Today, the final report of the independent panel reviewing the APS was submitted to the Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Mr Phil Gaetjens.

In anticipation of receiving the report, the Prime Minister indicated in his speech to the Australian Public Service on 19 August 2019 that he has asked Secretaries Board, under Mr Gaetjens’ leadership, to evaluate the recommendations and report to Cabinet on relevant issues and findings.

The Government commissioned the independent review in 2018 to ensure the APS is fit-for-purpose in the coming decades.

The terms of reference sought a review of the capability, culture and operating model of the APS and practical recommendations to ensure the APS best serves the Australian Government and people: providing security, driving productivity, and improving the experience of government for citizens.

The review was also asked to consider the suitability of the APS’s architecture and governing legislation and its effective delivery of outcomes for Australians.  

Mr Gaetjens thanks the members of the independent panel for their work, and all those public servants and others who contributed to the review.