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

SHARON CLAYDON MP
DEPUTY SPEAKER IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MEMBER FOR NEWCASTLE

LAUNCH OF APS ACADEMY IN NEWCASTLE

More people living in the Hunter region will be able to start a career in the public service with the Albanese Government launching the first APS Academy in Newcastle.

The public service is facing critical skill shortages in data and digital roles, with 90 per cent of this expertise located outside of Canberra.

Students and people wanting a career-change will be able to skill-up in data and digital training at The APS Academy Campus at the University of Newcastle while working in the APS and remaining at home in their communities.

The Minister for the Public Service, Senator Katy Gallagher, says in the past people would have to move to Sydney or Canberra for this kind of opportunity.

‘The past few years have taught us much of the work the APS does can be done remotely. The APS Academy Campuses give people the option to accept advertised positions without leaving their communities.’

‘It shows our commitment to doing things differently. We’re meeting talent where they are, not where the APS has always been.’

‘It is initiatives like this which help us solve the data and digital skills capability gaps in the public service.’

22 new APS employees will start their career in Newcastle.

The Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon, says this exciting partnership between the University of Newcastle and the APS will boost regional jobs and create employment opportunities in the digital sector for Novocastrians.

‘The Albanese Government understands the value of keeping secure jobs in the regions. Newcastle's Australian Public Service Academy will provide opportunities for students to earn as they learn, working as APS employees while they complete their bachelor degrees.’

The 3-year pilot program was established by the Australian Public Service Commission in partnership with regional universities and was approved in the 2022–23 Budget.

Another APS Academy Campus will open at James Cook University in Townsville later this year.

For more information about APS Academy Campuses visit:

www.apsacademy.gov.au/aps-professions/aps-academy-campuses

FRIDAY, JUNE 16 2023