Secretaries Board communique: 20 August 2025

Strategic outlook

The Board discussed government decisions, priorities, emerging risks and strategic issues and noted the Government’s focus is on delivery during its second term.

The Board received an update on geostrategic issues from Ms Jan Adams AO PSM, Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Mr Greg Moriarty AO, Secretary, Department of Defence.

The Board received an economic and budget update from Mr Richard Windeyer, Acting Secretary, Department of Finance, and Mr Damien White, Deputy Secretary, Department of the Treasury.

National Flag Day: A symbol of unity, respect and strength

On 3 September each year, we celebrate Australian National Flag Day by recognising the first time the flag was flown, on 3 September 1901. Known as the Commonwealth blue ensign, it became formally recognised as the Australian National Flag in 1953. 

Each year on Australia Day, the Australian National Flag is displayed alongside the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags to reflect and celebrate the importance of our national day. These flags signify our nation’s heritage, values and shared identity.

Nomination Panel for ABC and SBS Board Appointments

The Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Dr Steven Kennedy PSM, has appointed Mr Richard Eccles as Chair 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, Mr Eccles term as Chair will run from 24 August 2025 to 23 August 2028. His appointment follows the completion of Ms Helen Williams AC’s term as Chair.

Women and Women’s Safety Ministerial Council communique: 15 August 2025

The Women and Women’s Safety Ministerial Council (the Council) was convened today in-person in Sydney for its first meeting since the swearing-in of the 48th Federal Parliament. The Council agreed that it is critical that all governments and portfolios collaborate to achieve progress on gender equality and end gender-based violence in Australia.

Independent review of the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General

On 28 August 2024, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet engaged Dr Vivienne Thom AM to conduct a review of the operations and management practices of the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General. 

The review followed the commencement of Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC as Governor-General on 1 July 2024. 

The review was completed in November 2024 and the final report was delivered to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General. 

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