People of the professions

At its heart, the Australian Public Service Professions model is all about people—the APS delivering better for Australians, through a focus on attracting, developing, retaining and deploying staff in critical skill areas.

Heads of professions are appointed as stewards, to help shape and steer initiatives for uplifting expertise in their fields and to lead excellence. These are opportunities for respected senior APS leaders to share their knowledge and experience, and give back to their professional communities.

In September 2024, three new professional streams—Procurement and Contract Management, Evaluation, and Complex Project Management—joined the Digital, Data, and HR Professions established in 2019.

This gives emerging, existing and advanced professionals more opportunities to further their development, progress their careers, share what they know, and advance best practices within the APS.

Together, the professions are strengthening the APS workforce by establishing networks and communities, supporting well defined career pathways, and collaborating with Australian and international organisations.

These stories profile outstanding members of the APS professions, nominated by the heads of their professions.

They offer insights into the many ways people benefit from being part of a profession, from feeling a sense of community to being supported during a significant career change. They show how professional communities help people at all career stages to connect, learn, and find purpose in their work.