The Albanese government has taken a significant step towards reforming the public service with the introduction of the Public Service Amendment Bill 2023. 

The bill aims to address key concerns raised in the Thodey review, which highlighted the lack of a unified purpose, internal focus, and diminished capability in critical areas within the public service.

A major focus of the bill is the inclusion of the value of stewardship in the public service, along with the requirement for a purpose statement. 

The legislation also aims to empower decision-making at the appropriate level and establish regular capability reviews. 

Additionally, it seeks to restrict ministers' influence over agency heads in matters of employment, emphasising the importance of impartiality in the public service.

Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Patrick Gorman, has highlighted the bill's alignment with the Thodey review, which called for a trusted, future-fit, and agile public service. 

Gorman says that recent events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters, have further underscored the need for an adaptable and united Australian Public Service (APS) that acts with professionalism and integrity.

Gorman says the bill reinforces APS values, including impartiality, commitment to service, accountability, respect, and ethics. 

He stressed that the first value of the public service is impartiality, which should be protected from political interference. 

The bill ensures that ministers cannot direct agency heads on individual APS staffing decisions, promoting an apolitical and merit-based approach.

Gorman believes this amendment will strengthen the provision in the Public Service Act and safeguard the impartial role of the public service, empowering agency heads to perform their duties with integrity.