By Emily Stocks, APS Academy
The APS Academy’s Whole of APS Graduate Event Series is designed to bring together graduates from across the service to explore the big ideas shaping the future of government. This year’s series has seen virtual events explore AI in the public service and connect the skill of networking with authentic human connection, as well as an in-person event explore the megatrends shaping policy design.
The Events Series offers opportunities for graduates to step outside their immediate roles and connect with peers across the APS. It is a chance to hear from experts, ask the questions that don’t always get airtime and build a shared understanding of what it means to work in a modern, values-driven public service.
A recent session on artificial intelligence brought together graduates for a thought-provoking and candid conversation about the opportunities and challenges of AI in the public sector. Facilitated by Paul Hubbard and Sam Bide from AI CoLab, the event took a conversational, Q&A-style approach that welcomed all questions and encouraged critical thinking. From ethical dilemmas to environmental concerns, the discussion reflected the complexity of the evolving nature of AI and in integrating it into public service work.
One of the central themes was AI’s role as a ‘multiplier’. This means not only amplifying productivity and efficiency, but also potentially deepening existing inequalities. Graduates asked how the APS can ensure it doesn’t contribute to new forms of disadvantage, particularly when AI systems are trained on biased data. Paul and Sam emphasised the importance of inclusive design, noting that the APS has a responsibility to lead by example.
The conversation also explored whether AI will simply make existing tasks more efficient or fundamentally change what public servants do. Many participants were curious about how roles might evolve, and whether AI could free up time for more strategic, human-centred work. This led to a broader discussion about redesigning roles and workflows to better align with AI’s capabilities, and the importance of defensible decision-making in an AI-assisted environment.
Environmental sustainability was another hot topic. Questions about the energy and water consumption of AI infrastructure sparked a discussion about being able to innovate in an environmentally sustainable way.
Paul and Sam didn’t pretend to have all the answers, and that was part of what made the session work. They acknowledged the tensions and trade-offs, and the fact that AI is evolving faster than some of our systems can keep up. They also reminded graduates that they’re not just bystanders in this space. As new voices in the public service, they have an opportunity to shape how AI is used ethically, thoughtfully and in line with the values of the APS.
If your agency is considering the Events Series as a development opportunity for graduates next year, this is the kind of experience you can expect. Not always neat or clear-cut, but relevant and deeply connected to work that matters.
The Whole of APS Graduate Event Series has a number of events left in the year, the first of which will bring together over 700 graduates from 42 agencies to explore innovation in the public service. This event will be delivered in partnership with Service Australia, IP Australia and other practitioners and subject matter experts.
If you would like to have a conversation about getting involved in the 2026 program, contact the GDP team. Learn more about and enrol in events and workshops held at the AI CoLab.