On 17 May 2024, the Australian Government tabled its response to the Senate Finance and Public Administration References Committee report APS Inc: Undermining public sector capability and performance. The Committee made 36 recommendations. The Australian Government has considered these recommendations and has provided this response.

The purpose of the 2024-25 Portfolio Budget Statements (PB Statements) is to inform Senators and Members of Parliament of the proposed allocation of resources to government outcomes by entities within the portfolio. Entities receive resources from the annual appropriations acts, special appropriations (including standing appropriations and special accounts), and revenue from other sources.

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, emerging risks and strategic issues.

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

Official flags of Australia

As one of Australia’s most important symbols, the Australian National Flag should be used with respect and dignity. The flag protocol examples below will assist you when displaying flags in various settings, including press conferences and meetings. The Government also respects the Australian Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag, and encourages their display together with the Australian National Flag.

This circular provides new guidance on arrangements for the presentation of government documents (including Annual Reports) and government responses to parliamentary committee reports. It should be read in conjunction with the Tabling Guidelines.

Online Tabled Documents system (OTD)

A new Online Tabled Documents system (OTD) has been developed and is ready to be used for the presentation of all government documents to the parliament. 

4 March 2024

Professor Glyn Davis AC
Secretary
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
One National Circuit
BARTON ACT 2600

Dear Professor Davis

Review of the Secretaries Board

I am pleased to provide the report of the Review of the Secretaries Board.

The Report was conducted over an eight-week period across January and February 2024. Departmental secretaries and other senior staff were generous in the time that they provided to the Review and were thoughtful and constructive in their input.

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

COVID-19 Response Inquiry

The Board received an update from Ms Robyn Kruk AO, Panel Chair, on the progress of the Commonwealth Government COVID-19 Response Inquiry, including stakeholder engagement and emerging themes for the Inquiry.

Central Australia Update

The Board received an update from Ms Jody Broun, Chief Executive Officer of the National Indigenous Australians Agency on the response to recent events in central Australia.