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A message to Australian Public Service (APS): APS Bargaining

Published

Hi everyone

With bargaining for our next Enterprise Agreements now underway, I’d like to introduce myself as the Australian Public Service (APS) Chief Negotiator, introduce the team supporting this work, and share a brief update on what we’ve been doing over the past fortnight.

Bargaining matters because it helps shape employment conditions across the APS and supports a high-performing public service. I’m committed to working collaboratively across the APS, negotiating in good faith, and aiming for outcomes that are fair, practical and sustainable.

Throughout this process, I’ll be guided by the six principles in the Public Sector Workplace Relations Policy 2026: being a model employer; building a unified, capable and contemporary APS; supporting mobility, attraction and retention; driving productivity and service delivery; upholding fairness and equity; and ensuring sustainability.

To support this work, I’m pleased to welcome back Damien Booth as Deputy Chief Negotiator. Damien brings strong experience from the 2023 round, and we’re also supported by a small APS Bargaining Taskforce within the APS Commission.

What we have been up to

Over the past fortnight, the Bargaining Taskforce and I have been actively preparing for our first bargaining meeting on 21 July 2026.

A key part of that preparation has been listening and engaging with a diverse range of people to better understand what matters most across the APS. One important input has been the APS employment conditions survey, which more than 39,000 of you from 107 agencies took the time to complete.

Thank you to everyone who contributed. You can read the full survey results on the APSC website.

How we will keep you updated

We also heard through the survey that you prefer to receive updates through direct emails and the APS bargaining newsletter. I encourage you to subscribe so you receive the official fortnightly updates straight to your inbox.

You can also visit the APSC website to watch my introduction video and learn more about the bargaining process.

I look forward to keeping you updated as bargaining progresses.

Kind regards

Alison Stott FCPHR
APS Chief Negotiator

Topics
APS Bargaining
Audience
APS employees
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