Secretaries Board communique: 17 September 2025

The Secretaries Board met 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 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 Ms Jenny Wilkinson PSM, Secretary, Department of the Treasury.

Sir Roland Wilson Foundation

Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM, Australian Public Service Commissioner and Dr David Gruen AO, Chief Statistician, Australian Bureau of Statistics, updated the Board on the program’s impact and ongoing funding arrangements.

Secretaries Performance Framework

The Board endorsed the new Secretaries Performance Framework and noted that it will be published on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s website in 2025.

Secretaries Board Terms of Reference

The Board endorsed updated terms of reference, which include the Board’s priorities for 2025-26.

The updated terms of reference will be published on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s website.

Survey of Trust in Australian Public Services

The Board noted the results of the 2025 annual survey of trust in Australian Public services. The survey will be published in October 2025.

Chief Operating Officers (COO) Committee

The Board noted the six monthly report from the COO Committee, which highlighted its 2025 achievements and future priorities.

Other Business

The Board thanked Mr Adam Fennessy PSM, Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, for his service following the announcement he will be departing the APS at the end of the month.

Next Meetings

The next Secretaries Board meeting is scheduled for 15 October 2025.