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 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 Ms Victoria Anderson, Deputy Secretary of The Treasury.
National Anti-Corruption Commission
The Board received an update from the Hon Paul Brereton AM RFD SC, National Anti-Corruption Commissioner, on the work of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and agreed to support a survey on perceptions and experiences of corruption in the Commonwealth public sector.
Australian Government Consulting update
The Board received an update on the work of Australian Government Consulting (AGC), the scope and nature of AGC service offerings, and discussed how AGC can support the APS.
Review of the Management of Regional Processing Administration by the Department of Home Affairs
The Board received an update from Ms Stephanie Foster PSM, Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, 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.
Diversity and Inclusion Champions
The Board welcomed the incoming Champions for First Nations, Ms Katherine Jones PSM, Disability, Mr Ray Griggs AO CSC, and Cultural and Linguistic Diversity, Mr Jim Betts. The Board thanked Mr David Fredericks PSM for his dedication and contribution to making the APS a model employer for people with disability as Disability Champion. The Board also acknowledged the work of Mr Ray Griggs AO CSC as outgoing champion for First Nations.
Secretaries Board Governance updates
The Board considered its sub-committee structure, including the number of sub-committees and their purpose, terms of reference, membership, duration and work programs, and mechanisms for reporting to the Board. The Board agreed to settle options for future sub-committee arrangements in July.
The Board endorsed revised Terms of Reference, updated following the Review of the Secretaries Board.
Next Meetings
The next Secretaries Board meeting is scheduled for 12 June 2024.