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 Ms Jan Adams AO, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Mr Steven Groves, Chief Finance Officer, Department of Defence (representing 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.
National Priorities
The Board received an update from the Chair on Commonwealth-State priorities which have cross-cutting portfolio implications.
Covid-19 Response Inquiry
The Board received an update from Ms Robyn Kruk AO, Panel Chair, on the progress of the Commonwealth Government COVID-19 Response Inquiry, including a discussion on the panel’s directions for the final report due to the Australian Government on 30 September 2024.
Prime Minister’s National Science and Technology Council – 2024-25 Projects
The Board noted the two research topics being led by the Prime Minister’s National Science and Technology Council on research infrastructure and population-level information resilience, and agreed the Council should brief the Board on the findings of these research topics when they become available. The Board further noted the Council’s capacity to provide independent, evidence-based advice to government on a broad range of issues relevant to science and technology.
Secretaries Board Digital and Data Committee Performance Report 1 January -30 June 2024
The Board noted the biannual report from the Secretaries Digital and Data Committee, which highlighted progress made in the first half of 2024 and outlined the Committee’s focus for the coming six months.
Next Meetings
The next Secretaries Board meeting is scheduled for 9 October 2024.