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Australian Public Service#Organisational Structure

{{short description|Federal civil service of Australia}}

{{Use Australian English|date=July 2013}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}}

{{Infobox government agency

| name = Australian Public Service

| type = Australian Public Service

| seal =

| logo = 150px

| formed = {{Start date|1901|01|01|df=yes}}

| jurisdiction =

| headquarters = Canberra, Australia
(36.91 per cent of staff){{Cite web|url=https://www.apsc.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/workforce-information/research-analysis-and-publications/state-service/state-service-report-2023-24/aps-profile/workforce-size-and-distribution|title=Workforce size and distribution|website=www.apsc.gov.au}}

| employees = 185,343 (at June 2024)

| budget =

| chief1_name = Gordon de Brouwer {{post-nominals|country=AUS|PSM}}

| chief1_position = Australian Public Service Commissioner

| chief2_name = Prof Glyn Davis {{post-nominals|country=AUS|AC}}

| chief2_position = Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

| chief3_name =

| chief3_position =

| chief4_name =

| chief4_position =

| chief5_name =

| chief5_position =

| chief6_name =

| chief6_position =

| chief7_name =

| chief7_position =

| chief8_name =

| chief8_position =

| chief9_name =

| chief9_position =

| parent_department =

| keydocument1 = [http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/psa1999152/ Public Service Act 1999]

| website =

| agency_name = Australian Public Service

}}

{{Infobox Political post

| border = parliamentary

| minister = not_prime

| post = Minister for the Public Service

| incumbent = Katy Gallagher

| image = Katy Gallagher 2022.jpg

| incumbentsince = {{start date|2022|06|01|df=y}}

| style = The Honourable

| appointer = Governor-General on the recommendation of the Prime Minister of Australia

| inaugural = Mathias Cormann

| formation = {{start date|2018|08|28|df=y}}

| department = Australian Public Service

}}

The Australian Public Service (APS) is the federal civil service of the Commonwealth of Australia responsible for the public administration, public policy, and public services of the departments and executive and statutory agencies of the Government of Australia.{{cite web |url=http://www.ncoa.gov.au/report/phase-two/part-b/3-performance-accountability.html |title=3 - Public sector performance and accountability |author= |publisher=National Commission of Audit |access-date=10 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817141522/http://www.ncoa.gov.au/report/phase-two/part-b/3-performance-accountability.html |archive-date=17 August 2017 |url-status=dead }} The Australian Public Service was established at the Federation of Australia in 1901 as the Commonwealth Public Service and modelled on the Westminster system and United Kingdom's Civil Service. The establishment and operation of the Australian Public Service is governed by the Public Service Act 1999 of the Parliament of Australia as an "apolitical public service that is efficient and effective in serving the Government, the Parliament and the Australian public".{{cite web |url=https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2016C00420 |title=Public Service Act 1999 |author= |date=5 March 2016 |publisher=Parliament of Australia |access-date=10 August 2017 }} The conduct of Australian public servants is also governed by a Code of Conduct and guided by the APS Values set by the Australian Public Service Commission.{{cite web |url=http://www.apsc.gov.au/working-in-the-aps/your-rights-and-responsibilities-as-an-aps-employee |title=Integrity in the APS |author= |publisher=Australian Public Service Commission |access-date=10 August 2017 }}

As such, the employees and officers of the Australian Public Service are obliged to serve the government of the day with integrity and provide "frank and fearless advice" on questions of public policy, from national security to fiscal policy to social security, across machinery of government arrangements.{{cite news |last=Eccles |first=Chris |date=26 November 2015 |title=Chris Eccles: what is frank and fearless advice, and how to give it |url=http://www.themandarin.com.au/57359-chris-eccles-frank-fearless-advice-give/ |work=The Mandarin |access-date=10 August 2017 }} Indeed, the Australian Public Service plays a major part in Australian life by providing "cradle to grave" services with a degree of shared responsibility with the State and Territory governments.{{sfn|Whelan|2011}} The Australian Public Service as an entity does not include the broader Commonwealth public sector including the Australian Defence Force, Commonwealth companies such as NBN Co or the Australian Rail Track Corporation, or Commonwealth corporate entities such as the Australian National University or the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.{{cite web |url=https://www.finance.gov.au/resource-management/governance/overview |title=Governance structures in the public sector |publisher=Department of Finance |access-date=10 August 2017 }} The Australian Public Service does not include the civil services of the State and Territory governments.

Public servants are ultimately responsible to the Parliament of Australia via their respective portfolio Minister. The Australian Public Service Commission is responsible for promoting the values of the public service, evaluating performance and compliance, and facilitating the development of people and institutional capabilities.{{citation|url=http://www.apsc.gov.au/about-the-apsc/the-public-service-commissioner|title=About the Australian Public Service Commissioner|author=Australian Public Service Commission|publisher=Australian Public Service Commission|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514203516/http://www.apsc.gov.au/about-the-apsc/the-public-service-commissioner|archive-date=14 May 2013}} The Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet is the most senior public servant and plays a leadership role as the chair of the intergovernmental Secretaries Board made up of all Commonwealth departmental secretaries.{{cite web |url=http://www.ncoa.gov.au/report/phase-two/part-b/3-1-ps-structure.html |title=3.1 Structure of the Australian Public Service |author= |publisher=National Commission of Audit |access-date=10 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817053120/http://www.ncoa.gov.au/report/phase-two/part-b/3-1-ps-structure.html |archive-date=17 August 2017 |url-status=dead }} The Australian National Audit Office, the Department of Finance, the Department of the Treasury, and the Attorney-General's Department also have whole-of-government oversight and management responsibilities.

As at June 2015, the Australian Public Service comprises some 152,430 officers alongside a further 90,000 people employed in the broader Commonwealth public sector. Accordingly, the Australian Public Service is one of the largest employers in Australia.{{cite web |url=https://www.apsjobs.gov.au/about.aspx |title=About the Australian Public Service (APS) |author= |publisher=Australian Public Service Commission |access-date=10 August 2017 |archive-date=5 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105041600/https://www.apsjobs.gov.au/about.aspx |url-status=dead }} As at December 2023 the APS comprises 170,000 people, of which 60.4 percent were female.{{Cite web |title=APS at a glance |url=https://www.apsc.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/workforce-information/research-analysis-and-publications/state-service/state-service-report-2023/aps-profile/aps-glance |website=www.apsc.gov.au}}

As of 2023, the Australian Public Service wage bill was estimated at $33 billion.{{cite web | url=https://www.themandarin.com.au/226833-aps-annual-wage-bill-public-sector-data/ | title=APS annual wage bill balloons $9bn to $33.4bn a year, official stats reveal | date=2 August 2023 }}

History

File:Inaugural Departmental Heads of the Australian Commonwealth Public Service-1901.jpg (Defence);{{citation|first1=Chris|last1=Cunneen|first2=Ann G.|last2=Smith|url=http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/collins-sir-robert-henry-muirhead-5741|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516141025/http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/collins-sir-robert-henry-muirhead-5741|archive-date=16 May 2013|title=Collins, Sir Robert Henry Muirhead (1852–1927)|work=Australian Dictionary of Biography|volume=8|publisher=Melbourne University Press|year=1981}} Atlee Hunt (External Affairs);{{citation|first1=Helen M.|last1=Davies |url=http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/hunt-atlee-arthur-6766|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120519082811/http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/hunt-atlee-arthur-6766|archive-date=19 May 2012|title=Hunt, Atlee Arthur (1864–1935)|work=Australian Dictionary of Biography|volume=9|publisher=Melbourne University Press|year=1983}} David Miller (Home Affairs).{{citation|first1=Peter|last1=Harrison|url=http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/miller-david-7580|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018202529/http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/miller-david-7580|archive-date=18 October 2012|title=Miller, David (1857–1934)|work=Australian Dictionary of Biography|volume=10|publisher=Melbourne University Press|year=1986}}

Seated (l-to-r): Robert Garran (Attorney-General's);{{citation|first=R. S.|last=Parker|url=http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/garran-sir-robert-randolph-410|archive-date=3 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503161015/http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/garran-sir-robert-randolph-410|title=Garran, Sir Robert Randolph (1867–1957)|work=Australian Dictionary of Biography|volume=8|publisher=Melbourne University Press|year=1981}} Harry Wollaston (Trade and Customs);{{citation|first=D. I.|last=McDonald|url=http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/wollaston-sir-harry-newton-phillips-9168|archive-date=6 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106002144/http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/wollaston-sir-harry-newton-phillips-9168|title=Wollaston, Sir Harry Newton Phillips (1846–1921)|work=Australian Dictionary of Biography|volume=12|publisher=Melbourne University Press|year=1990}} Robert Scott (Postmaster-General's);{{citation|first=Ian|last=Carnell |url=http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/scott-sir-robert-townley-8369|archive-date=6 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106002223/http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/scott-sir-robert-townley-8369|title=Scott, Sir Robert Townley (1841–1922)|work=Australian Dictionary of Biography|volume=11|publisher=Melbourne University Press|year=1988}} George Allen (Treasury).{{citation|first=Chris |last=Cunneen |url=http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/allen-george-thomas-5001 |title=Allen, George Thomas (1852–1940)|work=Australian Dictionary of Biography|volume=7|publisher=Melbourne University Press|year=1979|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106002252/http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/allen-george-thomas-5001|archive-date=6 November 2013}}]]

The Australian public service was established at Federation of Australia on 1 January 1901. The departments established on that date were Attorney-General's, Defence, External Affairs, Home Affairs, Trade and Customs, Postmaster-General's, and Treasury.{{sfn|A history in three acts: Evolution of the Public Service Act 1999|2004|p=1}}

The first public service appointments were made under section 67 of the Constitution of Australia, an arrangement that remained in place until the Commonwealth Public Service Act 1902 commenced on 1 January 1903,{{sfn|A history in three acts: Evolution of the Public Service Act 1999|2004|p=1}} at which time there were 11,374 officials employed under the Act.{{sfn|A history in three acts: Evolution of the Public Service Act 1999|2004|p=1}}

The Commonwealth Public Service Act 1922 introduced a new legislative framework commencing in 1923,{{sfn|A history in three acts: Evolution of the Public Service Act 1999|2004|pp=19, 22}} and created the Public Service Board.

A section in both the 1902 and 1922 Acts stated that every female officer was deemed to have retired from the Commonwealth service upon her marriage.{{cite web|title=Women and Government in Australia |first=Marian |last=Sawer |year=2004 |url=http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Previousproducts/1301.0Feature%20Article52001?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=1301.0&issue=2001&num=&view= |archive-date=12 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512153424/http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs%40.nsf/Previousproducts/1301.0Feature%20Article52001?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=1301.0&issue=2001&num=&view= |publisher=Australian Bureau of Statistics |url-status=dead }}{{citation|url=http://www.apsc.gov.au/about-the-apsc/the-commission/enterprise-agreement/the-appendixes-salary,-severance-benefits-and-miscellaneous-leave |title=The Appendixes: Salary, severance benefits and miscellaneous leave |author=Australian Public Service Commission |publisher=Australian Public Service Commission |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515015628/http://www.apsc.gov.au/about-the-apsc/the-commission/enterprise-agreement/the-appendixes-salary%2C-severance-benefits-and-miscellaneous-leave |archive-date=15 May 2013 |url-status=dead }} In November 1966 Australia became the last democratic country to lift the legislated marriage bar which had prevented married women from holding permanent positions in the public service.

In November 1996, Peter Reith issued a discussion paper, Towards a best practice Australian Public Service.{{sfn|A history in three acts: Evolution of the Public Service Act 1999|2004|p=125}} The paper, among other things, recommended key elements which might need to be incorporated into a new streamlined and principles-based Public Service Act.{{sfn|A history in three acts: Evolution of the Public Service Act 1999|2004|p=125}} After several years spent developing a new Act, the Public Service Act 1999 came into effect on 5 December 1999.{{sfn|A history in three acts: Evolution of the Public Service Act 1999|2004}} The new Act introduced APS Values and a Code of Conduct into the Act for the first time.{{sfn|A history in three acts: Evolution of the Public Service Act 1999|2004}} Public servants who breach the code of conduct can be demoted, fined, reprimanded or fired.{{cite news|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/ps-on-notice-over-social-media-use/2423502.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119020440/http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/ps-on-notice-over-social-media-use/2423502.aspx|archive-date=19 January 2012|title=PS on notice over social media use|first=Markus|last=Mannheim|date=18 January 2012|newspaper=The Canberra Times|publisher=Fairfax Media}}

In 2010 a comprehensive reform agenda was introduced as outlined in Ahead of the Game: Blueprint for Reform of Australian Government Administration.{{sfn|Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet|2010}} The reforms were aimed at strengthening strategic direction, citizen engagement and staff capability across the APS.{{sfn|Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet|2010|pp=80-81}}

Functions and values

{{Update section|changes to values|date=April 2025}}

Geoff Gallop describes the spectrum of activities undertaken by staff in the APS as fitting into four work functions: service delivery; law making, rule making and policy development; tax collection and managing government finance; and monitoring and enforcing laws and regulations.{{citation|first=Geoff|last=Gallop|title=Agile Government|date=11 October 2007|url=http://www.demos.co.uk/files/File/AgileGovernment_Geoff_Gallop.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708223442/http://www.demos.co.uk/files/File/AgileGovernment_Geoff_Gallop.pdf|archive-date=8 July 2011}}

The APS Values are set out in section 10 of the Public Service Act 1999.{{cite web|title=APS Values, Employment Principles and Code of Conduct|url=http://www.apsc.gov.au/aps-employment-policy-and-advice/aps-values-and-code-of-conduct|publisher=Australian Public Service Commission|access-date=3 August 2013|author=Australian Public Service Commission|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515121236/http://www.apsc.gov.au/aps-employment-policy-and-advice/aps-values-and-code-of-conduct|archive-date=15 May 2013}} The Values are mandatory and are intended to embody the principles of good public administration.

The APS Values were most recently revised in 2013, with the aim to comprise a smaller set of core values that are meaningful, memorable and effective in driving change.{{cite web|title=Commission Advice 2013/04: The new APS Values and Employment Principles. Changes to the Code of Conduct. |url=http://www.apsc.gov.au/publications-and-media/circulars-and-advices/2013-advices/apsc-advice-20134 |publisher=Australian Government |access-date=7 July 2013 |date=May 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140211232412/http://www.apsc.gov.au/publications-and-media/circulars-and-advices/2013-advices/apsc-advice-20134 |archive-date=11 February 2014 }} The values are stated in section 10 of the Public Service Act 1999 as follows:

  • Impartial: The APS is apolitical and provides the Government with advice that is frank, honest, timely and based on the best available evidence.
  • Committed to service: The APS is professional, objective, innovative and efficient, and works collaboratively to achieve the best results for the Australian community and the Government.
  • Accountable: The APS is open and accountable to the Australian community under the law and within the framework of Ministerial responsibility.
  • Respectful: The APS respects all people, including their rights and their heritage.
  • Ethical: The APS demonstrates leadership, is trustworthy, and acts with integrity, in all that it does.

Composition

{{Historical populations

|type =

|footnote = APS staff employed by year. Figures gathered from annual State of the Service reports and historic news articles

{{cite news|newspaper=Western Mail|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37450590|date=7 June 1918|title=Commonwealth Public Service}}

{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article56897130|title=Growth of Public Service|date=12 March 1949|page=10|newspaper=Morning Bulletin|location=Rockhampton, Queensland}}

{{cite news|title=1,214 positions abolished|newspaper=Chronicle|location=Adelaide, South Australia|date=13 November 1930|page=23|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90467507}}

{{cite news|newspaper=Kalgoorlie Miner|location=Western Australia|title=Federal Public Service|date=7 December 1933|page=3|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article94936851}}

{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131670239|title=695 public servants to arrive by '71|newspaper=The Canberra Times|date=11 September 1968|page=3}}

{{cite news|title=Total 5pc rise in public servants|newspaper=The Canberra Times|date=15 September 1966|page=12|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article106935784}}{{citation|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/BN/1011/PublicSector|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222063837/http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/BN/1011/PublicSector|url-status=live|archive-date=22 February 2014|publisher=Australian Parliament House|date=26 November 2010|first=Joanne|last=Simon-Davies|title=How many are employed in the Commonwealth public sector?}}{{cite news|first=Jack|last=Waterford|author-link=Jack Waterford|newspaper=The Canberra Times|date=10 September 1982|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116469114|page=3|title=Figures conflict on Public Service size}}{{cite news|first=Andrew|last=Fraser|title=Public servants older, more of them women|date=8 January 1987|page=1|newspaper=The Canberra times|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119473882}}{{sfn|Main features: APS at a glance|2014}}{{citation|url=http://www.apsc.gov.au/about-the-apsc/parliamentary/aps-statistical-bulletin/statistics-2015/main-features|title=APS at a glance|author=Australian Public Service Commission|publisher=Australian Government|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126000817/http://www.apsc.gov.au/about-the-apsc/parliamentary/aps-statistical-bulletin/statistics-2015/main-features|archive-date=26 January 2016|date=2015}}

{{citation|url=http://www.apsc.gov.au/publications-and-media/parliamentary/aps-statistical-bulletin/statisticalbulletin1516/table5|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122091548/http://www.apsc.gov.au/publications-and-media/parliamentary/aps-statistical-bulletin/statisticalbulletin1516/table5|archive-date=22 November 2016|title=Table 5: All employees: location by base classification and employment category, 30 June 2016|publisher=Australian Government|author=Australian Public Service Commission}}

|1901 | 11191

|1916 | 22686

|1917 | 23028

|1929 | 30738

|1930 | 30561

|1933 | 27030

|1939 | 47043

|1948 | 120991

|1965 | 182689

|1966 | 192215

|1968 | 211652

|1975 | 158763

|1982 | 152258

|1985 | 173444

|1986 | 143339

|1990 | 160942

|1991 | 162367

|1992 | 163669

|1993 | 165529

|1994 | 160348

|1995 | 146035

|1996 | 143193

|1997 | 134052

|1998 | 121003

|1999 | 113268

|2000 | 110954

|2001 | 119237

|2002 | 123494

|2003 | 131720

|2004 | 131522

|2005 | 133581

|2006 | 146234

|2007 | 155482

|2008 | 160011

|2009 | 162009

|2010 | 164596

|2011 | 166252

|2012 | 168580

|2013 | 167257

|2014 | 159126

|2015 | 152430

|2016 | 155771

|2017 | 178611

|2023 | 170332

|2024 | 185,343

}}

Image:Wagga Wagga Centrelink Office.jpg office in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales. Services Australia, which administers Centrelink services, is one of the largest APS agencies.{{cite web |title=APS Agencies – size and function |url=https://www.apsc.gov.au/aps-agencies-size-and-function |website=Australian Public Service Commission |publisher=Commonwealth of Australia |access-date=27 September 2020}}]]

The Australian Public Service formally comprises all Australian Government departments and agencies where staff members are or can be employed under the Public Service Act 1999.{{citation|title=Australian Public Service agencies |publisher=Australian Public Service Commission |author=Australian Public Service Commission |date=20 September 2013 |url=http://www.apsc.gov.au/aps-employment-policy-and-advice/employment-framework/australian-public-service-agencies |access-date=6 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106005128/http://www.apsc.gov.au/aps-employment-policy-and-advice/employment-framework/australian-public-service-agencies |archive-date=6 November 2013 }}{{citation|url=https://www.apsjobs.gov.au/about.aspx|title=About the APS|publisher=Australian Public Service Commission|archive-date=5 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105041600/https://www.apsjobs.gov.au/about.aspx|author=Australian Public Service Commission}}{{citation|url=http://www.apsc.gov.au/publications-and-media/faq/what-is-the-australian-public-service|title=FAQ: The APS- What is the Australian Public Service?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503043830/http://www.apsc.gov.au/publications-and-media/faq/what-is-the-australian-public-service|archive-date=3 May 2013|publisher=Australian Public Service Commission|author=Australian Public Service Commission}} At December 2021, there were 155,796 APS employees,{{sfn|Australian Public Service Commission, The Australian Public Service at a Glance|December 2021}} up 4.8% from December 2020. Staffing in Australian Public Service agencies accounts for around half of total employment in Australian Government administration. Public servants employed by the Commonwealth Government under legislation other than the Public Service Act include Australian Defence Force personnel, government business enterprise employees, parliamentary staff, Australian Federal Police staff and public servants under other Commonwealth agency-specific legislation.{{sfn|Whelan|2011|pp=13-14}}

In the decade to December 2012 the APS grew in numbers; there was also notable 'classification creep', in which a higher proportion of staff are employed at higher pay-grade levels.{{cite news|newspaper=The Canberra Times|publisher=Fairfax Media|first=Markus|last=Mannheim|title=Top-heavy department will shed its executives|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/public-service/topheavy-department-will-shed-its-executives-20130705-2phvk.html|archive-date=18 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818040509/http://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/public-service/topheavy-department-will-shed-its-executives-20130705-2phvk.html|date=6 July 2013|access-date=18 September 2013}} Before the 2013 federal election, the Coalition promised to reduce the size of the public service by at least 12,000 jobs, through natural attrition.{{citation|first=Andrew|last=Podger|title=FactCheck: do the Liberals have 'a secret plan' to axe 20,000 public service jobs?|publisher=The Conversation|date=24 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822224806/http://theconversation.com/factcheck-do-the-liberals-have-a-secret-plan-to-axe-20-000-public-service-jobs-16032|url=http://theconversation.com/factcheck-do-the-liberals-have-a-secret-plan-to-axe-20-000-public-service-jobs-16032|archive-date=22 August 2013}} Joe Hockey told an Adelaide radio station in May 2013 that the Coalition planned for the loss of 12,000 public service jobs to be just a starting point in the first two years of a Coalition government.{{cite news|title=Hockey says 12,000 cull just a start|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/public-service/hockey-says-12000-cull-just-a-start-20130516-2jpod.html|date=17 May 2013|first=Noel|last=Towell|newspaper=The Canberra Times|publisher=Fairfax Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105223053/http://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/public-service/hockey-says-12000-cull-just-a-start-20130516-2jpod.html|archive-date=5 November 2013}}

=Demographics=

57.9 per cent of all APS employees are women.{{sfn|State of the Service Report: 2012–13|2013|p=234}} 36.9 per cent of APS employees work in the Australian Capital Territory. At June 2013, the median age for ongoing APS employees was 43 years.{{sfn|State of the Service Report: 2012–13|2013|p=104}} Like the Australian population, the APS workforce has been ageing rapidly since the early 1990s.{{sfn|State of the Service Report: 2011–12|2012|p=107}}

At December 2023 the largest federal government agency was Services Australia with 31,797 employees, followed by the Australian Taxation Office with 21,019 employees and the Department of Defence with 19,059. The Department of Home Affairs had 15,140 employees, the National Disability Insurance Agency 6,818 and the Department of Health and Aged Care 6,566.{{sfn|State of the Service Report: 2012–13|2013|p=253}}{{Cite web |title=APS Employment Release Tables 31 December 23 |url=https://www.apsc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-03/APS%20Employment%20Release%20Tables%20-%2031%20December%2023.xlsx |website=www.apsc.gov.au}}

In 2023 there was a ratio of one APS official for every 161 Australians, compared to 1991 ratios of 1:106 and a ratio of 1:58 in 1968.{{sfn|Whelan|2011|p=22}} In June 2024 APS staff were 1.36% of the Australian workforce, compared to 1.52% in 2008.

As of 2024, 36.9% of the APS worked in the ACT, 17.3% in NSW, and 16.6% in Victoria, with the rest in other states and territories.

Measuring APS performance

Beginning in 2009–10 all APS entities were required to report in accordance with the Outcomes and Programs Framework, whereby programs provide the link between Australian Government decisions, activities and their actual outcomes.{{sfn|Development and Implementation of Key Performance Indicators to Support the Outcomes and Programs Framework|2011|pp=14-15}} In the Outcomes and Programs Framework, organisations identify and report against the programs that contribute to government outcomes over the budget and forward years.{{sfn|Development and Implementation of Key Performance Indicators to Support the Outcomes and Programs Framework|2011|p=15}} All APS agencies contribute to Portfolio Budget Statements that inform Parliament and the public of the proposed allocation of Government outcomes.{{citation|url=http://www.finance.gov.au/budget/budget-process/portfolio-budget-statements.html|title=Portfolio Budget Statements (PBS)|publisher=Department of Finance|author=Department of Finance|archive-date=9 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009225732/http://www.finance.gov.au/budget/budget-process/portfolio-budget-statements.html}} Portfolio budget statements outline:

  • outcome statements, which specifically articulate the intended results, impacts or consequences of actions by the Government on the Australian community;{{citation|url=http://www.finance.gov.au/financial-framework/financial-management-policy-guidance/outcomes-arrangements.html|title=Outcome Statements Policy and Approval Process|publisher=Department of Finance|author=Department of Finance|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930040318/http://www.finance.gov.au/financial-framework/financial-management-policy-guidance/outcomes-arrangements.html|archive-date=30 September 2013}}
  • programs to address outcomes, which are designed to deliver benefits, services or transfer payments to target groups; and{{sfn|Commonwealth Programs Policy and Approval Process|2009|p=1}}
  • resourcing information, deliverables and key performance indicators for each program.{{sfn|Commonwealth Programs Policy and Approval Process|2009|p=3}}

Annual reports report performance of agencies in relation to services provided.{{citation|url=http://www.dpmc.gov.au/guidelines/docs/annual_report_requirements_2012-13.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923172940/http://www.dpmc.gov.au/guidelines/docs/annual_report_requirements_2012-13.pdf|archive-date=23 September 2013|title=Requirements for Annual Reports June 2013|publisher=Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet|date=24 June 2013|author=Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet}}

Prior to the introduction of the Outcomes and Programs Framework APS entities reported against an Outcomes and Outputs Framework, which had been introduced in 1999.{{sfn|Development and Implementation of Key Performance Indicators to Support the Outcomes and Programs Framework|2011|p=13}} Reforms have been progressively introduced to the APS with the specific aim of making it more efficient, accountable and responsive to community needs since the mid-1980s.{{sfn|Development and Implementation of Key Performance Indicators to Support the Outcomes and Programs Framework|2011|p=17}}

The Australian National Audit Office provides the Australian Parliament and the public with an independent assessment of selected areas of public administration in the APS, and assurance about APS financial reporting, administration and accountability.{{citation|url=http://www.anao.gov.au/About-Us|title=About Us|publisher=Australian National Audit Office|author=Australian National Audit Office|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818002453/http://anao.gov.au/About-Us|archive-date=18 August 2013}}

=Benchmarking the APS=

In November 2009 KPMG published a report benchmarking Australian Public Service performance against international public services.{{sfn|Benchmarking Australian Government Administration Performance|2009}} The report found that the APS measured up well against some of the world's leading public services.{{sfn|Benchmarking Australian Government Administration Performance|2009|p=2}} The report found that the APS is a high performer compared to other public services when it came to: being responsive to economic changes; being independent and values-based; and for proportions of women employed.{{sfn|Benchmarking Australian Government Administration Performance|2009|p=2}} It found that the APS performed poorly in: its capability for coordinated, informed and strategic policy; its mechanisms for integrating external stakeholders into policy development and service design; and its understanding of government priorities through an overarching framework.{{sfn|Benchmarking Australian Government Administration Performance|2009|p=2}}

=Public opinion and criticism=

The APS is often the target of public criticism. For example, in 2013, Alan Moran, the director of deregulation at the conservative libertarian think tank the Institute of Public Affairs, argued that the Australian Government was not seeking enough savings from a bloated Australian Public Service.{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/archive/national-affairs/bn-cuts-will-slash-3000-jobs/story-fnb93wui-1226209605383|title=$1.5bn cuts 'will slash 3000 public sector jobs'|first1=Ewin|last1=Hannan|first2=Annabel|last2=Hepworth|newspaper=The Australian|date=30 November 2011|access-date=6 November 2013|publisher=News Corp Australia}}{{cite news|newspaper=The Australian|date=19 February 2013|first=Alan|last=Moran|publisher=News Corp Australia|title=Bloated public service chews up industry funds|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/opinion/bloated-public-service-chews-up-industry-funds/story-e6frgd0x-1226580657313|archive-date=1 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130301101308/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/opinion/bloated-public-service-chews-up-industry-funds/story-e6frgd0x-1226580657313}} In October 2013, newly appointed Defence Minister David Johnston told media he had "inherited a mess" and that he believed that in the Defence department "23,000 public servants is too heavy."{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/public-service/minister-to-trim-bloated-defence-20131007-2v4kb.html|title=Minister to 'trim' bloated Defence|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009213627/http://www.smh.com.au/national/public-service/minister-to-trim-bloated-defence-20131007-2v4kb.html|archive-date=9 October 2013|first=Fleta|last=Page|date=8 October 2013|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media}} The Noetic group said in 2014 that most Australian Public Service organisations could not demonstrate the benefits from large and expensive programs of work.{{citation|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/public-service/heat-on-departments-to-prove-value-for-taxpayer-outlays-20140324-35egw.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324212358/http://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/public-service/heat-on-departments-to-prove-value-for-taxpayer-outlays-20140324-35egw.html|archive-date=24 March 2014|first=Noel|last=Towell|newspaper=The Canberra Times|publisher=Farifax Media|date=25 March 2014|title=Heat on departments to prove value for taxpayer outlays}}

Other commentators, including political scientist Richard Mulgan, have argued that rhetoric in 2013 about a bloated APS is ill-informed and unsustainable, if service benchmarks are to be met.{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/public-service/public-service-cuts-and-other-illusions-20130331-2h15j.html|title=Public service cuts and other illusions|date=2 April 2013|first=Richard|last=Mulgan|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131108010408/http://www.smh.com.au/national/public-service/public-service-cuts-and-other-illusions-20130331-2h15j.html|archive-date=8 November 2013}} Rob Burgess, in a Business Spectator article in November 2012 argued that efficiency dividends imposed on the public service are actually delivering one of the world's leaner public sectors.{{cite news|url=http://www.businessspectator.com.au/article/2012/11/20/national-affairs/labor-needs-shut-about-carbon|title=Labor needs to shut up about carbon|newspaper=Business Spectator|publisher=Australian Independent Business Media|date=20 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131120022749/http://www.businessspectator.com.au/article/2012/11/20/national-affairs/labor-needs-shut-about-carbon|archive-date=20 November 2013}}

Personnel organisation

All APS vacancies for ongoing and non-ongoing jobs for more than 12 months are notified in the APS Employment Gazette, a weekly electronic publication.{{citation|url=https://www.apsjobs.gov.au/Content/howtojoin.aspx|title=How to Join the APS|publisher=Australian Public Service Commission|author=Australian Public Service Commission|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130805094030/https://www.apsjobs.gov.au/Content/howtojoin.aspx|archive-date=5 August 2013}} Public service wages were decentralised in 1997, allowing individual APS agencies to negotiate their own pay deals.{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/public-service/public-service-pay-gap-to-hit-47000-a-year-20130731-2qyd6.html|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=31 July 2013|title=Public service pay gap to hit $47,000 a year|first1=Markus|last1=Mannheim|first2=Noel|last2=Towell|archive-date=6 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106044222/http://www.smh.com.au/national/public-service/public-service-pay-gap-to-hit-47000-a-year-20130731-2qyd6.html}}

Individual Australian Government agency websites also advertise jobs and some jobs are advertised on external job boards, such as in newspapers.

=Employment classifications=

The Australian Public Service (APS) career structure is hierarchical.{{sfn|Watson|1990|p=13}}{{citation|url=http://www.apsc.gov.au/aps-employment-policy-and-advice/recruitment-and-selection/applying-for-jobs|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515164901/http://www.apsc.gov.au/aps-employment-policy-and-advice/recruitment-and-selection/applying-for-jobs|archive-date=15 May 2013|publisher=Australian Public Service Commission|author=Australian Public Service Commission|title=Applying for jobs}} The table below lists APS employment classification levels from lowest to highest.

class="wikitable"

|+ Employment classifications in the Australian Public Service

| Level/classification

Example position titles{{ref label|title|A|A}}Median Total Reward{{ref label|reward|B|B}}
(Including Superannuation 2023){{cite web |title=APS Employment Pay & Conditions |url=https://www.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-06/DEA-2017-2020.pdf#page=66 |access-date=18 February 2022}}{{Cite web |title=APS Remuneration Data Release 2023 |url=https://www.apsc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-08/APS%20Remuneration%20Data%20Release%202023%20-%20Tables%201%20to%2037.xlsx |website=www.apsc.gov.au}}		Percent at level {{cite web|url=https://www.apsc.gov.au/employment-data/aps-employment-data-30-june-2021 |title=APS Employment Data 30 June 2021

|date=3 September 2021 |website=Australian Public Services Commission |access-date=13 September 2022}}

GraduateGraduate$82,166
APS 1Departmental Officer$64,199
APS 2Departmental Officer$68,518
APS 3Departmental Officer$77,98416.6%
(APS 3 and below)
APS 4Departmental Officer$89,93818.4%
APS 5Departmental Officer$99,36514.1%
APS 6Departmental Officer$115,99522.3%
Executive Level 1 (EL1)Assistant Director
Manager
Assistant Section Manager		$146,01918.5%
Executive Level 2 (EL2)Director
Section Manager
Section Head		$182,7658.2%
Senior Executive Service Band 1 (SES Band 1)Assistant Secretary (AS)
Branch Head
Branch Manager (BM)		$268,4591.9%
(all SES)
Senior Executive Service Band 2 (SES Band 2)First Assistant Secretary (FAS)
Division Head
Division Manager		$344,027
Senior Executive Service Band 3 (SES Band 3)Deputy Secretary (DEPSEC)
Chief Executive Officer		$468,584
Departmental headSecretary{{sfn|Watson|1990|p=13}}$673,000 (2013){{citation |url=http://www.dpmc.gov.au/accountability/docs/instrument-of-assignment-secretaries.pdf |title=REMUNERATION TRIBUNAL ACT 1973 INSTRUMENT OF ASSIGNMENT UNDER SECTION 14(3) |date= 18 September 2013 |publisher=Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105224745/http://www.dpmc.gov.au/accountability/docs/instrument-of-assignment-secretaries.pdf |archive-date=5 November 2013}}

:{{note label|title|A|A}} Position titles vary across APS agencies.

:{{note label|base|B|B}} Total annual base includes base salary, plus benefits such as superannuation, annual base salary scales vary across APS agencies.

=Leadership=

The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) is responsible to the Minister for the Public Service. The APSC is led by a Commissioner, who is tasked with promoting the APS Values, evaluating public service performance and compliance, and helping to build the capability of the Service.

The Government also recognises a role for the Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet for certain aspects of leadership of the APS.{{citation needed|date=November 2013}}

See also

Concepts:

Notes

{{Reflist}}

References and further reading

{{refbegin}}

  • {{citation|title=Main features:APS at a glance|date=2014|url=http://www.apsc.gov.au/about-the-apsc/parliamentary/aps-statistical-bulletin/aps-statistical-bulletin-2013-14/main-features#aps|ref = {{harvid|Main features: APS at a glance|2014}}|author=Australian Public Service Commission|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141005120746/http://www.apsc.gov.au/about-the-apsc/parliamentary/aps-statistical-bulletin/aps-statistical-bulletin-2013-14/main-features|archive-date=5 October 2014}}
  • {{citation|url=https://www.apsc.gov.au/employment-data/aps-employment-data-31-december-2021/glance|title=APS at a glance|author=Australian Public Service Commission|publisher=Australian Government |ref={{sfnref| Australian Public Service Commission, The Australian Public Service at a Glance|December 2021}} }}
  • {{citation|title=Development and Implementation of Key Performance Indicators to Support the Outcomes and Programs Framework|url=http://www.anao.gov.au/~/media/Uploads/Audit%20Reports/2011%2012/201112%20Audit%20Report%20No%205.pdf|year=2011|ref={{harvid|Development and Implementation of Key Performance Indicators to Support the Outcomes and Programs Framework|2011}}|author=Australian National Audit Office|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021124727/http://www.anao.gov.au/~/media/Uploads/Audit%20Reports/2011%2012/201112%20Audit%20Report%20No%205.pdf|publisher=Australian National Audit Office|isbn=978-0642812100|archive-date=21 October 2012}}
  • {{citation|title=State of the Service Report: State of the Service Series 2011–12|date=29 November 2012|url=https://resources.apsc.gov.au/2012/SOSr1112.pdf|ref = {{harvid|State of the Service Report: 2011–12|2012}}|author=Australian Public Service Commission |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511115123/https://resources.apsc.gov.au/2012/SOSr1112.pdf| publisher=Australian Public Service Commission|archive-date=11 May 2013}}
  • {{citation|title=State of the Service Report: State of the Service Series 2012–13 |date=2 December 2013 |url=http://www.apsc.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/29223/SOSR-2012_13-final-tagged2.pdf |ref={{harvid|State of the Service Report: 2012–13|2013}} |author=Australian Public Service Commission |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206035449/http://www.apsc.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/29223/SOSR-2012_13-final-tagged2.pdf |publisher=Australian Public Service Commission |isbn=9780987454751 |access-date=6 December 2013 |archive-date=6 December 2013 |url-status=dead }}
  • {{citation|title=A history in three acts: Evolution of the Public Service Act 1999|url=https://resources.apsc.gov.au/2007/history3acts.pdf|year=2004|ref={{harvid|A history in three acts: Evolution of the Public Service Act 1999|2004}}|author=Australian Public Service Commission|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514153305/https://resources.apsc.gov.au/2007/history3acts.pdf|publisher=Australian Public Service Commission|archive-date=14 May 2013}}
  • {{citation|last=Berg|first=Chris|title=Teaching the public service to obey its new masters|date=10 September 2013|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-10/berg-teaching-the-public-service-to-obey-its-new-masters/4947780|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130910095040/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-10/berg-teaching-the-public-service-to-obey-its-new-masters/4947780|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Commission|archive-date=10 September 2013}}
  • {{citation|title=Ahead of the Game: Blueprint for the Reform of Australian Government Administration|date=March 2010|url=http://www.dpmc.gov.au/publications/aga_reform/aga_reform_blueprint/|author=Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106005105/http://www.dpmc.gov.au/publications/aga_reform/aga_reform_blueprint/|publisher=Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet|archive-date=6 November 2013}}
  • {{citation|title=Flipchart of FMA Act Agencies/CAC Act Bodies|date=4 October 2013|url=http://finance.gov.au/publications/flipchart/docs/FMACACFlipchart.pdf?v=2|author=Department of Finance|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014054146/http://finance.gov.au/publications/flipchart/docs/FMACACFlipchart.pdf?v=2|publisher=Department of Finance|archive-date=14 October 2013}}
  • {{citation|title=Commonwealth Programs Policy and Approval Process|date=December 2009|url=http://www.finance.gov.au/financial-framework/financial-management-policy-guidance/docs/Commonwealth-Programs-Policy-and-Approval-Process.pdf|ref={{harvid|Commonwealth Programs Policy and Approval Process|2009}}|author=Department of Finance and Deregulation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525010444/http://www.finance.gov.au/financial-framework/financial-management-policy-guidance/docs/Commonwealth-Programs-Policy-and-Approval-Process.pdf|publisher=Department of Finance and Deregulation|archive-date=25 May 2013}}
  • {{citation|last=Holmes|first=Brenton|title=Citizens' engagement in policymaking and the design of public services|journal=Research Paper|date=22 July 2011|url=http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/library/prspub/942018/upload_binary/942018.pdf;fileType=application/pdf|publisher=Department of Parliamentary Services|issn=1834-9854|access-date=8 November 2013}}
  • {{citation|last=Keating|first=Paul|title=Performance and Accountability in the Public Service|date=1 July 1993|url=http://pmtranscripts.dpmc.gov.au/browse.php?did=8911|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131210022239/http://pmtranscripts.dpmc.gov.au/browse.php?did=8911|publisher=Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet|archive-date=10 December 2013}}
  • {{citation|title=Benchmarking Australian Government Administration Performance|date=November 2009|url=http://www.dpmc.gov.au/consultation/aga_reform/docs/benchmarking_australian_government_KPMG.pdf|ref={{harvid|Benchmarking Australian Government Administration Performance|2009}}|author=KPMG|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430013239/http://www.dpmc.gov.au/consultation/aga_reform/docs/benchmarking_australian_government_KPMG.pdf|publisher=KPMG|archive-date=30 April 2013}}
  • {{citation|last=Mulgan|first=Richard|title=Politicising the Australian Public Service?|date=10 November 1998|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/binaries/library/pubs/rp/1998-99/99rp03.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131108014931/http://www.aph.gov.au/binaries/library/pubs/rp/1998-99/99rp03.pdf|publisher=Department of the Parliamentary Library|archive-date=8 November 2013}}
  • {{citation|last=Tiernan|first=Anne|title=Transition to government: what now for the public service?|date=9 September 2013|url=https://theconversation.com/transition-to-government-what-now-for-the-public-service-17877|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217055239/https://theconversation.com/transition-to-government-what-now-for-the-public-service-17877|publisher=The Conversation|archive-date=17 December 2013}}
  • {{citation|title=Chronology of changes in the Australian Public Service 1975–2010|date=11 October 2010|url=http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/library/prspub/279779/upload_binary/279779.pdf;fileType=application/pdf#search=%22library/prspub/279779%22|last1=Verspaandonk|last2=Holland|last3=Horne|first1=Rose|first2=Ian|first3=Nicholas|work=Background note|publisher=Parliament of Australia, Department of Parliamentary Services}}
  • {{cite book|title=Playing the State: Australian Feminist Interventions|publisher=Verso|year=1990|editor-last=Watson|editor-first=Sophie|isbn=0-86091-970-6|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/playingstateaust0000unse}}
  • {{citation|last=Whelan|first=James|title=The State of the Australian Public Service: An alternative report|date=August 2011|url=http://cpd.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CPD_OP12_2011_State_of_APS_Whelan.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916075204/http://cpd.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CPD_OP12_2011_State_of_APS_Whelan.pdf|publisher=Centre for Policy Development|archive-date=16 September 2012}}

{{refend}}

External links

  • [http://www.australia.gov.au/ Australian Federal Government]
  • [http://www.apsjobs.gov.au/ APS Jobs]
  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20000619175644/http://www.psgazette.gov.au/ Public Service Gazette] (archived 19 June 2000)

{{Civil service}}

{{Australian Government Departments}}

{{Australia topics}}

Category:Civil service by country

Category:Public policy in Australia

Category:1901 establishments in Australia