Strategic Outlook
The Board discussed government priorities, strategic issues and emerging risks.
The Board received an update on geostrategic issues from Mr Craig Mclachlan, Deputy Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Ms Celia Perkins, Acting Secretary, Department of Defence.
The Board received an economic and budget update from Ms Jenny Wilkinson PSM, Secretary, Department of the Treasury, and Mr Matt Yannopoulos PSM, Secretary, Department of Finance.
Commonwealth Inaugural Integrity Survey
The Board received a briefing from the Hon Paul Brereton AM RFD SC, National Anti-Corruption Commissioner, regarding the results of the Commonwealth Integrity Survey, and agreed to support the survey being run every two years with the next survey to be held in the second half of 2026.
Special Envoy’s Plan to Combat Antisemitism
Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Ms Jillian Segal AO, presented to the Board on her work including the Special Envoy’s Plan to Combat Antisemitism.
Higher Risk Weather Season
The Board received a briefing from Mr Brendan Moon AM, Coordinator-General, National Emergency Management Agency, on the 2025-26 higher risk weather season and seasonal outlook.
Auditor-General Bi-annual Update
The Board received a briefing from Dr Caralee McLiesh PSM, Auditor-General, on sector-wide insights from the Australian National Audit Office’s recent audit work.
Defence and Veteran Suicide Implementation Taskforce
The Board received a briefing from Mr Tony Sheehan, Head, Defence and Veteran Suicide Implementation Taskforce, on the Taskforce’s work.
Digital and Data Committee
The Board noted the six-monthly report from the Secretaries Digital and Data Committee, which highlighted progress in the first half of 2025 and outlined the focus for the next six months.
Capability and Workforce Committee
The Board noted the six-monthly report from the Capability and Workforce Committee, including key achievements over the past six months.
Next Meetings
The next Secretaries Board meeting is scheduled for 19 November 2025.