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 Ms Meghan Quinn PSM, 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.
Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion
The Board received an update on the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion from Ms Katherine Jones PSM, Secretary, Attorney-General’s Department.
Long-term insights report
The Board endorsed the long-term insights report on The future of human services which will now be provided to the Minister for the Public Service, the Hon Katy Gallagher MP, for tabling in Parliament.
The Board commissioned the Office for Women to prepare a long-term insights report for 2026-27 on the future of work and caring.
Strategic commissioning framework
The Board endorsed revisions to the Strategic Commissioning Framework.
CALD strategy update
The Board received an update on the APS CALD Employment Strategy from Mr Jim Betts, Secretary, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government and APS CALD Champion and Dr Subho Banerjee, A/g Australian Public Service Commissioner.
Capability and Workforce Committee bi-annual update
The Board noted the six-monthly report from the Capability and Workforce Committee, including key achievements over the past six months.
The Board endorsed the Committee’s updated terms of reference.
Digital and Data Committee bi-annual update
The Board noted the six-monthly report from the Digital and Data Committee, including key achievements over the past six months and priorities for the next six months.
COO Committee minutes
The Board noted the COO Committee minutes from its 25 March 2026 meeting.
Other business
The Board congratulated Ms Meghan Quinn PSM on her appointment as Secretary, Department of Defence and welcomed her to her first Board meeting in this capacity.
The Board thanked Dr Subho Banerjee for his contribution to the Board as acting Australian Public Service Commissioner.
Next meetings
The next Secretaries Board meeting is scheduled for 17 June 2026.