The Assistant Minister for the Public Service, the Hon Patrick Gorman MP, has today launched the APS Academy Campus in Townsville.

This Australian Government initiative will build public service data and digital capability and expand regional employment options in Queensland.

The Townsville Campus, delivered by the Australian Public Service (APS) Commission in partnership with James Cook University, is located at the University's Bebegu Yumba campus.

The Albanese Government has today released the initial report of the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group (FNDIAG) that outlines positive steps towards narrowing the digital divide for First Nations Australians.

The report recommends practical measures to support greater digital inclusion in line with Target 17 in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. It aims to ensure First Nations people have access to information and services that enable participation in decision-making on matters that affect their own lives.

MICHAEL CLARKE, HOST: Now today is the official opening of the Australian Public Service Academy, based at James Cook University Townsville campus. The Assistant Minister for the Public Service is Patrick Gorman and he's here with us today. Thank you so much for your time and welcome to Townsville.

PATRICK GORMAN, ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER AND ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE: Thanks Michael, and hello to your listeners.

The Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) is pleased to announce the First Nations Director Scholarship Program is now open for applications.

This exciting new national initiative is aimed at developing a pipeline of Indigenous directors with the skills and capability to take up board appointments in First Nations and non-First Nations organisations across the country.

The $1-million program is funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) and will see 135 governance scholarships delivered over three years from 2024.

OLIVER PETERSON, HOST: The Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and the Member for Perth is Patrick Gorman, who joins me live on 6PR today. G'day, Patrick.

PATRICK GORMAN, ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER AND ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE: G'day, Oly. Good to be with you and your listeners.

PETERSON: Yeah, good to have you on the programme. Any information you've got about this fire currently burning in Kings Park? It is obviously part of your electorate.

The Albanese Government is continuing to support former members of the collapsed Youpla Group.

The Youpla Group Funeral Benefits Program has been extended and will now accept applications until 30 June 2024.

The Program, which was announced as an interim measure in the weeks after the election of the Albanese Government, pays a grant in place of a funeral benefit that would otherwise have been paid by the Youpla Group before its collapse.

KIERAN GILBERT, HOST Joining me now from Perth is the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Patrick Gorman. Thanks so much for your time. There's been a lot of reaction to the Government's response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, criticism of the Prime Minister's handling of it, to the extent that there have been different views expressed, including by Ed Husic and Anne Aly. Does that open the Government to accusations of division over this crucial issue right now, Patrick Gorman?

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.

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.

A recently awarded remote housing contract supplements a pipeline of works across Central Australia worth $256 million.

The building blitz is rolling out across 33 communities and town camps in Alice Springs.

The most recent contract for $30 million was awarded to Pedersen NT to build more than 20 new homes across Luritja Pintubi country.

Works, which also include the upgrade and refurbishment of 18 homes, will transform the housing landscape in Kintore, Mount Liebig, Papunya, and Haasts Bluff.