Strategic Outlook
The Board discussed government priorities, strategic issues and emerging risks.
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.
Monash Initiative for Rapid Research into Antisemitism
Associate Professor David Slucki, Director, Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation, briefed the Board on the lessons learnt from the Monash Initiative for Rapid Research into Antisemitism (MIRRA), and its report, A Framework for Addressing Antisemitism in Australian Universities.
The Year Ahead
Secretary Yannopoulos and Mr Jim Betts, Secretary, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts led a discussion on budget priorities for the year ahead.
Special Envoy’s Plan to Combat Islamophobia
The Board noted the update provided by Mr Aftab Malik, Australia's Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, and discussed his report, A National Response to Islamophobia: A Strategic Framework for Inclusion, Safety and Prosperity.
Partnership Priorities Committee’s Bi-annual Update
The Board noted the Partnership Priorities Committee’s bi-annual report on strategic priorities and key deliverables for 2025.
APS Bargaining
The Board noted the update from Dr Subho Banerjee, acting Australian Public Service Commissioner, on APS-wide bargaining and agreed to discuss this item further at a future Secretaries Board meeting.
SES Remuneration
The Board noted the update from Dr Banerjee on Senior Executive Service remuneration.
2025 SES Performance Leadership Framework Reporting
The Board noted the update from Dr Banerjee on the 2025 SES Performance Leadership Framework
Other Business
The Board congratulated Mr Simon Duggan on his appointment as Secretary, Department of Employment and Workplace Relations and welcomed him to his first Board meeting since his appointment.
Next Meetings
The next Secretaries Board meeting is scheduled for 18 March 2026.