On 19 May 2026, the APS HR Professional Stream (HRPS), in partnership with the Australian HR Institute (AHRI), brought together more than 300 HR professionals from across the APS and broader HR community in Canberra to celebrate International HR Day.
The event provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen connections across the profession and recognise the critical role HR practitioners play in shaping workforce capability, culture and performance outcomes for the Australian community.
Jacqui Curtis, Head of the APS HR Profession, opened the event by reflecting on the purpose and progress of the profession across the APS. The HRPS was established in 2019 to strengthen capability and position HR as a strategic enabler of organisational performance. Since then, it has grown into a network of more than 6,500 professionals, supporting workforce capability through practitioner-led learning, mobility opportunities, early career programs and cross-agency collaboration.
The critical role HR plays in enabling outcomes through people was central to the discussion. As Jacqui noted, regardless of strategy or systems, it is ultimately people – their capability, behaviours and engagement – that determine organisational success. HR professionals play a critical role in creating the conditions for this success by supporting employees and equipping them to deliver.
Following the opening, Paula Goodwin, AHRI ACT State President, reflected on this year’s International HR Day theme, ‘Celebrating the heart of every workplace’ and its relevance to the evolving role of HR across sectors.
Paula also facilitated a panel discussion with Michael Lye, Secretary of the Department of Social Services, who shared valuable insights on executive expectations of HR. Michael emphasised the importance of productivity and highlighted how organisations can better leverage flexible work arrangements to support diverse employee needs while strengthening overall performance.
A Chief People Officer panel discussion was facilitated by Paula, with Jessica Lees, Head of People and Culture at Downer Professional Services, and Bridie Dawson, First Assistant Secretary and Chief People and Strategy Officer at the Attorney-General’s Department.
The panellists explored a range of complex and contemporary challenges facing the profession, including:
- how hierarchy, accountability and external pressures can impact psychological diversity
- whether psychological safety frameworks are translating into lived experience for employees
- the extent to which organisational systems are still designed for a more uniform workforce
- how organisations can better respond to an increasingly diverse workforce
- where HR should focus its efforts - building individual capability or reshaping work design and organisational settings.
Panellists emphasised the importance of designing organisations that reflect the reality of today’s workforce, supporting leaders to navigate complexity and recognising the emotional load often carried by HR professionals.
Presenters consistently examined complexity of HR as a uniquely complex profession, requiring both technical expertise and sound judgment. As Jacqui reflected: ‘HR professionals must navigate nuance and context, applying frameworks with care to achieve balanced outcomes for individuals and organisations’.
The HR Professional Stream extends its sincere thanks to AHRI for their continued partnership and to all speakers and attendees for contributing to a highly engaging and impactful event.
APS HR Head of Profession Jacqui Curtis