The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) has announced that its APS Surge Reserve registration portal is now up and running on its APSJobs website.
According to the Commission the move will mean APS employees can register themselves on the APS Surge Reserve, update and manage their own details and make it easier for the Service to surge in times of crisis.
Welcoming the move, APS Commissioner, Peter Woolcott said the APS needed to be prepared to mobilise its people in large numbers so it can support the Australian community in a crisis if needed.
“By making it easier for people to volunteer, this new streamlined registration portal will strengthen our short-term workforce, so we can respond seamlessly to critical government priorities or emergencies,” Mr Woolcott said.
“It also reduces administrative burden on Agencies, who have much to gain from staff broadening their understanding of the wider APS and bringing back new skills and capabilities from deployments,” he said.
“I encourage APS employees across the Service to register their interest in being part of an APS that continues to work together for Australians.”
Mr Woolcott said the Surge Reserve was established in 2021 following the success of a mobilisation of APS employees in 2020 which attracted more than 2,500 employees to move across the Service into areas of critical need.
He said the Surge Reserve was a register of APS1 to EL2 volunteers available to Agencies to temporarily increase their workforce to respond to government priorities, major disasters or emergencies.
“Reservists are deployed to APS agencies where there is the greatest need to support the Australian community,” Mr Woolcott said.
“The APS Surge Reserve also offers opportunities to APS employees to try something new without leaving their current position,” he said.
Staff members interested in joining the Surge Reserve are advised to talk to their manager or supervisor and follow the APSC APSJobs website which can be accessed at this PS News link.
