Good advice and policy are informed by a diverse range of voices, views and perspectives, and are strengthened through collaboration with those individuals, organisations or sectors that could either be affected by the policy or decision, or could assist in helping to achieve a successful outcome.

Recognising that a significant proportion of the APS works with the states and territories on a range of policy, funding and regulatory issues, the department has established an APS Commonwealth–State Relations Community of Practice to share expertise and learnings, identify cross-cutting issues and grow networks. This holistic approach to knowledge sharing will benefit practitioners and work to ensure best practice in intergovernmental relations and negotiations.

PM&C is committed to Pillar 2 of the APS reform agenda: ‘The APS puts people and business at the centre of policy and services’. Through Long-term Insights Briefings to support the Secretaries Board, the department engages in conversations with the Australian community, academia and civil society to strengthen policy development and planning in the APS. Insights collected are published and shared widely to inform future policies and decision making.

The department will continue to work in genuine partnership with the community to solve problems and co-design the best solutions to improve the lives of all Australians.

To develop informed and impactful advice and effective policies, the department collaborates with a range of stakeholders, as set out in Figure 2.