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.
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.
Update on Jobs and Skills Australia and the Role of the Jobs and Skills Council
The Board received an update from Ms Natalie James, Secretary of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, and Professor Barney Glover AO, Commissioner, Jobs and Skills Australia, on the role of Jobs and Skills Australia including its current areas of focus.
Progress update from the Productivity Commission
Secretaries considered the Productivity Commission’s recent release of the Closing the Gap Dashboard and the 2024 Annual Data Compilation Report in the context of the Commonwealth implementation of the Joint Council response to the Productivity Commission Review of the National Agreement for Closing the Gap.
Heads of Profession
Secretaries Board noted the establishment of three new Australian Public Service professional streams and the appointment of new Heads of Professions.
Secretaries Board Terms of Reference
Secretaries Board endorsed revised Terms of Reference, updated to reflect the Board’s endorsed sub-committee structure. These will be published on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s website.
Next Meetings
The next Secretaries Board meeting is scheduled for 11 September 2024.