APS reforms already having a positive impact on Australia’s public service

Today, the 26th State of the Service Report was tabled in Parliament.

Read a copy of the State of the Service Report 2023.

The results show that the Albanese Government’s reforms are already having a tangible impact on our Australian Public Service (APS), after a decade of stagnation.

This transformation is changing the face of capability, fairness, inclusion and transparency in our public sector.

The Government’s investment in APS capability building within the public service is measurably changing the APS, with the workforce growing by 6.9% in 2022-23.

The report addresses how the APS is serving the Australian Government, the Parliament and the Australian people. It examines the APS workforce and workplaces, capability, leadership and integrity to help agencies make informed workforce decisions.

The report highlights how the APS is transforming itself into an employer of choice. This work is focused on providing a work environment that is rewarding and flexible, where everyone feels valued, welcomed and safe, and has the same opportunities for advancement.

Notably, 92% of APS Employee Census respondents understand how their role contributes to achieving an outcome for the Australian public.

Eighty-four percent of Census respondents agreed they believe strongly in the purpose and objectives of the APS, while 76% agreed they gained a sense of accomplishment in their job.

Increasing fairness and inclusion in the workplace is a priority for the APS. The gender pay gap in the APS has shrunk to below 6% and, as at 30 June, 24% of APS employees were born outside Australia.

This representation is in line with the broader Australian workforce. However, greater representation of employees with diverse backgrounds is still needed at senior levels.

Under Section 44 of the Public Service Act 1999, the APS Commissioner is required to report annually on the state of the service over the past year. The 2022-23 report is the first to be issued by APS Commissioner, Dr Gordon de Brouwer.

For the first time, APS agencies will be required to publish both their Census results and action plans. This ensures greater transparency and will help identify problem areas, target solutions and track progress.

The State of the Service Report, agency census results and action plans are now available through the APSC Website.

Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for the Public Service, The Hon Patrick Gorman MP:

“The results are in: public service work is being put back in the hands of public servants.”

 “After a decade of neglect, our Government is rebuilding the APS, and the effects of our reform program are starting to have a positive impact.”

“The Albanese Government has undertaken significant work over the past year to build APS capability through initiatives like Australian Government Consulting, the in-house consulting service, and the APS Capability Reinvestment Fund.”

“This report shows how staff across the APS are focused on the purpose of their work.”
“Ninety-two percent of public servants understanding how their work delivers improved outcomes for the lives of Australians is a fantastic result.” 

 “After what has been a very difficult few years for many APS employees, including the disheartening effects of Robodebt, it is encouraging to see engagement levels remain high.”