Working in Government

A willingness to serve and the ability to apply a deep understanding of the context in which the APS operates.

Contents

All public servants must have an understanding of Australia’s system of government and how to work effectively within it.

Working in Government requires an understanding of the context in which the APS operates and the ability to be responsive and agile, providing rigorous advice to the government of the day.

It's really important that a public servant understands Australia's system of government and the role of a public servant within it. You can't be a good public servant if you don't actually understand the role of the Commonwealth versus the states and territories. If you don't understand the role of the Prime Minister, the Cabinet and Ministers, you don't understand where accountability sits, where decisions are taken.

We're also accountable for the advice, and even if that's preliminary advice or it's early research, or it's the way we engage with our colleagues across the service or externally, all of that is part of and builds towards the higher level of accountability. Everything we do is really about benefit to the Australian citizen.

What’s your best advice on how to be agile and responsive when working in Government?

I don't think you can be agile, and I don't think you can be really responsive if you are not prepared. We need to be curious. We need to understand context. We need to be able to do that, whether that's through listening to what the Prime Minister and Minister says, listening to what the Australian community is saying, being informed. And then you can have quite clear-eyed views and be able to adapt when you know we have to shift resources around.

What does frank and fearless advice mean in the APS?

You need to have good relationships with whoever it is that you're advising. If you can build a level of trust, you can provide fearless advice in a way that is likely to be received well. Fearless advice is being able to say to a minister what you think they don't want to hear. Sometimes the advice has to be a little bit uncomfortable because that is the reality. But if you don't have a relationship of trust, it's very difficult to provide difficult advice.

What does it mean to provide informed advice to Government?

What that means to me is that it has been really well road-tested. Which Australian community, what part of the community is this intended to benefit? Will it? How would you know? Because you've tested it with stakeholders, you've looked at the research, you've pulled it apart, you've put it back together. Does it stand up? You've asked others to peer review it if it's necessary. You've really, really, really tested every element of it. And only then can you say to government, I'm confident I understand the parameters of this and I can answer all of the questions that I know that you will have. And if you can't, then you say to government this element of it remains to be fully tested so that you're very clear, particularly when it's very complex policy.

Effectively working in government represents a willingness to serve and requires:

  • Knowing Australia’s system of government and the Australian Public Service's role in it
  • Being responsive and providing rigorous advice to decision makers
  • Understanding the budget process and how the APS contributes to its development
  • Leading the development of legislation and policy and working within it 
  • Being accountable to the ministers, under legislation and within Parliamentary oversight and transparency mechanisms

Resources

APS Data Capability Framework
The Framework is a guide for agencies, employees and managers as they build data capabilities, manage workforce requirements and develop careers.
Australian Data Strategy
This strategy sets out how the Government will enhance effective, safe and secure data use over the period to 2025.
Budget Papers
The Budget Papers support the Budget-related decisions of government, providing the fiscal outlook for the Australian economy and highlighting major new initiatives of the government.
Caretaker Conventions
This video describes the Caretaker Conventions that apply in the lead up to a Federal election and provides guidance for APS employees on how to conduct themselves during this time.
Machinery of Government (MoG)
This change occurs when the Government decides to change the way Commonwealth responsibilities are managed. The Australian Public Service Commission provides an outline of the MoG process.
Managing Commonwealth Resources
The Commonwealth resource management framework governs how officials in the Commonwealth public sector use and manage public resources.
Protective Security Policy Framework
The Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) helps Australian Government entities to protect their people, information and assets, both at home and overseas.
The Budget process
The budget process is the decision-making process for allocating public resources to the Government’s policy priorities.
The Legislative framework for the Australian Public Service
The main legislation governing the operation of the Australian Public Service (APS) is the Public Service Act 1999 (the ACT).
Administrative Arrangements Orders
Administrative Arrangements Orders (AAOs) formally allocate executive responsibility among ministers. They set out which matters and legislation are administered by which department or portfolio.
APS Reform website
The APS Reform Office has created a website with resources and links on how public service agencies are implementing APS Reform initiatives.
APSC diversity and inclusion resources
The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) provides a range of resources to support diversity in inclusion in APS workplaces.
APSC Integrity Guidance
Integrity in the APS is a multi-layered concept that is shaped by frameworks and policies, assurance mechanisms, employees and broader organisational culture.
Comcare Learning Resources
Comcare provides a range of learning resources to help identify, prevent and respond to bullying and harassment.
Comcare – Your role
Comcare provides a range of information and learning resources on work health and safety and workers’ compensation laws.
Commonwealth Resource Management Framework eLearning
This eLearning course explains your responsibilities under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
Craft Conversations - Financial Management
Learn about leadership and management from experts within the APS. This recorded panel discussion discusses leadership and management in the APS. Recorded in February 2023.
Craft Conversations - Working in Government
This video is recorded from the November APS Academy's Craft Conversations event for Working in Government Craft month in October 2021.
Data and digital literacy skills: Communication and collaboration
To interact, communicate and collaborate through digital technologies while being aware of cultural and generational diversity.
Data and digital literacy skills: Digital Content Design
Create and edit digital content to improve and integrate information and content into an existing body of knowledge while understanding how copyright and licences are to be applied.
Data and digital literacy skills: Digital Mindset
Embed digital by default by promoting and championing digital ways of working.
Data and digital literacy skills: Information and Data
Articulate information needs, to locate and retrieve digital data, information and content.
Data and digital literacy skills: Protection and Safety
Protect devices, content, personal data and privacy in digital environments.
Data and digital literacy skills: Technical Proficiency and Problem Solving
Identify needs and problems, and to resolve conceptual problems and problem situations in digital environments.
Exploring capability uplift in the Australian Public Service podcast
Dr Rachel Bacon, Deputy Secretary at the APS Reform Office and Dr Subho Banerjee, Deputy Commissioner and Head of APS Academy and Capability discuss APS Reform priorities.
Federal Register of Legislation
The Federal Register of Legislation (the Register) is the authorised whole-of-government website for Commonwealth legislation and related documents.
Government Directory of departments and agencies
The Australian Government Directory is a guide to the structures, organisations and key people in the Australian Government.
Making a law in the Australian Parliament
This fact sheet from the Parliamentary Education Office explains the law-making process in the Australian Parliament. It describes where ideas for laws come from and law-making history.
NAA information management training resources
The National Archives of Australia (NAA) provides this suite of resources for APS employees to ensure you understand key concepts and practices.
Nate's story: Building a meaningful career in the APS
Nate Riley talks about his APS career journey. He explains how he maintained focus and contributed to building APS capability across the service.
Office of Parliamentary Council Drafting Resources
The Office of Parliamentary Council provides training and advice relating to drafting and legislative processes.
Parliament of Australia
The Parliament of Australia website publishes extensive information on Parliamentary business, members, bills, committees and more. You can also live stream proceedings.
Parliamentary Education Office
The Parliamentary Education Office (PEO) website has everything you need to know about the role, function, structure and people of the Australian Parliament.
Public Governance Performance and Accountability Act Flipchart and List
The Australian Government is made up of many different types of government bodies. The Flipchart is a reference of all non-corporate and corporate Commonwealth entities and companies.
Resource Management Guides (RMGs)
A full list of resource management guides to support the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 can be found on the Department of Finance website.
Respect@Work
The Respect@Work website brings together a comprehensive set of resources to support individuals and organisations to better understand, prevent and address workplace sexual harassment.
Review of performance management decisions
This video explains the rights of APS and Parliamentary Service employees in relation to performance management decisions, and how to apply to have one reviewed by the employing Agency or the Merit Protection Commissioner.
Review of promotion decisions
This video explains the rights of APS and Parliamentary Service employees in relation to promotion decisions, and how to apply to the Merit Protection Commissioner for review of a promotion decision.
Review of workplace decisions
This video explains the rights of APS and Parliamentary Service employees under the Review of actions scheme, and how to apply for review of a workplace decision by the employing Agency or the Merit Protection Commissioner.
The Australian Constitution information sheet
This fact sheet from the Parliament of Australia explains the Constitution, which is the foundation that establishes the rules for how Australia is governed.
Working together as one APS
In this video, APS staff from around the country answer the question: ‘What does working together in the APS mean to you?’
Being a trusted and respected partner: the APS' relationships with Ministers and their offices
This ANZSOG research paper, prepared for the Australian Public Service Review Panel reviews the APS relationships with Ministers and their offices.
Delivering for Australians: A world-class Australian Public Service
Delivering for Australians outlines the Government’s reform agenda in response to the independent review of the APS.
Leading with Political Astuteness
An ANZSOG supported study examines the proposition that managers who exercise political astuteness are more effective. For public managers, formal and informal politics is an integral part of their environment.
Our Public Service, Our Future: Independent review of the Australian Public Service
This is the website and final report for the independent review panel of the the Australian Public Service (APS) led by David Thodey AO.

Courses

Administrative Decision Making
Learn the essential skill of making good administrative decisions that are consistent with legal and policy frameworks is an essential skill. Examine legal authorities, case studies and how to review decisions.
Appearing Before Parliamentary Committees
Appearing before parliamentary committees takes an in-depth look at parliamentary committees that scrutinise decisions and the information flow between the APS, the parliament and the public. This program will help you to prepare effectively and communicate information clearly.
APS Essentials – Privacy Awareness
Learn how to handle personal information and develop an understanding of how privacy breaches and complaints are managed.
APS Essentials – Records Management
In this course you will be introduced to the key principles and obligations associated with records management in the Australian Public Service.
APS Essentials – Security Awareness
Learn about protective security arrangements in the public service, including physical security, information security and cyber security.
APS Induction - APS Frameworks
This course articulates what is required of APS employees and describes how the APS will undertake its work. It will provide an increased awareness of frameworks within the APS and why they are important.
APS Induction - Fraud Awareness
During this course you will learn what fraud is, how it can occur and what your responsibilities are in dealing with fraud as a public official.
APS Induction - Money and Resources
An eLearning module for new starters recognising responsibilities and accountabilities for managing public resources.
APS Induction - Portfolios, Departments and Entities
The aim of this course is to help new public service employees to better understand the structure of Portfolios, Departments and Entities.
APS Induction - Structure of Government
Examines the structure of Government and the role of Parliament. Provides understanding on why rules exist for you not just as a public servant but as an Australian citizen.
APS Induction - Working in the APS
Essential information for working in the APS. This course is general in nature with information that is common to all APS employees regardless of workplace.
APS Unlocked
Information, resources and tools to support your APS career, health and wellbeing, work health and safety, and foster a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Briefing and Responding to APS Decision Makers
Takes an in-depth look at decision-making and the skills required to design, develop and deliver a briefing across a range of scenarios. Learn effective briefing techniques and workshop approaches.
Data Literacy - Module 2: Undertaking research
This module will help participants apply effective research skills and techniques. it covers framing research questions, locating and evaluating information and forming conclusions.
Data Literacy - Module 3: Using statistics
This module will help participants engage with statistical information. It will build an understanding of key terms and concepts, perform basic calculations and interpret and present statistics correctly.
Data Literacy - Module 4: Visualising information
This module will help participants present data visually in a way that is clear, accurate and accessible. It includes tables, charts, graphs and diagrams.
Data Literacy - Module 5: Providing evidence for decision makers
This module will increase participants ability to provide sound logical advice supported by credible evidence.
Digital Preservation - Module 1: Digital formats
This e-learning module covers basic concepts and terminology related to digital preservation in Australian Government agencies.
Digital Preservation - Module 2: Metadata
This e-learning module introduces the role of metadata for digital preservation in Australian Government agencies.
Digital Preservation – Module 3: Digital Archiving
This e-learning module introduces concepts and workflows for digital archiving in Australian Government agencies.
Digital Preservation – Module 4: Digital Preservation
This e-learning module describes strategies used for digital preservation in Australian Government agencies.
Effective Communication
All workplaces use communication and our overall job effectiveness is strongly influenced by how well we communicate. Learn how to present information clearly, concisely and in a compelling manner.
Essential Writing for APS 5-6 Levels
This course is designed for those who produce documents involving analysis or evidence-based argument. It is suitable for all APS and executive levels who need to improve their analytical writing.
Introduction to Regulation
This e-learning aims to deepen the understanding and skills of participants in a range of core regulation knowledge and concepts.
Keep it or delete it: making good choices about information
This e-learning module provides advice about the different types of business information Australian Government staff and contractors can or can't destroy as part of their daily work.
Metadata for Information Assets
This course is provided to increase awareness and skills for Australian Government (Commonwealth) agencies to make use of metadata to help manage information assets (data, information and records).
Program: APS Annual Essential Learning
This program is an essential annual refresher of courses that also form part of the APS Induction program. The courses explain what all public servants need to know about Work Health and Safety (WHS), privacy, security, and records management.
Program: APS Induction Pathway
The APS Induction pathway offers practical skills, foundational learning in the structure and functions of the Australian Government and an introduction to core concepts that underpin work in the APS.
Program: Digital preservation skills for Australian Government
This eLearning program is provided to increase digital preservation awareness and skills in Australian Government (Commonwealth) agencies.
Providing Effective Secretariat Support
This course covers the role of the secretariat when working in government, teams and stakeholder groups. Examine protocols and learn to coordinate and prepare meeting agendas and other documents.
Skills Framework for the Information Age - SFIA
This program educates Australian Public Service (APS) staff on the SFIA framework and how agencies can use it. It is designed as a series of information sessions.
Strengthening Partnerships with Ministerial Offices
This course is designed to help Improve partnerships with ministers by uplifting the capability of APS staff to engage with ministers and their advisors.
Understanding Government
Refresh yourself on the role of the APS, the underpinning processes of the Australian system of Government and its roles,responsibilities and systems.
Working Effectively at the EL 2 Level
Understand the broad role requirements of EL 2s through the APS Work Level Standards and deepen your understanding of the capabilities and behaviours required.

Programs, Scholarships and Secondments

The Graduate Development Program is a 10-month generalist development pathway offered to new APS graduates by the APS Academy. 

 

Dive deeper into the skills and resources required for working in government

Decorative image showing the suggested leaning pathway made up of courses and resources for starting in the Australian Public Service.

APS Induction

The APS Induction Pathway provides new and returning employees with essential information and guidance to work effectively in the APS. Find links to essential information such as APS values, responsibilities, and support for your career.
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Data and Digital Literacy

Digital and data literacy is an understanding of how to use digital tools and data. As the APS continues its drive towards digital government in a digital economy, automation and digital transformation will alter how APS employees work and the skills they need.

Do you know of other APS resources which could be shared through toolkits to help build APS Craft awareness and capability?

Please contact the APS Academy via the Contact Us webform.

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