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Capability reviews

The Capability Review Program completed 4 reviews in 2024ꟷ25, bringing the total completed under the pilot phase of the program to 9.

Capability reviews are an investment in long-term capability. They aim to embed a culture of continuous improvement and ensure the APS can deliver government priorities and outcomes for Australians.

The Public Service Act 1999 requires all departments of state, Services Australia, the Australian Taxation Office and Australian Public Service Commission to participate in a review every 5 years.

Reviews are independent, forward-looking assessments of an agency's organisational capabilities against the Capability Review Framework.

They facilitate discussions around an agency’s desired future state, and identify organisational capability strengths and gaps. This provides an independent evidence base for targeted change.

Capability reviews to date have highlighted strengths across agencies, including data management, diversity and inclusion, talent development, risk management, and grassroots support for local communities.

Agencies develop an action plan in response to a capability review. Capability reviews have highlighted opportunities for uplift in areas such as review and evaluation, strategic workforce planning, data sharing, collaboration within and outside agencies, modern ICT systems and engaging with users to inform improvements to policies and programs.

Reviews completed in 2024 ꟷ 25 were:

  • Department of Veterans’ Affairs
  • Services Australia
  • Australian Taxation Office
  • Department of Education.

Capability review reports, and action plans developed by agencies, are available on the APSC website.

Following changes to the Public Service Act 1999, future capability reviews will be tabled in the Australian Parliament.

Find out more

Australian Public Service Commission (2025) Capability Review Program, APSC website, accessed 31 July 2025.

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Acknowledgement of Country

The APSC acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.