Patrick Gorman (Perth, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the amendments be agreed to.

The government agrees to the amended Public Service Act of 1999. This bill is a key element of the Albanese government's Australian Public Service reform agenda. The Public Service Amendment Bill 2023 will strengthen APS core values, build the capability and expertise of the Public Service and support good governance, accountability and transparency. One of the aims of the bill is to build in the need for consultation with agency ministers when an agency is undergoing a capability review. Another will ensure tabling requirements for capability review reports and long-term insights reports are enshrined in legislation. This will facilitate transparency of findings and a vital discussion in parliament on important issues facing Australia in the medium and long term. The changes will strengthen the existing accountability and transparency provisions in the bill.

In closing, I want to thank the thousands of public servants, current and former, who have deeply engaged in the design process on various proposals in this bill. Their contributions have been invaluable. This pays down a very large investment in the Public Service that Australia needs today and into the future. The challenges that Australia faces over the coming decade are immense, and we recognise that our public servants play an integral role in meeting these challenges head-on. This bill will continue to support the evolving needs of government and the community with professionalism and integrity. Our APS reform agenda is ambitious and requires a sustained and structural effort over time. By amending the Public Service Act, this bill advances that agenda significantly and locks in important reforms to deliver changes that last.

Question agreed to.