Public Service Amendment 2023

# Public Service Amendment Bill 2023 ## What it does The Australian Public Service (APS) will now have an official written statement setting out its purpose — basically a mission statement for how the public service should operate. This statement will be created by the Secretaries Board (the top public service leaders), can be updated when needed, and must be published online so everyone can see it. ## Why it matters This gives the public service clearer direction about what it's trying to achieve beyond just following day-to-day orders. It also builds in a requirement for consultation with both public servants and the public when the purpose statement is created or significantly changed, which means your voice could theoretically be heard on what the APS should prioritise. ## Key details - The purpose statement must align with existing APS values and employment principles — it can't contradict them - It has to be reviewed at least every 5 years, with public and staff consultation each time (unless changes are minor) - The bill adds a new principle called "Stewardship" to the APS values, focusing on long-term thinking and understanding the lasting impact of decisions - The whole thing comes into effect once the government sets a proclamation date, but automatically kicks in after 6 months anyway if they don't get around to it

🔒 Voting closed — this bill has been decided by parliament