Noel Towell’s article in today’s Canberra Times, “Study reveals internal tension in Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet” is old news.

The article highlights research undertaken by the ANU and UNSW into structural changes in the public service. There are important lessons to be learnt from the Department’s 2013 machinery of government changes, but it is also important to remember that the research considers a PM&C of four years ago.

I am not surprised that the research found changes to the Department in 2013 were challenging.  Rapidly bringing together many staff and different functions, from across the Australian Government, to create a new organisation brings both challenges and opportunities. 

Big change like this requires sustained commitment and leadership. We are building an inclusive, innovative and collaborative organisation that is a great place to work.

We are now seeing the benefits of these efforts unfold. Our latest staff survey shows that we have come a long way. Staff engagement has improved each year since 2013, with 87 per cent of staff in the latest survey committed to improving the way we work. 

I could not be prouder of the way that staff in my Department have worked collaboratively to meet these challenges and create a better organisation. 

Dr Martin Parkinson