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I am pleased today to release the Independent Review of the Australian Public Service and the Government’s response.

Australia already has a world-class public service, however all organisations need to adapt and evolve to ensure they can be their best. The Australian Public Service is no different. Australians rely on the essential public services the APS delivers on behalf of the Government.

That is why the Government commissioned the Independent Review of the Australian Public Service in 2018.

We are committed to ensuring the needs of Australians are always put first. That is why we have already announced a new structure of government departments, to ensure the APS delivers better services and has a clear line of sight to the Australian people.

The APS Review delivered 40 recommendations to help ensure the public service remains fit-for-purpose in the decades to come and provides a comprehensive platform for change.

The Government agrees with the majority of the independent panel’s recommendations and I have asked the heads of the public service to take these forward.

The Secretaries Board, led by the Secretary of my Department and supported by the Australian Public Service Commissioner, will lead the reform effort beginning with a rapid planning phase over the next few months.

The Government is investing an additional $15.1 million to support the Secretaries Board and the Australian Public Service Commission to commence reforms.

The APS Review is part of a broad set of Government reforms including a new APS structure to improve coordination, Services Australia and digital reforms.

I thank the APS Review Chair, David Thodey AO, the independent panel and the APS Review team for their work undertaking this review, the largest of its kind in 40 years.

I also express my gratitude to all those members of the public and the Australian Public Service who took the time to contribute to the Review.