Australian public service commissioner stephen sedgwick

outlook For 2013–14

The last few years have been challenging both externally, with the implementation of the government’s APS reform agenda, and internally as the Commission focused on building a capability to deliver outward-looking, client-focused and collaborative outcomes. Our challenge for 2013–14 will be to find innovative ways to maintain the impetus in a climate of funding constraint.

During the reporting period, the Commission delivered the APS Leadership and Core Skills Strategy 2012–13. This strategy will be further progressed next year. It aims to enhance the capability of APS leaders and the core skills of the APS workforce (for example, in respect of performance management) to meet the challenges of the future and has been well received thus far.

It has also been a year of consolidation to ensure that tools and techniques developed over the last few years are embedded across the APS. Looking ahead, particularly in relation to the performance framework project, there is great value to be gained through adoption of a diagnostic instrument under development to support agencies in embedding a high-performance culture. We will continue to support agencies to build on their strengths and capabilities through such initiatives.

We will also work with agencies on developing guidance to help agencies to embed the revised APS Values and Employment Principles.

Policy work to develop the bargaining arrangements for 2014 is well underway. It is expected that arrangements for the 2014 round of bargaining will be announced in the second half of 2013.

It is expected that the Commission, on behalf of the Commonwealth, will make an application to the Fair Work Commission requesting that it consider modernising the Australian Public Service Award 1998. We will continue to provide advice and guidance to non-APS agencies to support the modernisation of other Commonwealth awards.

I would like to thank all members of the Commission for their continued support and commitment to maintaining innovative and high-quality services to agencies and to acknowledge their support and contribution to many charities, including Boundless Canberra and the Vinnies CEO Sleepout. Through the outstanding efforts of Commission employees who have given their time to fundraising endeavours, we have made—and will continue to make—a significant contribution to the local community.

I would also like to record my thanks to my colleagues on the Secretaries Board and in the wider APS community for their positive support of the Commission and commitment to, and engagement in, the reform process. The Commission is heavily reliant on the goodwill of agencies. Their willingness to assist the Commission with resources and facilities and their preparedness to collaborate on initiatives and share their information and experiences substantially underpinned the successes of 2012–13. More than half of the Commission’s funding is provided by agencies— either on a fee-for-service basis or through subscriptions supported by a memorandum of understanding. It was particularly gratifying that in a tight budget year, agencies have continued to support Commission-based whole-of-APS activities in this way (for example, in respect of activities to support recruitment and retention of Indigenous employees).

Stephen Sedgwick AO

Australian Public Service Commissioner

Commission overview

The Australian Public Service Commission is a central agency within the Prime Minister and Cabinet portfolio. The Commission supports two statutory office holders: the Public Service Commissioner—who is also agency head—and the Merit Protection Commissioner. Their functions are set out in sections 41(1) and 50(1), respectively, of the Public Service Act 1999 (the PS Act).

minister

The Hon Gary Gray AO MP served as Special Minister of State and Minister for the Public Service and Integrity until 25 March 2013. The Hon Mark Dreyfus QC MP was appointed Special Minister of State and Minister for the Public Service and Integrity on 25 March 2013.

role and responsibilities

Our vision is to lead and shape a unified, high-performing Australian Public Service (APS). The statutory responsibilities of the Public Service Commissioner that support our vision are detailed in the PS Act and include:

• evaluating the extent to which agencies incorporate and uphold the APS Values

• evaluating the adequacy of systems and procedures in agencies for ensuring compliance with the APS Code of Conduct

• promoting the APS Values and Code of Conduct

• developing, promoting , reviewing and evaluating APS employment policies and practices

• facilitating continuous improvement in people management throughout the APS

• coordinating and supporting APS-wide training and career development

• contributing to and fostering leadership in the APS

• providing advice and assistance on public service matters to agencies on request.

The Commission is responsible for Australian Government policies for agreement-making, classification structures, APS pay and employment conditions, work-level standards and workplace relations advice. Through the strengthened Australian Government Employment Bargaining Framework, the Commission encourages agencies to develop a more consistent approach to common terms and conditions of employment for APS employees when negotiating enterprise agreements, in order to support the aim of moving towards one APS.

outcome and program structure

The Commission’s outcome is increased awareness and adoption of best practice public administration by the public service through leadership, promotion, advice and professional development, drawing on research and evaluation.

In 2012–13, the Commission worked to achieve its outcome through two programs:

• 1.1: Australian Public Service Commission

• 1.2: Parliamentarians’ and judicial office holders’ remuneration and entitlements. Program 1.1 had three components:

• 1.1.1: APS people and organisational performance

• 1.1.2: Investing in APS development and capability

• 1.1.3: Australian Government employment workplace relations.

The Public Service Commissioner makes available staff to assist the Merit Protection Commissioner to perform her prescribed functions. The annual report of the Merit Protection Commissioner follows the appendices to this report.

The Commission also provides secretariat support to the Remuneration Tribunal and the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal. The Remuneration Tribunal, under its own legislation, is required to prepare and furnish to the Minister a report on its operations, which is provided separately. The Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal, while not required under legislation, reports on its annual activities on its website.

The Commissioner’s financial statements include the activities of the Commissioner, the Merit Protection Commissioner and the tribunals.