The Independent Review of the Australian Public Service (APS) has conducted a day-long workshop to help it ensure the reforms it eventually proposes are adopted.
A statement from the Review said 60 participants were selected from 380 applicants with a background in transformation representing more than 20 Government organisations “including graduates, Deputy Secretaries and every level in between”.
“We were overwhelmed by the passion and enthusiasm … over a full day together, we talked, explored and shared insights,” the statement said.
It said subjects covered included the need for commitment and effort across the Service; being clear about exactly what changes involved; delivering for the people we served; and how change was communicated.
“We’ve spoken many times before about the deep spirit of service in the APS,” the statement said.
“To that important quality, we’d add real expertise and enthusiasm for change.”
One of the participants, Andrew Long, from the Department of Social Services, said everyone was being treated equally and everyone contributed ideas.
“I think that is the strength, the different perspectives and points of view,” Mr Long said.
Traci-Ann Byrnes, from the Department of Defence thought the gathering was a true vertical slice of the APS.
“The different levels of experience and age within the group brought a really great perspective to what is needed and what people think is needed,” Ms Byrnes said.
Ian Campbell, from the National Museum of Australia, said an important achievement of the workshop was getting an appreciation of those activities that happen in different areas where different Agencies faced different issues and different challenges.
“It was a dynamic day, providing ideas from on-the-ground Public Servants as to how change in the APS can be made to last,” Mr Campbell said.
More information about the workshop can be accessed at the Review website at this PS News link.
