The latest intake of graduates into the Australian Public Service (APS) were encouraged to be bold, creative and to jump between Agencies at their orientation day in Canberra last week.
Welcomed by APS Commissioner, Peter Woolcott, the 135 graduates from 14 participating Agencies were told to proceed with integrity, honesty and a good conscience.
“If you are unsure, reach out to your colleagues and supervisors and always ask for help and guidance where needed,” Mr Woolcott said.
He urged the graduates to take opportunities where they arose in the APS.
“I would also encourage you to consider, throughout your career, opportunities to further develop your capabilities by moving in and out of different agencies, different levels of government, working in Ministerial Offices and even spending time in the private sector or not-for-profits,” he said.
“We need to harness and leverage the different skills, knowledge, experiences and networks that individual employees bring to their work.”
He recommended the graduates familiarise themselves with the Thodey Review, which recommended major reform work to “future fit” the Public Service in a challenging world.
“The recommendations of the Thodey Review essentially focus on the need for a more joined-up, people-facing, data-enabled, capable and trusted Public Service able to deliver effectively in a radically different operating environment,” Mr Woolcott said.
He said the APS was working for influence in a highly-contested environment.
“Good ideas and sound delivery approaches are not the monopoly of the Public Service,” Mr Woolcott said.
“While we still have the authority that comes from the institution that is the APS, there is no room for nostalgia nor complacency,” he said.
“Our advice has to be well-argued and persuasive and open to challenge by political advisors, think tanks, lobby groups and NGOs.”
He told the graduates to be bold, think creatively and work hard for the Government of the day.
