A new permanent exhibition telling the story of the Australian Public Service (APS) and the role it plays in Australia’s democracy, has opened at the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) at Old Parliament House in Canberra.
As reported in last week’s PS News the permanent exhibition, Australia’s Public Service For the Government of the Day, was developed in a partnership between the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) and MoAD, with support from the National Archives of Australia, the National Film and Sound Archive and contributing Agencies.
The exhibition features objects from APS Departments, as well as personal collections and case-studies which highlight the work of the APS during key moments of national significance.
Officially opening the exhibition last week (27 May), Minister for the Public Service, Ben Morton (pictured centre right) said it would help educate Australians about the important role of the APS in supporting Government decision-making to deliver for the country.
“The APS story is not well told and its role not well understood within the community, but it is just so important,” Mr Morton said.
“There has never before been a space for public visitors to learn about what the APS does in our democratic system to support the Australian community,” he said.
“Visitors may be surprised about how the APS has supported successive Governments to deliver some of our greatest milestones as a nation.”
Mr Morton said the exhibition showcased the APS’s role in supporting Government decision-making and implementation to foster the health and wealth of the nation.
“The work of public servants is both visible and invisible,” he said.
“It reflects the times, the needs of the Australian public and impacts each and every one of us.”
He said a second phase of the exhibition was expected to open next year, exploring the role of the APS in supporting the Australian community and an APS Careers Inspiration Centre.
