The government is now operating in accordance with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions, pending the outcome of the 2025 federal election.
Colleagues,
On Saturday 14 October, Australians were asked to vote in a referendum on whether the constitution should be changed to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing a body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. The referendum did not pass.
The referendum was a significant event, and the vote will be a cause for reflection for many. In this context we would like to talk with you about three matters.
The first Long-term Insights Briefing explores how the APS could integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into public service delivery in the future, and how this might affect the trustworthiness of public service delivery. This background paper summarises the results of two complementary surveys used to capture community sentiment: a quantitative survey administered to a representative sample of the Australian population, and an online ‘Have You Say’ survey to hear from people in their own words.
On 25 October 2024 the Australian Government received the final report from the independent panel appointed to review the response to COVID-19 pandemic.
The inquiry reviewed the Commonwealth Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic to identify lessons learned and improve Australia’s preparedness for future pandemics.
The report includes nine guiding recommendations that are aligned with nine pillars of a successful pandemic response. The report identifies 19 immediate actions for the next 12-18 months, and a further seven medium-term actions prior to the next national health emergency.
COVID-19 Response Inquiry Report
Summary Report: Lessons for the next crisis
The inquiry was conducted by an independent panel who have extensive experience across public health, health, social care, government and economics.
| Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Robyn Kruk AO | Chair |
| Professor Catherine Bennett | Member |
| Dr Angela Jackson | Member |
The panel was supported by a taskforce, based within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and will draw upon additional expertise as required.
The terms of reference for the inquiry are available.
Submissions to the COVID-19 Response Inquiry are no longer available on this site. The National Library of Australia's Trove web archive now contains the submissions.
For all media enquiries, please email COVID-19Inquiry@pmc.gov.au
The first Long-term Insights Briefing explores how the APS could integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into public service delivery in the future, and how this might affect the trustworthiness of public service delivery. This background paper summarises the stakeholder engagement undertaken for the first briefing.
The National Strategy for the Care and Support Economy (National Strategy) sets out the Australian Government’s vision for our care and support system across aged care, disability support, veterans’ care and early childhood education and care (ECEC) sectors. It is the start of a conversation about how the community culturally and economically values care and support, and how we want to organise care and support.
The National Strategy will be supported by an implementation snapshot that tracks progress towards achieving the strategy’s objectives.
An opportunity for the APS to consider significant, cross-cutting and complex policy issues, and how they may affect Australia and the Australian community in the medium and long term.
Explored how the APS could integrate AI into public service delivery in the future, and how this might affect the trustworthiness of public service delivery.
The purpose of the Commonwealth Government COVID-19 Response Inquiry (the Inquiry) is to identify lessons learned to improve Australia’s preparedness for future pandemics.
The Secretaries Board met today at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to discuss the following matters.
Ms Jenny Wilkinson PSM, Secretary of the Department of Finance provided an update on work to improve outcomes under the Commonwealth Procurement Framework and the progress of uplift initiatives.
At the invitation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the Philippines on 8 September.
The leaders held a constructive meeting, including signing the Australia-Philippines Strategic Partnership. They discussed strengthening cooperation on regional and national security, building stronger bonds between our people and enhancing our educational links.
In elevating the bilateral partnership, Australia and the Philippines committed to working together to realise our vision of an open, prosperous, peaceful and stable region.