More APS Reform projects funded to build capability

The Australian Public Service Commission has issued a statement listing projects being funded in round 2 of the APS Capability Reinvestment Fund. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

Nine projects involving two dozen Australian Public Service (APS) agencies are being funded to help boost capability in the sector and bolster the Federal Government’s APS Reform agenda.

Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher has announced a total of $6.5 million funding for round 2 of the Australian Public Service Capability Reinvestment Fund.

The funding was outlined in the 2024-25 Budget announcements and kicks in from 1 July this year.

An Australian Public Service Commission statement says by building workforce capability, “these projects will position the APS to deliver better outcomes for the Australian community”.

The successful projects are:

1. AI for integration and inclusion: Delivering AI-powered tools to enhance policy development, inclusive design and community engagement across the APS; and building foundational knowledge in the use of data and AI.
2. APS integrity data framework: Creating a framework to measure and monitor the impact and effectiveness of the integrity system and reforms.
3. Uplifting APS capability to work effectively with First Nations data and evidence: Enhancing APS officers’ understanding and engagement with First Nations data, knowledge and evidence.
4. Building APS capability to draw strong policy insights through an integrated data tool: Piloting a digital integrated map of human service delivery.
5. Building safety and integrity capability across the APS: Building and strengthening integrity and psychological safety in leadership capability through programs and good work design.
6. APS integrated unconscious bias training program: Mitigating unconscious bias across the APS through a capability program to support a culturally competent and inclusive APS.
7. Greening government microcredentials: Developing and trialling internationally aligned microcredentials.
8. Narratives of the lived experience: Addressing barriers to culturally and linguistically diverse employees in the APS through the collection, curation and publishing of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and non-CALD employee stories.
9. Futures exercises for developing Asia and the Pacific expertise: Developing scenario exercises to increase regional understanding and inform whole-of-government responses to future challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

“The fund supports the APS Reform priority of building capability through innovative approaches,” the statement says.

“It addresses common capability gaps and is an investment in strengthening the APS’s capability to deliver for the Australian community, now and into the future.”

Round 2 of the fund focussed on five priority capability themes: enhancing data analytics and policy integration capabilities; ensuring cultural and psychological safety in physical and virtual workspaces; adapting to a green economy workforce; building APS understanding of artificial intelligence application in the public sector; and enhancing APS capability for working in Asia and the Pacific.

Round 1 projects were funded through the previous federal budget and began delivery on 1 July last year.

The Federal Government is developing what the Minister describes as an “ambitious and enduring plan” for APS Reform, with the aim of “putting people and businesses at the centre” of policy and services.

The agenda also ensures the APS acts with integrity and fairness, leads to a more inclusive Australia, and becomes a “model employer and a great place to work”.

In an update speech delivered at the Australian National University in November, Senator Gallagher outlined the government’s ambition and progress with APS Reform.

“When we came to government, we began the task of rebuilding the public service to restore capacity and capability,” she said.

“Following the Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme, the need for reform is stronger than ever.

“We need an APS that is fit to serve Australians in the 21st century, but real and lasting change is going to take time.”