Calls for Alcohol Education, Not Crackdown, in Cairns
Cairns community leaders argue for better alcohol education and support services instead of a public drunkenness crackdown. Learn why they say the current approach fails.
Category : Search result: public service reform
Key issues in public toilet overhaul: soap and accessibility
As Newcastle reviews its public toilets, locals highlight the lack of soap and inadequate facilities for the ageing and disabled. Read why these basic amenities are a public health necessity.
WA Govt 2026: Commuter Savings, Council Reform
WA's 2026 transport changes will save commuters money while tackling council dysfunction. Get the details on the state's new cost-of-living and governance measures.
Defence public servants lodge record psych claims
Civilian staff at the Department of Defence have lodged a record number of workers' compensation claims, with over half linked to psychological stress. Read the full analysis of the APS mental health crisis.
Govt invests $225M in AI for public service
The federal government commits $225 million over four years to boost its internal AI, GovAI, and launch a secure AI assistant. Experts welcome the move but caution on measuring real impact.
Labor shelves definition behind $20.8bn APS 'shadow workforce' claim
The Albanese government has quietly abandoned its own definition of the public service's external workforce, which it previously used to accuse the Coalition of a $20.8bn 'shadow workforce'. Discover the new audit figures.
Myki Fare Hikes to Cost Commuters Extra $104 a Year
Victorian public transport fares will increase from 2026, with regular commuters facing up to $104 in extra annual costs. Learn the new Myki prices and the government's weekend travel relief.
APS agencies miss targets to reduce outsourcing
New data reveals more than a third of Australian Public Service agencies failed to meet targets for bringing core work in-house, despite overall savings exceeding $542 million. Discover which departments struggled and which excelled.
APS staffing reductions not ruled out by Gallagher
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher has not ruled out reductions in public service staffing as agencies are ordered to find savings. MYEFO shows a spike in separation costs.
Govt targets $7.9bn workers' comp cost surge
The Albanese government is investigating a surge in psychological injury claims among public servants, driving a workers' compensation bill to $7.9bn this year. Read the full analysis.
AI stops 400kg of drugs at Australian border
Australian authorities have seized over 400kg of illegal drugs using a custom AI model. The 2025 State of the Service report highlights AI's role in boosting public service innovation and capability.
One in five staff at debt agency report seeing corruption
Nearly 20% of staff at the Australian Office of Financial Management report witnessing corrupt conduct, a figure that has doubled since 2024. CEO Anna Hughes says she cannot explain the alarming survey results.
Public Service 2026: Budget, IR & Whistleblower Changes
A look ahead at the major themes facing the Australian Public Service in 2026, from fiscal constraints and flexible work to landmark whistleblower protections. Discover what the new year holds.
Military chiefs, bureaucrats declare lavish gifts and perks
Senior Australian public servants and military chiefs accepted thousands in gifts, including flight upgrades, sports tickets, and luxury items. Explore the full disclosure of perks declared on the official register.
DPS Secretary vows overhaul of troubled agency
Exclusive: DPS Secretary Jaala Hinchcliffe commits to fixing the department's culture of secrecy and bullying after a series of controversies. Read her plan for transparency.
Emails reveal planned job cuts at research funding body
Internal emails show the Australian Research Council is planning staff cuts despite an expanded workload. Senator Pocock accuses the ARC of a secret restructure. Read the full investigation.
DFAT, Treasury face final Senate estimates grilling
Senior bureaucrats from Treasury and DFAT face senators on the last day of Senate estimates hearings. Key topics include ISIS brides, productivity, NDIS changes, and AI use in the APS.
ACT bans 'good bloke' claims for paedophiles
The ACT government moves to stop child sex offenders using good character references to reduce sentences. New family violence safety notices also proposed.
WA Surrogacy Laws Pass Upper House in Historic Vote
Western Australia's Parliament has passed landmark surrogacy reforms, removing medical infertility requirements and opening access to single men and same-sex couples. The long-awaited bill now heads to the Legislative Assembly.
Illawarra schools shine in latest NAPLAN data
Dapto and Gwynneville Public Schools have been nationally recognised for achieving above-average student progress in literacy and numeracy, defying socio-educational expectations. Discover their success strategies.
Defence Shake-Up Aims for More Bang for Buck
The Australian Government announces a sweeping defence overhaul to streamline spending and enhance military capability. Discover the key reforms and their impact on national security.
'Jobs for Mates' Report Slams Public Service Appointments
A new report reveals systemic 'jobs for mates' appointments in the Australian public service, sparking calls for urgent reform. Read the full investigation.
Weak response to jobs review erodes government trust
The Australian government's tepid response to a damning review into public sector appointments undermines public confidence. Read why stronger action is needed to restore integrity.
Day Two of Senate Estimates: Departments Face Questioning
Officials from Home Affairs, Infrastructure and the APS Commission front Senate estimates. Follow live updates as Minister Gallagher faces questions on the delayed jobs-for-mates review.
New Legal Closing the Gap Duties for ACT Public Servants
Senior ACT public servants will be legally required to demonstrate cultural capability and work to eliminate institutional racism under a new bill supported by the government.
ACT gets Monday public holiday for 2026 Anzac Day
The ACT will observe a public holiday on Monday, April 27, 2026, after Anzac Day falls on a Saturday. The administrative change ensures a long weekend while preserving the day's significance.
Final Senate Estimates 2025: Department Heads Grilled
Department heads face the final Senate estimates hearings of 2025, with scrutiny on email transfers and over 8000 unanswered questions on notice. Follow the live coverage.
Public Service Bosses Scrutinised in 2025 Census
New data reveals which Australian Public Service agencies have the most and least popular bosses. Discover the top performers and workplaces facing leadership challenges.
Reply-all email carbon footprint concerns revealed
Senate estimates reveal concerns about reply-all email carbon footprints, PM's security-driven wedding choice, and robo-debt drama casting. Read the latest political insights.
Government consultant spending jumps $135m despite pledge
Federal government spending on external consultants surged to $756 million last year, contradicting Labor's promise to build public service capability. Analysis reveals $135m increase.
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