives First Nations senior leaders bring to the APS.

“We know to deliver better outcomes for First Nations people, the government must involve them in its decision-making process.

“And to play a role in decision-making, they must be represented at senior levels.”

The Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, encouraged First Nations people to apply.

“This initiative is about boosting the number of Indigenous Australians in the senior ranks of the Australian Public Service.

“Creating a more inclusive public sector that better reflects our country is a priority for the Albanese government.”

Lil Gordon is a First Nations leader at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts who was motivated to join the APS to bring the voice of First Nations people and communities to the forefront. 

Ms Gordon said, “I wanted to ensure that the interests and aspirations of First Nations people are heard and that we work in genuine partnership to bring solutions with the First Nations community.

“I bring the very essence of who I am every day and contribute visibly and purposefully, proudly talking about my experiences and ensuring we move towards a culturally safe and welcoming work environment.”

This initiative includes a range of non-specialised roles such as policy development and implementation, program and project management, strategic communication, corporate policy, compliance and enforcement programs, service delivery, and corporate operations.

The initiative will support First Nations senior leaders to excel in their new roles. They will be connected to existing networks, with access to networking opportunities and tailored development initiatives.

The roles will be advertised on APSjobs from 6 November until 17 December 2023.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6 2023