On Wednesday 16 July, the ACT Small Agencies HR Forum welcomed Jacqui Curtis as Head of the HR Profession to share her views on the evolving challenges and opportunities facing HR professionals across the APS. As a collaborative networking of HR professionals from State and Federal Agencies, the ACT Small Agencies HR Forum is a not-for-profit network offering a timely opportunity for attendees to reflect, connect, and participate in future-focused discussion together.
The presentation began a brief history of the HR Professional Stream and shared an update on the three key priorities for 2025. Drawing on her dual roles as Head of the HR Profession and Chief Operating Officer, Jacqui acknowledged the distinct realities faced by HR professionals in smaller agencies. Attendees resonated with many of the challenges she described: balancing generalist and specialist roles, delivering whole of government initiatives with limited resources, and managing the constant workforce pressures of attraction, retention, and enhancement of the employee value proposition. Through these reflections, attendees heard firsthand how the demands of small agency HR work require adaptability, broad expertise, and a strategic mindset.
In response to a request to share more about the impact of AI for HR and government, attendees heard how agencies across the APS are working to become more agile, build stronger cultures, and develop smarter talent strategies. Despite the APS reaching its largest workforce size, it was noted that HR professionals still represent less than 3.3% of the total workforce, highlighting the significant demands placed on a small but essential group of practitioners.
Attendees heard that emerging technologies are already reshaping workforce demands and influencing how roles are designed across the APS, and how agencies are finalising guidelines to support the appropriate use of AI by candidates. On sharing thoughts on recent surveys on AI use in the workplace, the message was clear: the pace and diversity of AI adoption will only accelerate, and HR professionals have a critical role in ensuring that gains in productivity and governance do not come at the expense of employee experience, integrity, or meaningful career pathways.
In closing, the focus turned toward the importance of connection and networking in fuelling new ideas, practical solutions, and broader influence. Attendees were reminded of the importance of the work they are doing, and the opportunity ahead of them to contribute to not only their agency but to the broader direction of the HR profession.