Senior executives across the Australian Public Service are facing renewed scrutiny following the release of damning figures in this year's annual census, with some agency bosses likely reviewing their management styles.
Mixed Results for Senior Executive Satisfaction
The Canberra Times conducted a detailed analysis of census results from all APS departments and agencies, examining index scores that measure employee sentiment toward senior executive service managers and immediate supervisors. These indices are calculated from responses to questions about communication, transparency, direction, and care demonstrated by superiors.
While sentiment toward SES managers showed slight improvement across the public service this year, the results reveal significant disparities between agencies. The median index score moved from 70 in 2024 to 71 in 2025, indicating modest progress.
However, unlike last year's results, no agencies managed to achieve an index score of 80 or above for SES managers. The highest-performing workplaces were the Productivity Commission and Office of Parliamentary Counsel, which both scored 79.
Workplaces Facing Leadership Challenges
At the opposite end of the spectrum, several agencies recorded concerning results. The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research received the lowest rating with a score of 55, though it's worth noting this agency employs just 77 staff members.
Close behind was the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, which scored only 56. The museum operates with one of the smallest executive teams in the public service, with twelve leaders overseeing 111 staff members.
The Administrative Review Tribunal recorded the second-lowest score at 61, highlighting potential management issues within these organisations.
Notable Changes and Staff Movements
Analysis revealed minimal movement in index scores across most public service workplaces, though some agencies experienced significant shifts. Sport Integrity Australia saw the most substantial improvement, with its index rising from 58 to 65.
Meanwhile, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency experienced a notable decline, falling from 74 in 2024 to 68 this year. This drop coincides with agency chief executive Mary Woolridge's announcement that she will not seek reappointment in 2026 following her five-year term.
During Ms Woolridge's tenure, the agency's responsibilities expanded significantly after the Albanese government mandated that businesses with at least 100 staff members must publicly report their gender pay gaps.
Among the largest agencies employing more than 10,000 staff each - including the National Disability Insurance Agency, Australian Taxation Office, Services Australia, Defence, and Home Affairs - index scores either improved or remained stable compared to last year.
Immediate Supervisors Outperform Senior Executives
The analysis revealed that employees generally view their immediate supervisors more favorably than their senior executive service managers. The median index score for immediate supervisors reached 77, compared to 71 for SES managers across the public service.
Staff at the National Portrait Gallery reported the highest satisfaction with their immediate bosses, achieving an impressive index score of 86. The Commonwealth Grants Commission followed closely with a score of 85.
The data suggests that communication from immediate supervisors is perceived more positively than that from higher-level superiors. Additionally, smaller agencies with staff numbers between 20 and 250 generally achieved higher satisfaction scores than their larger counterparts.
These findings provide valuable insights into the management dynamics within Australia's public service and may prompt agency leaders to reconsider their approaches to staff engagement and communication strategies.
