The Terms of Reference (ToR) for the independent review of the Australian Public Service (APS) have been released by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, setting out the objectives and scope of the review.
Included among the ToR is recognition that the APS had well served the Australian public and successive Governments as a highly professional organisation and the Government was determined to capitalise on opportunities to drive innovation, increase productivity, create jobs, improve citizens’ experience of government, and deliver better services.
“The APS has a critical role in assisting Government manage and respond to new and emerging challenges, both in policy and implementation, but it must be best placed to harness the opportunities with the necessary in-house capability to both develop and implement solutions.”
It says the APS must retain the key competencies and capabilities to discharge its responsibilities.
“The recent Innovation and Science Australia report, Australia 2030: Prosperity Through Innovation, concluded the APS has to transform to meet the challenges of a digitally-enabled economy.
“This means improving the capacity of the APS to innovate, collaborate, and to use data and technology more effectively.”
It said the review would examine the capability, culture and operating model of the APS.
“It will make practical recommendations to ensure the APS is ready, over the coming decades, to best serve Australia.”
Among the areas to be considered under the ToR are driving innovation and productivity in the economy; delivering high quality policy advice, regulatory oversight, programs and services; tackling complex, multi-sectoral challenges in collaboration with the community, business and citizens; and ensuring domestic, foreign, trade and security interests were coordinated and well managed.
The ToR say it is also essential the APS play a role in improving citizens’ experience of Government and delivering fair outcomes for them, and in acquiring and maintaining the necessary skills and expertise to fulfil its responsibilities.
“The review will focus on all Departments of State and any entity which engages staff under the Public Service Act 1999.
“Parliamentary Departments are not within the scope of the review,” the ToR said.
The full Terms of Reference for the review can be accessed on the review’s website at this PS News link.
