PUBLIC SERVICE AMENDMENT BILL PASSES THE SENATE

16 May 2024

SENATOR THE HON KATY GALLAGHER
MINISTER FOR FINANCE
MINISTER FOR WOMEN
MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE

THE HON PATRICK GORMAN MP
ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER
ASSITANT MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE

The Albanese Government is continuing to build a stronger public service with the Public Service Amendment Bill passing the Senate.

The Minister for the Public Service, Senator Katy Gallagher, said the previous Coalition Government gutted the public service, eroded capability, and ran a shadow workforce of consultants and contractors.

“The Liberal/National Government’s damaging policies chipped away at the capabilities and the independence of the APS.

“They systematically dismantled the public service for the best part of a decade, now Labor is rebuilding the APS because we fundamentally believe in a strong public service that provides frank and fearless advice to Government.

“The need for ambitious APS reform is clear, and we need reforms that will endure, that’s why we’re locking in these important changes in legislation.

“We want to restore the public’s trust and faith in Government and this vital institution.”

Some of the changes in the Bill include:

Stewardship has been added as a new APS value
Making it clear that ministers cannot direct agency heads on individual APS staffing decisions
Regular capability reviews have become a requirement
To improve transparency, agencies will be required to publish their APS employee census results, with action plans to respond
Regular long-term insight reports will be commissioned to help grapple with long-term strategic policy challenges

The Assistant Minister for the Public Service, Patrick Gorman MP, said Australia asks so much of our public servants.

“I am proud to be part of a Government that is reinvesting in our public servants.

“These reforms are part of supporting the Australian Public Service to be truly world-leading, now and into the future.”

This Bill is a key element of the Albanese Government’s APS reform agenda.

The next phase of APS reform will include requirements for the PM&C Secretary and the APS Commissioner to conduct merit-based appointments processes for Secretary roles to build rigour into the advice provided to the Prime Minister on candidates.

THURSDAY 16 MAY 2024