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 PSM, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Ms Justine Greig PSM, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Defence.
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.
Closing the Gap
The Board received an update from Ms Jody Broun, Chief Executive Officer of the National Indigenous Australians Agency.
Update on the reform to Australia’s system of administrative review
The Board received an update from the Hon Justice Emilios Kyrou AO, President of the Administrative Review Tribunal, and Ms Katherine Jones PSM, Secretary of the Attorney-General’s Department on the reform to Australia’s system of administrative review and the commencement of operations of the Administrative Review Tribunal on 14 October 2024. The Board discussed steps agencies can take to support the objectives of the new Tribunal, including in relation to transparency and quality of government decision making.
Implementation of the Review of the Management of Regional Processing Administrating by the Department of Home Affairs
The Board received an update on progress implementing recommendations from the Review of Integrity Concerns and Governance Arrangements for the Management of Regional Processing Administration by the Department of Home Affairs.
APS Reform – Annual Progress Report
The Board noted the upcoming public release of the second APS Reform Annual Progress Report.
Other Business
The Board thanked Mr Ray Griggs AO CSC, noting this was his last meeting prior to retirement from the APS.
Next Meeting
The next Secretaries Board meeting is scheduled for 11 December 2024.