The Secretaries Board met today at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to discuss the following matters.
Strategic Outlook
The Board discussed government priorities, emerging risks and strategic issues.
The Board received an update on geostrategic issues from Mr Greg Moriarty AO, Secretary of the Department of Defence, and Ms Elly Lawson, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The Board received an economic and budget update from Ms Jenny Wilkinson PSM, Secretary of the Department of Finance, and Mr Steven Kennedy PSM, Secretary of the Treasury.
Closing the Gap
The Board held a strategic discussion with Ms Pat Turner AM, lead convener of the Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Peak Organisations (the Coalition of the Peaks) on progress on Priority Reforms under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and opportunities to progress implementation.
The Board received an update from Ms Jody Broun, Chief Executive Officer of the National Indigenous Australians Agency on Closing the Gap performance measures and reviewed the implementation of Commonwealth actions to progress the Priority Reforms and address the trajectory of worsening targets.
Ethical and Tangible Delivery
The Board received a report from a group of SES Band 3 officers from across the APS, working with Mr Mike Mrdak AO on actions to embed tangible and ethical delivery. The Board discussed the importance of maintaining the APS’s focus on delivery, and endorsed greater engagement with leaders at all levels to build capability and confidence in ethical delivery.
Building capability through the APS Academy
The Board received an update from Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM, Australian Public Service Commissioner, on the work of the APS Academy and agreed to continue investment in the Academy in 2025, with a particular focus on strengthening APS Policy, Leadership and Partnerships and Engagement Craft.
Youth Engagement Toolkit
The Board noted the release of the Youth Engagement Toolkit which aims to increase the capability of the Australian Public Service to engage with young people.
The Board also noted the Office for Youth’s role and offer to agencies to support and build their youth engagement capability.
Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) Annual update
The Board noted the AGSVA Annual Update 2023-24.
Other Business
The Board welcomed Mr Michael Lye who commenced as Secretary of the Department of Social Services on 11 December 2024, following a publicly advertised, merit-based selection process.
The Board acknowledged the passing of Mr Stephen Sedgwick AO KSG, former Departmental Secretary and Australian Public Service Commissioner.
Next Meetings
The next Secretaries Board meeting is scheduled for 19 February 2025.