The Public Sector Commission (PSC) has released its annual report for 2019-20, declaring that the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed, but not halted its work.
Commissioner, Sharyn O’Neill (pictured) said the State’s PS Agencies had seen “a renewed sense of drive, optimism and focus”.
“This was extremely important as I came to the position following an independent review of the Commission that called for significant change,” Ms O’Neill said.
“Before the pandemic hit, some significant strategies came to fruition including an action plan to increase employment in the public sector of those with disability and an integrity strategy for the Government sector.”
She said the year also saw the beginning of a two-year trial of a new approach to managing the performance and development of Directors General.
“We held off on consulting on other strategies so Agencies could focus on the pandemic response,” Ms O’Neill said.
“In the background we progressed work on leadership, talent, workforce diversification and inclusion, a workforce model, Agency capability and organisational culture. We will pursue these important initiatives in the year ahead.”
She said the Commission had continued to ensure its governance was robust and fit-for-purpose, with a focus on risk management.
“In line with our strategic plan, Leading with Purpose, we set directions and outcomes for the calendar year,” Ms O’Neill said.
“Like all organisations we acted quickly and decisively when the pandemic took hold, assessing our work to reduce unnecessary burden on the sector while maintaining essential functions and reporting obligations.”
She said the Commission itself managed its response through an active and agile incident management team and operated in a COVID-safe way. It was well prepared to respond quickly to any COVID-19 surges if required.
“During the year, I was appointed by the Government to two additional roles to support the pandemic response and recovery — Public Sector Coordinator and State Recovery Controller,” Ms O’Neill said.
“As Controller, I had responsibility for developing the WA Recovery Plan and WA Impact Statement, and will coordinate and oversee implementation going forward.”
The Commission’s 69-page Annual Report can be accessed at this PS News link.
