The Public Service Amendment Bill has passed its third reading and been formally signed into law by the Governor-General.
These changes aim to clarify the role of the Public Service, strengthen performance, and improve accountability.
The amendments make a number of changes to how the Public Service operates. These include:
- Clarifying the role of the Public Service
- Streamlining chief executive responsibilities
- Reinforcing the principles of political neutrality, merit-based appointments and professional competence
- Improving chief executive and agency performance management (including to ensure better oversight and transparency of Public Service conduct)
- Ensuring capability in key positions that oversee common operational functions
- Providing for better management of risks to national security or the national interest
- Introducing new requirements for notifying and reporting misconduct.
As these changes take effect, the Commission will continue to provide information and guidance on what they mean in practice for agencies and the wider Public Service.
You can read more about the changes on our Public Service Act amendments page.
