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 Clare Walsh, 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 Ms Victoria Anderson, Acting Secretary of the Treasury.
Indigenous Affairs
The Board held a strategic discussion with Ms Catherine Liddle, acting convenor of the Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Peak Organisations (the Coalition of Peaks) on Priority Reforms under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and opportunities to progress implementation.
The Board received an update from the National Indigenous Australians Agency on work to develop a Joint Council Response to the Productivity Commission’s three-yearly review into the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Artificial Intelligence in Government
The Board agreed to the Policy for the Safe and Responsible use of AI, which will commence on 1 September 2024 for non‑corporate Commonwealth entities.
The Board noted work underway, led by the Digital Transformation Agency, to support implementation of the Policy, and governance arrangements for the ongoing safe and responsible use of AI in government.
National Agenda
The Board received an update from Professor Glyn Davis AC, Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, on Commonwealth-State priorities with cross-portfolio implications.
Public Service Act
The Board noted amendments to the Public Service Act 1999 relevant to Secretaries Board following the passage of the Public Service Amendment Act 2024.
Next Meeting
The next Secretaries Board meeting is scheduled for 10 July 2024.