The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) has announced it is working on guidance and training programs to increase the level of understanding between the roles of advisers working in Ministers’ Offices and the Public Service.
The Commission said it was developing the new modules in response to last year’s Independent Review of the Australian Public Service (APS) led by David Thodey.
The APSC said that while the roles of Ministerial Advisers and the APS were separate and distinct, they worked best as a partnership.
It said the two areas should be “focused on working effectively together to provide Ministers with quality advice of the highest standard, and driving implementation to deliver on Government priorities”.
“Specialised guidance and training will be devised by the APSC, in close consultation with the Department of Finance, and with assistance from a Ministerial Liaison Reference Panel,” the APSC said.
It said the Panel would consist of Deputy Secretary from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Stephanie Foster (pictured); a current Ministerial Chief of Staff, Rachael Thompson; and three former Senior Advisers to Prime Ministers, Ben Hubbard, Tony Nutt and Wayne Eagleson.
“This diverse and experienced group will ensure the training and guidance has longevity, is suitable for a diversity of audiences, and reflects the lived experience of senior officials and Ministerial Offices,” the APSC said.
It said there would be training programs for the Senior Executive Service and others with close engagement with Ministerial Offices as well as materials to help every APS employee understand their role and the role of their Minister and Ministerial advisers.
“To complement this program, guidance and training will also be provided to staff employed under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984, to strengthen their understanding of the role of the APS, and ensure a shared language across these two vital components of Australian democracy,” the Commission said.
It said initial training and guidance was expected to begin early in 2021.
