A new, free service for the Australian Public Service that directly delivers trusted policy and research tailored to your work.
Policy
This content aligns with the Strategy, Policy & Evaluation craft
Delivering great policy advice to government is at the heart of what we do as a public service. It’s the best advice that we can provide to decision makers to enable them to deliver better outcomes for all Australians.
Latest news
Published
The Department of Finance is pleased to announce the release of the new Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP) eLearning module which is part of the Commonwealth Procurement and Contract Management Training Suite.
Published
The Indo-Pacific Futures project is bringing together key policy owners across government to tackle long-term and complex policy problems using Futures analysis.
Upcoming events
This course is delivered on 15/09/2025, by face-to-face consisting of one 8-hour session.
This course is delivered on 23/09/2025, by face-to-face consisting of one 8-hour session.
This course is delivered from 30/09/2025 to 1/10/2025, by face-to-screen consisting of two 8-hour sessions.
This course is delivered from 14/10/2025 to 15/10/2025, by face-to-screen consisting of one 6.5-hour session and one 2.5 session.
This course is delivered on 23/10/2025, by face-to-face consisting of one 8-hour session.
This course is delivered from 3/11/2025 to 4/11/2025, by face-to-face consisting of two 8-hour sessions.
This course is delivered on 17/11/2025, by face-to-face consisting of one 8-hour session.
This course is delivered on 24/11/2025, by face-to-face consisting of one 8-hour session.
This course is delivered on 11/12/2025, by face-to-screen consisting of one 8-hour session.
This course is delivered from 16/02/2026 to 17/02/2026, by face-to-screen consisting of two 8-hour sessions.
This course is delivered from 24/02/2026 to 25/02/2026, by face-to-screen consisting of one 6.5-hour session and one 2.5 session.
This course is delivered on 05/03/2026, by face-to-screen consisting of one 8-hour session.
This course is delivered on 24/03/2026, by face-to-face consisting of one 8-hour session.
This course is delivered on 09/04/2026, by face-to-face consisting of one 8-hour session.
This course is delivered from 22/04/2026 to 23/04/2026, by face-to-screen consisting of two 8-hour sessions.
This course is delivered on 23/04/2026, by face-to-face consisting of one 8-hour session.
This course is delivered from 11/05/2026 to 12/05/2026, by face-to-face consisting of two 8-hour sessions.
This course is delivered on 14/05/2026, by face-to-screen consisting of one 8-hour session.
This course is delivered from 26/05/2026 to 27/05/2026, by face-to-screen consisting of one 6.5-hour session and one 2.5 session.
This course is delivered on 10/06/2026, by face-to-face consisting of one 8-hour session.
This course is delivered on 11/06/2026, by face-to-face consisting of one 8-hour session.
This course is delivered from 15/06/2026 to 16/06/2026, by face-to-screen consisting of two 8-hour sessions.
This course is delivered on 24/06/2026, by face-to-face consisting of one 8-hour session.
Courses
This learning offering provides a clear, consistent understanding of how AI works and what to consider when making responsible choices.
This module provides information on regulatory frameworks for APS HR professionals by providing access to the frameworks (via links and webpage references) and explaining how they can be applied to relevant situations.
Strategic liaisons between HR functions and business areas are fundamental to delivering quality HR outcomes in the APS.
HR data is used in almost every aspect of recruitment, retention, development, innovation and monitoring of workforce productivity.
APS recruitment processes need to support sound, evidence-based decision-making. The Public Service Act 1999 requires that engagement and promotion decisions in the APS are based on merit.
This course introduces APS staff to benefits realisation management and provides practical examples of its application.
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.
Build the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to engage in gender analysis across various public policy fields.
This course is aimed at employees seeking to understand the key processes and considerations for preparing a New Policy Proposal.
This package defines the four core elements required for delivering great policy advice: being clear on intent; being well informed; solutions are practical to implement; and advice is influential.
This eLearning is an introduction to the model for Great Policy Advice. It defines the four pillars of delivering great policy advice and includes video real-world examples.
This course is a high-level overview of the procurement framework as it relates to non-SES delegates. It expands on the roles and responsibilities of non-SES delegates when making decisions and approving procurement activities.
The primary purpose of the IPP is to stimulate Indigenous entrepreneurship, business and economic development.
This course introduces APS staff to evaluation in the Australian Government context. Concepts are covered with Commonwealth Evaluation Policy principles and practical examples.
This course explores the importance of reflecting on the resilience of our organisations and learning from our response to the COVID-19 pandemic early on while the experience is fresh.
Gain practical and usable knowledge on cabinet submissions and the Cabinet process, leveraging the knowledge of Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Cabinet Division.
This course introduces public servants to program logic models for policy, project and program development, implementation and evaluation. Program logic models are visual tools for thinking about the way an intervention is intended to create a desired change.
This course will assist APS policy, program and project staff to understand what randomisation is and how to apply it in their own work.
The program strengthens the leadership capability of experienced senior executives to effectively deliver their key accountabilities.
The Foundations of Net Zero Emissions Reporting course is intended to enhance understanding of the reporting requirements under the Climate Action in Government Operations.
Resources
This course provides a platform for users to access public policy research as well as provide information on upcoming learning, events and networking opportunities.
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.
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 APS Academy has through Cathy Fussell created a series of, ‘How to…’ articles to provide guidance on what information and avenues are available.
The Digital Professional Stream Strategy is a structured way to build and uplift the core digital expertise of leadership and the workforce. It outlines the 6 broad themes and signature initiatives that will bring the strategy to life and create momentum.
This Community is for Digital Profession members interested in human centred design, user experience, user research and service design. It is a safe and inclusive space to share best practice, connect with peers, share experiences, and solve shared problems.
Data.gov.au is the central source of Australian open government data. Anyone can access the anonymised public datasets, publicly-funded research data and datasets from private institutions that are in the public interest.
The APS Data Professional video library includes the series ‘In Conversation with Dr Gruen’ along with past Data Profession Technical Forums. Hear about the experiences and lessons learned by agencies and data professionals in the Australian Public Service (APS).
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.
A ‘how to’ guide to service mapping for system stewards, policy makers and service providers working to improve human services.
The Federal Register of Legislation (the Register) is the authorised whole-of-government website for Commonwealth legislation and related documents.
Supporting officials undertaking Commonwealth procurements, the Department of Finance provides a wealth of supporting tools and templates.
This OECD publication discusses how evaluation can help governments improve the design and implementation of public policies for better outcomes.
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 model for great policy advice comprises of four key elements: Clear on intent; well informed; Practical to implement and Influential.
This guide assists policy makers to undertake gender analysis and Gender Impact Assessment in line with gender responsive budgeting requirements.
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
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).
Comcare’s evidence-based Good Work Design resources can better support health, wellbeing, work participation and productivity, while creating psychologically safe teams.
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.
Nesta's online toolkit provides tools and resources to encourage innovative policy development.
The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) share key First Nations Impacts Framework resources to assist with the development of any new policies.
The Agile Policy Playbook provides tips and templates to help teams deploy Agile practices and tools to enhance their effectiveness.
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.
A conceptual framework for incorporating consideration of wellbeing in policy advice.
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.
Learn about and connect with public sector innovation units to support your policy innovation efforts.
The purpose of this handbook is to provide a description of the procedures involved in making Commonwealth Acts.
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.
Templates to help articulate your policy proposal and policy idea.
Questions to test if your advice is clear on intent, well informed, practical to implement and influential.
An issues tree is a structured way to break problems down and plan what needs to be considered in relation to the issue.
This Australian Government resource is designed to build evaluation into everyday practice across the APS.
The strategy establishes the first whole-of-enterprise approach to strategic workforce management, enabling effective delivery for the government and Australian communities.
This resource from the NSW Government offers a model and tool that assists in deconstructing and defining public policy.
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 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.
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.
The Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) helps Australian Government entities to protect their people, information and assets, both at home and overseas.
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 Parliamentary Council provides training and advice relating to drafting and legislative processes.
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.
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.
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.
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.