30 March 2022
Dear colleagues
Yesterday the Treasurer handed down the Federal Budget 2022-23. The focus for the APS was clear: We must support the Government to build on Australia’s economic and social recovery, and support Australians by providing high quality services where and when people need them.
Across the APS, many of you have worked incredibly hard to support the preparation of this year’s Budget. Funding from the Budget supports the work you do. The advice you provide and the services you deliver are an important contribution to Australia’s economic recovery.
The last few months have been extraordinarily busy for all of us. Many of you have been involved in international efforts to counteract Russia’s unprovoked, unjust and illegal war against Ukraine. Australia is doing everything it can to ensure Russia and others know that its actions will have severe political, economic and reputational consequences.
Many of you are working to provide support and deliver payments to communities affected by floods. Once again the APS Surge Reserve was deployed to help colleagues in Services Australia. We are also continuing to support those impacted by the pandemic, and working with partners to ensure we are prepared to deal with potential COVID-19 and flu impacts over the winter period.
We want to acknowledge and thank all of you for your continuing efforts. We recognise the level of professionalism and dedication you continue to show in the face of current and emerging challenges, and the need for us to continue to work together as one APS.
We encourage you to take some time to reflect on your role and the progress we are making in the APS. The State of the Service Roadshow is underway with events live-streamed in each region and all staff are invited. This is a fantastic opportunity to hear about APS-wide priorities and initiatives, as well as local visions for the future of the APS workforce.
As we move toward the Federal Election please familiarise yourself with the Caretaker conventions. Consistent with the conventions, you should continue to serve the Government with the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and dedication.
Philip Gaetjens
Secretary
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Peter Woolcott AO
Australian Public Service Commissioner