By the Complex Project Management Profession
Unveiling the CPM Strategy
The Australian Public Service’s Complex Project Management (CPM) Profession Strategy marks a significant step forward in uplifting capability across complex portfolio, program and project delivery. Informed by longstanding lessons from government reviews including the Shergold Review and the Home Insulation Program Commission, the Strategy responds to system-wide challenges in capability development, professional recognition and coordinated practice. It provides a structured path to strengthen CPM capability and foster a more connected, resilient professional community across the APS.
What the Strategy Delivers and Core Strategy Documents
The Strategy is built around four themes designed to strengthen the CPM profession through clear purpose, evidence-based assessment and community connection. It defines capability needs and standards, to create a consistent foundation for CPM leadership and future workforce pathways. It enhances communication and knowledge sharing through a common lexicon, communities of practice and the Member Community Platform (MCP). It also supports practitioners with practical tools, including a CPM Toolkit which is currently under development.
To help practitioners understand the direction, priorities and planned activities of the CPM Profession, two key documents are available. The CPM Profession Strategy sets out the long-term vision for uplifting complex project management capability across the APS, while the CPM Implementation Roadmap outlines the phased approach to delivering the Strategy’s initiatives through to 2028. Together, these documents provide clarity on what the profession aims to achieve and how progress will be delivered over time. Both resources are available on the APS Professions website: APS Complex Project Management Profession Strategy
Key Milestones Achieved
The CPM Profession was formally launched in October 2025, marking the commencement of a coordinated APS approach to managing complexity in projects. While the launch event on 30 October encountered technical difficulties, the session was recorded and made available through the MCP to ensure accessibility. The Strategy was published in November 2025 on the APS Professions website, followed by a live Q&A on 1 December 2025, giving CPM members the opportunity to engage directly with the panel and ask questions.
Forward Momentum
Focus is now shifting to the next phase of delivery on the Strategy. Thematic working groups are being established to progress priority initiatives across the four themes. Development of the CPM Toolkit is advancing. Engagement across the community continues to grow through the Member Community Platform, and further capability focused activities are planned for 2026, including the next CPM event scheduled for March 2026.
Practitioners and leaders across the APS are encouraged to stay connected, contribute insights and help shape this evolving profession via the CPM website: Complex Project Management Profession - APS Professions Members' Community Platform.