Embedding evidence in policy making within the Australian Public Service: Behavioural science and beyond

Behavioural science has long been at the forefront of the evidence-informed policy movement. The Australian Public Service (APS) has developed a cluster of entities in central departments tasked with ensuring the Australian Government’s policy decisions are made with access to high-quality, relevant evidence. Together these entities maintain strategic oversight of the structures, systems and processes for evidence generation and consideration within the APS.

Behavioural public administration: evidence from around the world

Behavioural science has already used evidence to make policies more effective. Now the challenge is to bring rigorous, empirical evidence to the routines and rules that shape how public administration itself works. This presentation will cover what practices have been tried, what worked, what did not, and why. In will help leaders decide where to invest in Behavioural Public Administration capability, and equip policymakers with the practices they should adopt, adapt and translate to their administration’s context.

Sir Roland Wilson Foundation Secretaries Dinner

25 November 2025

Acknowledgements

Good evening, everyone.

I acknowledge that we are gathered on the land of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people of the Canberra region.

I pay my respects to Elders past and present, and I extend that respect to all First Nations people joining us today.

I would like to thank the Australian National University and the Sir Roland Wilson Foundation, and your chair, Dr David Gruen, for inviting me to speak.

Thank you, also, to the Australian Public Service Secretaries and agency heads with us tonight.

Stopping digital violence is essential to ending gender-based violence

Ending digital violence against women and girls is the theme of this year's 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-based Violence, beginning on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November).

Technology is now one of the most common channels for gender-based harassment, coercion and abuse, affecting women and girls across Australia. As digital platforms, messaging apps and artificial intelligence (AI) tools become embedded in daily life, the opportunities for perpetrators to reach, monitor, threaten and control women have rapidly expanded.

Rapid review of prevention approaches: Australian Government implementation update - 30 October 2025

The Australian Government has published a further implementation update on Rapid Review of Prevention Approaches, which delivers comprehensive and up-to-date information on key initiatives as of 20 February 2026, including the launch of the Our Ways – Strong Ways – Our Voices.’

Information on this page is current as at 30 October 2025.

Secretaries Board communique: 19 November 2025

The Secretaries Board met today at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to discuss the following matters.

Strategic Outlook

The Board discussed government priorities, strategic issues and emerging risks.

The Board received an update on geostrategic issues from Mr Craig Maclachlan, Deputy Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Ms Justine Greig, Deputy Secretary, Department of Defence.

Rapid review of prevention approaches: Australian Government, state and territory collective response – 28 November 2025

Update as at 28 November 2025

On 23 August 2024, the Australian Government received the expert panel’s final report, Unlocking the Prevention Potential: accelerating action to end domestic, family and sexual violence. The report was shared with state and territory governments.

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