Turnbull announces review of public service

David Thodey to chair the independent probe, with Malcolm Turnbull saying fundamentals of the APS date back to 1970s.

David Thodey will chair the review. Picture: AAP

Malcolm Turnbull has announced an independent review of the public service chaired by former Telstra CEO David Thodey, saying many of the organisation’s fundamentals date back to the 1970s.

The Prime Minister announced the probe this afternoon, saying it was needed to examine the “capability, culture and operating model” of the APS to make sure it is “equipped to engage with key policy, service delivery and regulatory issues”.

Mr Thodey, currently chair of the CSIRO, will be joined on the review panel by ANZ executive Maile Carnegie, University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Glyn Davis, former secretary of the Department of Environment and Energy Gordon de Brouwer, University of Sydney Chancellor Belinda Hutchinson and Coca-Cola Amatil managing director Alison Watkins.

“The APS has a long history advising successive Australian governments and serving the Australian people well,” Mr Turnbull said in a statement.

“But a range of global, technological and public policy developments are transforming our economy and our society, presenting both opportunities and challenges.

“The public sector has a critical role in this context. Our APS must be apolitical, professional and efficient. It needs to drive policy and implementation, using technology and data to deliver for the Australian community.

“Many of the fundamentals of Australia’s public sector in 2018 reflect the outcomes of a royal commission held back in the mid 1970s.

“It is therefore timely to examine the capability, culture and operating model of the APS, to ensure it is equipped to engage with the key policy, service delivery and regulatory issues of the day.

“Crucially, this also means ensuring our public service attracts and retains people with the appropriate skills and capabilities to fulfil its functions.”

The panel is expected to consult widely, both within and outside the public service, and be supported by a secretariat in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

“This review is an excellent opportunity to ensure the APS is fit-for-purpose in the years and decades ahead. We look forward to receiving the panel’s report in 2019,” Mr Turnbull said.