Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher has congratulated the APS on reaching the 100 First Nations in the SES target. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
There are now 100 First Nations staff employed in the ranks of the Senior Executive Service (SES) of the Australian Public Service.
The Federal Government is hailing the development as the APS reaching a “significant milestone” and delivering on its commitment to better reflect the community it serves.
It was accomplished under the SES100 initiative, which was established as part of the government’s APS reform agenda.
It seeks to encourage more First Nations staff to apply for senior positions.
The initiative states that representation is critical at senior levels to ensure First Nations voices, perspectives and participation in the decision-making process, bringing a flow-on effect of cultural capability and awareness from the top down.
“The SES100 initiative aims to attract First Nations leaders into senior executive positions; retain First Nations leaders; support First Nations leaders to be successful within their SES roles; and position the APS as an employer of choice for First Nations peoples,” it states.
“With cultural safety and participant care embedded across all stages of the initiative, applicants are provided with extensive support through the SES100 journey.”
Achieving 100 SES staff was the program’s initial target – up from only 54 SES staff previously.
Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher, who has been an enthusiastic advocate for the initiative, delighted in marking the achievement.
“Our government has consistently said that the APS should reflect the community it serves, including in its leadership ranks,” Senator Gallagher said.
“Encouraging more First Nations employees to apply for senior positions means embedding important perspectives into the policymaking processes – delivering better outcomes for all Australians.
“I am proud of the work we are doing to build a strong public service that delivers for the Australian people.”
The SES100 initiative directly supports Priority 3 of Closing the Gap and boosting representation in senior leadership roles.
Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy said the program’s targets are an important part of building a public service that sets the standard as a model employer and best serves the Australian people.
“The SES100 initiative recognises the transformative power of representation and its role to create a stronger and more inclusive Australia,” she said.
“SES100 is more than just a recruitment strategy; it’s a commitment to meaningful change in the Australian Public Service.
“By increasing First Nations representation at decision-making levels in government, we are shaping policies that better serve all Australians.”
Applicants moving through the SES100 program have gone through thorough merit-based selection processes to ensure the best candidates are being appointed to the right roles.
Ben Bolt is a national manager at Services Australia and one of the SES100. Photo: Ben Bolt.
One SES100 initiative candidate is Ben Bolt, a Bundjalung man from Northern NSW and a national manager at Services Australia.
“The APS is making real strides in creating a culture that values diversity and genuinely listens to First Nations voices,” he said.
“It’s not just about recruitment, it’s about building culturally safe workplaces where we feel seen, supported and empowered to lead.”
Mr Bolt also features on the SES100 web page of the Australian Public Service Commission, where he explains some of the process of his application, recruitment and guidance through the program.
“My career has spanned various executive and governance roles in organisations dedicated to social cohesion, such as SBS, Relationships Australia, and Multicultural Australia,” he says.
“Joining Services Australia presented a unique opportunity to make a difference on a national scale.
“The support I’ve received from leaders, colleagues, and my team has been phenomenal.
“I’ve had the privilege of connecting with First Nations people across the public sector and actively contributed to discussions about issues affecting First Nations communities both in the APS and more broadly.
“The role has been incredibly rewarding, and I can already see a long and fulfilling career within the Australian Public Service.
“The recruitment process at Services Australia was relatively stress-free. While it was somewhat challenging to understand at first, coming from outside the sector, everything started to make sense once I began meeting people.
“The people I met were genuine, inspiring, warm and professional.
“One of the highlights from SES100 has been the access to coaching, which has provided invaluable guidance and support.”
The APS will now focus on its long-term goal of 5 per cent First Nations representation across the APS.
Original Article published by Chris Johnson on Region Canberra.
