Policy

This panel session, part of Evidence in Action Week, brings together senior Australian Public Service leaders to explore how evidence, data and evaluation can strengthen policy development, service delivery and government decision-making. Panel members discuss the importance of turning data into actionable insights, focusing on outcomes rather than outputs, and ensuring evidence is used to improve the wellbeing of Australians.

The Commonwealth Evaluation Toolkit helps APS staff plan, conduct and use evaluations effectively, strengthening evidence-based decisions, accountability, continuous improvement and better program outcomes.

The Commonwealth Evaluation Policy promotes consistent, evidence-based evaluation across government, helping agencies improve decision-making, accountability, program outcomes and continuous learning.

Explore the power of emerging tech to drive digital transformation across the APS. The Digital Profession will help you connect with experts, gain unique training opportunities and prepare you to lead in a digital age.

data.gov.au provides access to thousands of Australian government datasets and APIs, helping users build data literacy, support evidence-based decisions, drive research, and inform policy, services and innovation.

The APS Digital Professional Stream Strategy builds a skilled, connected and future-ready digital workforce, strengthening digital capability, career pathways, collaboration and innovation across government.

A series of videos that answer common questions on having a solid evidence base for best practice policy making, which is also a Government requirement.

The Office of Parliamentary Counsel provides training and advice relating to drafting and legislative processes.

This framework provides broad context and direction for considering wellbeing in policy advice, and it acts as a high-level reminder of things to be concerned about.

The toolkit is for policymakers and those who deliver public services. The tools and methods included allow users to get to the heart of the needs of citizens and civil servants.

Templates to help articulate your policy proposal and policy idea.

The '5 Minute Policy Checklist' is to help staff in undertaking a quick 'reality check' on policy advice being prepared or considered.

A list of questions to give you a quick 'reality check' on your policy advice.

Guidance on undertaking cost-benefit and risk analysis of regulatory proposals to be incorporated into Regulation Impact Statements (RIS).

Behavioural insights tools assist understanding human behaviour, which can inform policy design.

The Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government (BETA), is the Australian Government's central unit for applying behavioural insights (BI) to public policy.

The Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government (BETA)’s Academic Directory is a directory of Australian behavioural economics and behavioural science academics, including their contact details and research interests.

The Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government (BETA)’s eLearning Hub is an online learning resource for behavioural insights.

The Policy Project is an initiative of the New Zealand Government to support individual who provide advice to decision makers, access relevant tools, advice and information.

APO is an open access evidence platform – making public policy research and resources accessible and useable.

The purpose of this handbook is to provide a description of the procedures involved in making Commonwealth Acts.

Learn about and connect with public sector innovation units to support your policy innovation efforts.

The Agile Policy Playbook provides tips and templates to help teams deploy Agile practices and tools to enhance their effectiveness.

The Policy Methods Toolbox is a repository of policy development methods that helps policy practitioners identify and select the right approach for their policy initiative.

Questions to test if your advice is clear on intent, well informed, practical to implement and influential.

The Federal Register of Legislation (the Register) is the authorised whole-of-government website for Commonwealth legislation and related documents.

The framework is made up of seven key questions, your answers to which will provide decision makers with a strong evidence base to support informed policy decisions.

This OECD Legal Instrument outlines how countries can ensure that their public services are fit-for-purpose for contemporary policy challenges, and capable of taking the public sector into the future.

This video was recorded in April 2022 at the APS Academy’s Craft Conversations event for the craft of Strategy, Policy and Evaluation.

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) is the independent national regulator for privacy and freedom of information.

Integrity in the APS is a multi-layered concept that is shaped by frameworks and policies, assurance mechanisms, employees and broader organisational culture.

Developed by the Digital Transformation Agency, this guide provides direction on how you can design and build a service taking an agile and user-centred approach.

An issues tree is a structured way to break problems down and plan what needs to be considered in relation to the issue.

This course provides a platform for users to access public policy research as well as provide information on upcoming learning, events and networking opportunities.

This resource from the NSW Government offers a model and tool that assists in deconstructing and defining public policy.

The strategy establishes the first whole-of-enterprise approach to strategic workforce management, enabling effective delivery for the government and Australian communities.

The model for great policy advice comprises of four key elements: Clear on intent; well informed; Practical to implement and Influential.

A ‘how to’ guide to service mapping for system stewards, policy makers and service providers working to improve human services.

This guide assists policy makers to undertake gender analysis and Gender Impact Assessment in line with gender responsive budgeting requirements.

Comcare’s evidence-based Good Work Design resources can better support health, wellbeing, work participation and productivity, while creating psychologically safe teams.

The APS Academy has through Cathy Fussell created a series of, ‘How to…’ articles to provide guidance on what information and avenues are available.

The Office for Women supports the government’s gender equality priorities and steward gender responsive budgeting by supporting the APS to build gender analysis capability.

The Promise of Co-design for Public Policy by Emma Blomkamp explores co-design in public policy. It was published in the Australian Journal of Public Administration.

Nesta's online toolkit provides tools and resources to encourage innovative policy development.

A great resource for existing research to inform your policy advice. ANZSOG (the Australia and New Zealand School of Government) has a specific focus on government-focused research relevant to the public sector.

The Open Policy Making Toolkit is a product of the UK Government's Open Policy Lab. Access a range of tools and techniques to assist the policy development process.

Multiple different Impact Analysis processes are now required during new policy development. Five key Agencies have combined to share key resources you need to know when developing any new policy

The Australian Policy Cycle designed by James Gulliver Hancock provides an easy to follow visual of the key milestones required for best practice government decision making.

This OECD publication discusses how evaluation can help governments improve the design and implementation of public policies for better outcomes.

The Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) prescribes what Australian Government entities must do to protect their people, information and resources, both domestically and internationally.

A series of bite-sized policy theory brought to you by the Australian National University (ANU) and the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG).

The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) share key First Nations Impacts Framework resources to assist with the development of any new policies.

The Style Manual is for everyone who writes, edits or approves Australian Government content. Use it to create clear and consistent content that meets the needs of users.

Tools, guidance and resources to support staff in understanding, valuing and practicing good record keeping - ensuring continued delivery of trusted and transparent services.

Provides a forum for existing behavioural insights practitioners across the APS to meet and hear from colleagues in other agencies, share their experiences, and develop their understanding of emerging trends in behavioural economics.