A message to all APS staff on the federal election and caretaker period

Colleagues,

As you would know, the Prime Minister has announced a federal election will be held on Saturday 3 May 2025.

The caretaker period commenced with the dissolution of the House of Representatives this morning. It will continue until the election result is clear, or if there is a change of government, until the new government is appointed by the Governor‑General.

Federal election 2025: Caretaker conventions now in place

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has formally announced that the 2025 federal election will take place on Saturday 3 May 2025.

With this announcement, and the dissolution of the House of Representatives by the Governor-General this morning, the caretaker conventions are now in place.

During the caretaker period, the government restricts its activities and the Australian Public Service adopts practices consistent with the conventions, and to protect its apolitical nature in accordance with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions.

Australia’s National Statement to the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women

The 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City from 10 to 21 March 2025.

Over the two weeks, the importance of global cooperation and continuing efforts in support of gender equality shone through in many discussions and presentations.

Secretaries Board communique: 19 March 2025

Strategic Outlook

The Board discussed government priorities, emerging risks and strategic issues.

The Board received an update on geostrategic issues from Ms Jan Adams AO PSM, Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Mr Greg Moriarty AO Secretary, Department of Defence.

The Board received an economic and budget update from Ms Jenny Wilkinson PSM, Secretary of the Department of Finance, and Dr Steven Kennedy PSM, Secretary of the Treasury.

Report of the 2024 Independent Intelligence Review

On 21 March 2025 the Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, released the unclassified report of the 2024 Independent Intelligence Review.

The review was announced in September 2023 to ensure our intelligence agencies are best positioned to continue to serve the Australian national interest.

The review found agencies have been successful in protecting Australia’s national interest. It recommends investing in further capability to ensure the intelligence community maintains its high performance.

Portfolio Budget Statements 2025 - 2026

The purpose of the 2025-26 Portfolio Budget Statements (PB Statements) is to inform Senators and Members of Parliament of the proposed allocation of resources to government outcomes by entities within the portfolio. Entities receive resources from the annual appropriations acts, special appropriations (including standing appropriations and special accounts), and revenue from other sources.

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