Secretaries Board communique: 15 July 2026
Strategic outlook
The Board discussed government priorities, strategic issues and emerging risks.
Parliamentary Budget Officer update
The Board received an update from Ms Sam Reinhardt, Parliamentary Budget Officer, on the work of the Parliamentary Budget Office.
Other business
The Board congratulated Ms Katherine Jones PSM on being re-appointed as Secretary of the Attorney-General’s Department.
Next meetings
The next Secretaries Board meeting is scheduled for 19 August 2026.
Office of AI
The office will coordinate across Australian Government agencies to design and legislate the new Australia artificial intelligence (AI) standard and unlock AI training in Australia. These standards will include mandatory requirements for large AI data centres, including setting standards for energy and water, with strong copyright protections for Australian creators.
Working closely with the Minister for Industry and Innovation, Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, the Office of AI will bring together the work ministers are undertaking across government to ensure that investment in AI benefits the Australian people, is aligned with our values, and advances our national interests.
You can read more in the Prime Minister’s AI in Australia’s interests announcement.
Energy plan customer research
BETA is working with the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) to conduct research to better understand what helps customers comprehend retail plans designed for customers with energy assets (e.g. solar, batteries, EVs).
Impact Analysis Policy Framework has changed
An updated version of the Australian Government’s Impact Analysis Policy Framework (the framework) is now in effect. The framework is designed to help policy makers better understand the wider impacts of policy proposals before decisions are made.
Whether you're developing policy, designing a program or preparing advice, impact analysis helps ensure decision-makers have a clear picture of the cost and benefits of the policy options.
AUKUS
Through the AUKUS partnership, Australia is steadily building capabilities across government and industry to steward and operate our own fleet of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines from the early 2030s (Pillar I). As we do this, Australia will continue to consult with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to develop a non-proliferation approach that sets the highest non-proliferation standard for the acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine capability.
Appointment to the ABC and SBS Nomination Panel
The Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Dr Steven Kennedy PSM, has appointed Ms Phillipa McDermott as a Member of the Nomination Panel for appointments to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) Boards.
Appointed in accordance with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983, Ms McDermott’s term will run from 24 June 2026 to 23 June 2029.
Secretaries Board communique: 17 June 2026
Strategic outlook
The Board discussed government priorities, strategic issues and emerging risks.
Auditor-General biannual update
The Board received an update from Dr Caralee McLiesh PSM, Auditor-General, on sector-wide insights from the Australian National Audit Office’s recent work.
Systems of government significance declaration
The Board received an update on implementation of the Systems of Government Significance standard from Ms Stephanie Foster PSM, Secretary, Department of Home Affairs.
Fuel tax relief extended
The Prime Minister has announced the extension of fuel relief measures.
Cuts to the fuel excise duty rate on petrol and diesel will continue with a 16 cents per litre reduction from 1 July to 2 August 2026.
Relief for transport and freight operators will also be extended, with the heavy vehicle road user charge also reduced by 16 cents a litre from 1 July to 2 August 2026.
Echo Australia Keynote
Acknowledgements1
I would like to thank Echo Australia and Macquarie University for inviting me to speak today.
I would also like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet, the Wallumattagal clan of the Dharug Nation.2
I pay my respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to any First Nations people joining us today.
Federation
Australia is home to the world’s oldest continuing culture.