Chair of the Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce Sam Mostyn at the group’s inaugural meeting with Senator Katy Gallagher in September. Photo: Katy Gallagher.
While this week’s federal budget provides for a decent jump in Australian Public Service numbers – more than 7500 new positions created, representing a 4.4 per cent hike in APS numbers – the diversity of new employees is also set to increase.
“Striving for diversity, inclusion and a sense of belonging in the APS is important for our people, the values we model, and outcomes for the Australian public,” Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher said in the budget papers.
“In order for the APS to appropriately serve the Australian community, it needs to reflect the diversity of that community.
“The government has identified increased representation of First Nations peoples, gender equality and disability employment as clear priorities.”
Diversity in the APS by numbers. Image: APSC
The government’s recently launched Affirmative Measure Recruitment Hub, providing resources to help agencies recruit First Nations people, now has 300 members involved in APS recruiting. These recruiters are drawn from more than 50 agencies across the sector, as well as some from state and territory governments.
The Minister said the government was committed to increasing First Nations employment in the APS to 5 per cent by 2030 (up from 3.5 per cent in 2021).
It is also insisting on gender equality, including taking action to address the gender pay gap in the APS.
“The National Strategy to Achieve Gender Equality will provide a roadmap for whole-of-government action over the coming years and be supported by the Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce for the advancement of women’s economic equality and to achieve gender equality,” Senator Gallagher said.
“The task force will provide independent advice to the government on a broad range of issues facing women in Australia and includes eminent women with a range of diverse backgrounds, experiences and expertise.”
Over the next four years, $276 million will go towards strengthening the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water to enable it to implement the government’s climate action plan.
Indigenous affairs agencies also receive a decent fillip, mostly through funding boosts to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The National Indigenous Australians Agency will get $3.8 million over four years and more staff, along with small staffing increases to the Torres Strait Regional Authority, Aboriginal Hostels Limited, and Indigenous Business Australia.
PM&C will also get $45 million to help roll out government policies, focusing on regional initiatives.
Services Australia will lose its increased staffing numbers associated with the COVID pandemic.
APS capability and waste-ending plan will be funded with $73 million.
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