New APS Commissioner Dr Gordon de Brouwer delivers his first address to an Institute of Public Administration audience. Photo: IPAA.
The new Australian Public Service Commissioner wants the government’s workforce to drop in and say hello and tell him what’s working and what’s not.
That might seem an easier-said-than-done ambition in this age of gatekeepers, tight security and busy schedules, but Gordon de Brouwer seems intent on making it happen.
In an Institute of Public Administration Australia address talking directly to Commonwealth public servants on Friday (16 June), Dr de Brouwer insisted he wanted to hear from individuals about their work.
Without giving away too many details (none at all, actually), the APS Commissioner teased his audience with the promise of an open-door policy that would allow the workforce to talk directly with him.
He will even “formalise” the opportunity for some “casual” chats.
“As commissioner [and I’m speaking to public servants], my immediate focus is you – the people of the APS and the public sector, and helping you create a great place to work and be the best you can be in your job, and have the opportunities and professional development to have the impact you want to have,” he said.
“I want to hear from you and work with you … I would like you to feel that you can talk to me and my colleagues at the commission and share your ideas and your experiences.
“For that reason, I am going to start doing monthly drop-ins where anyone in the service can join me in a safe space to catch up. I’ll let you know more about what that means in practice in the coming weeks.”
One thing the workforce can be sure of about its new people-focused commissioner is that he expects the APS to uphold the highest of values.
Insisting he would help the government maintain and strengthen the rule of law in the sector, Dr de Brouwer said public servants could expect him to deliver a strategy that upheld the “institutions, laws and practices” that were the foundation of our democratic society.
That means being confident, not cowering or arrogant, and being recognised for unwavering integrity.
“We know we are not perfect, we fail and we do get things wrong,” he said, noting the illegal Robodebt scheme.
But in his experience, he said, the vast majority of public servants were good, decent people who wanted to do their jobs well.
“We incorporate and uphold specific values in our work – starting with being committed to service, and committed to service to achieve the best results for the Australian community and government,” he said.
“Those values also encompass being ethical, respectful, accountable and impartial.
“Those values aren’t optional. They are the law. They tell us how to go about our job.”
Declaring he had never regarded “delivery” and “behaviour” as binary opposites, Dr de Brouwer said reform was needed.
But he added that “reform” was a loaded word; nevertheless, outcomes and behaviours mattered.
“Reform only takes hold if it’s personal to you. I’d like it to be personal to you, so please make it personal,” Dr de Brouwer said.
He noted that the breadth and depth of the government’s reform processes were likely to be a decade-long process, adding he wanted to be there for at least some of that process.
“I would like to say to my fellow public servants, I hope that you see yourself in these changes,” he said.
“For what they mean to you and to how you do your job in your workplace, and your part in creating a world-class APS.
“So please speak up, join me and be part of the conversation. There are opportunities for you to have your say and to be heard.”
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