About us

The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) supports the people who work across the Australian Government public sector. We are an organisation that delivers essential people services to an extensive workforce, across Australia and beyond. This workforce in turn delivers services, designs policies and programs for the Government to protect and improve the lives of Australians.

The APSC provides policy, programs, advice and guidance on integrity, capability and workforce management.

Our value: Stewards of the Service

We hold a central, trusted position within the APS as a steward of integrity, capability and workforce management. The APSC stewards the service with key partners to effectively action its role as a system leader and trusted advisor to the service and the government.

The APSC has a mature network and delivery systems, with a strong committee and governance architecture. This enables us to drive system-wide initiatives efficiently and lead a trusted APS that models the APS Values and public service excellence.

Our operating context

The strategic environment for government continues to evolve – as stewards of the service, we adapt to political, economic, technological, environmental and social changes, locally and globally, in the interests of Australia.

• Global uncertainty and multiple crises
• Digital technologies
• Trust and engagement with government
• Changing employment landscape

Our purpose

"We are stewards of the Australian Public Service as custodians of public service integrity, workforce management and capability.”

The APSC is driven by its Purpose – it is a guide to the work and decisions made in the public interest.

We are committed to serving Australia's long-term interests by fostering a trusted and professional public service. Our work builds APS capability, integrity, and workforce management under the Public Service Act, offering expert, evidence-based support to agencies through continuous learning, innovation and responsible stewardship.

Delivering for Australians is at the centre of our actions.

Our vision

"A trusted and contemporary Australian Public Service that delivers for Government and for Australia.”

Our Vision is our motivation – an expression of what we are trying to achieve.

The APSC works to build and support a contemporary APS that is transparent, and people-centred in its approach to policy and service delivery, with high standards of professionalism, diversity, and integrity.

We work for an APS that delivers for Australia and for Government, including during times of uncertainty and risk.

Our goals

We look to position the APS to meet the expectations of Government and Australians, measuring ourselves against reportable activities.

1. Promote and uphold the high standards of integrity and conduct within the APS

Integrity is at the heart of the APSC – and central to our role as the steward of the service.

As custodians of APS integrity and conduct, we set the standard on integrity and conduct within the APS so that all employees, regardless of their level, understand and behave with integrity and in a manner that is consistent with the standards of what it means to be a good public servant.

2. Lead and support the development of quality APS workforce management policy

We are a people business.

As custodians of APS workforce management, we use our deep expertise to create effective workplaces and a quality experience for APS employees by staying abreast of shifts in the employment landscape, and developing and implementing policies and initiatives that position the APS as a desired employer.

3. Build APS capability and leadership for the future

We exists to build capability in the APS.

A knowledgeable and skilled public service is essential to meet the challenges ahead and to maintain trust in government. As custodians of APS capability and leadership, the APSC works across the service to leverage learning and develop expertise. We provide clear entry pathways, a platform for the development of critical skills and forecast and plan for the leadership capabilities that the APS needs for the future.

Legislative responsibilities

The Australian Public Service Commission is an agency within the Prime Minister and Cabinet portfolio. It is a non-corporate Commonwealth entity.

The Commission supports two statutory office holders: the Australian Public Service Commissioner - who is also agency head - and the Merit Protection Commissioner. Their functions are set out in s41(1) and s50(1) of the Public Service Act 1999 (PS Act).

The Merit Protection Commissioner Ms Jamie Lowe, is an independent statutory office holder, with the Australian Public Service Commission providing administrative support for the function.

The Commission is led by the Australian Public Service Commissioner Dr Gordon de Brouwer supported by expert Deputy Commissioners and First Assistant Commissioners.

The Commission's statutory responsibilities are detailed in the PS Act and it operates under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act).

The Merit Protection Commission and Commissioner are an independent entity from the Australian Public Service Commission and Commissioner.