The Albanese Government has today released new instructions for the Australian Public Service to limit the use of contractors and consultants.
The APS Strategic Commissioning Framework, published by the Australian Public Service Commission, requires core government work to be done by APS employees and restricts outsourcing to defined circumstances.
Core functions such as drafting Cabinet submissions, drafting regulation, leading policy development, or occupying a role on an agency’s executive, must never be outsourced.
Where external arrangements are used, knowledge must be transferred to the APS.
Minister for the Public Service, Senator the Hon. Katy Gallagher, said the Albanese Government is committed to rebuilding the capability and expertise of the APS.
“We know that the former Liberal/National Government spent billions of dollars outsourcing government work to consultants and contractors.”
“They did this while reducing the size of the public service, undermining capability, and leaving departments under resourced.”
“We have an ambitious plan to reform the APS and this framework will ensure that from now on core work will only be done by APS employees.”
“Agency heads will lead this work, determining their core work, setting targets to bring it back in house and reporting on their progress.”
“Information on progress will be publicly available,” Minister Gallagher said.
Assistant Minister for the Public Service, the Hon Patrick Gorman, said he is proud to be part of a Government that recognises the urgency of boosting the Australian Public Service's capabilities, following nine stagnant years.
“The Albanese Government, under Minister Gallagher’s leadership, is driving forward an ambitious APS Reform agenda with a strong focus on enhancing capability.”
“The Strategic Commissioning Framework is pivotal to our reform efforts, setting clear expectations to reduce reliance on external workforces, aligning with our election commitment to bolster the skills of Australian public servants.”
“Enhanced APS capabilities will benefit both our dedicated public servants, and all Australians, too,” Assistant Minister Gorman said.
The Strategic Commissioning Framework and a factsheet on implementation will be available on the APSC website.