The Robodebt scandal sent shockwaves through Australia, raising unsettling questions about the integrity and accountability of the Australian Public Service (APS). The revelations have ignited a nationwide conversation about the need to restore the core principles of the APS and reestablish a culture of “frank and fearless advice” to government leaders. As the nation grapples with this imperative, history offers valuable insights into the path forward.
A shift in philosophy: Tracing the evolution of the APS
At the dawn of Australia’s Federation, the Australian Public Service was conceived to uphold the ethos of “frank and fearless advice.” This approach, inspired by the British civil service model, prioritized merit-based recruitment, career-long employment, and the cultivation of quality advice through rigorous examination.
However, over the past four decades, the APS underwent a transformation that deviated from its foundational principles. The rise of managerialism, influenced by the private sector ethos, reshaped the APS into a more corporate-like entity, characterised by contract employment for senior officials and an emphasis on performance indicators.
While intended to enhance efficiency and responsiveness, this shift raised concerns about compromised advice and eroded the traditional public interest orientation of the APS. The departure from secure, tenured positions for departmental secretaries and Senior Executive Service (SES) officials fundamentally altered the culture and accountability of the APS.
A path to restoration: Reclaiming the ‘Frank and Fearless’ ideal
Reinstating the core tenets of the APS requires a deliberate and thoughtful approach. A critical step towards restoring the culture of “frank and fearless advice” involves reestablishing tenure for departmental secretaries and converting SES officials on contracts to continuing employment.
By embracing these changes, the APS can break free from the negative feedback loop that incentivises compliance over candid advice. A positive feedback loop can be cultivated, fostering an environment where honest and robust advice becomes the default response, serving the public’s best interests.
Drawing inspiration from the British civil service’s enduring “gold standard” of ethical service, Australia’s public service can once again become a beacon of integrity and expertise. Cultivating a renewed commitment to merit-based recruitment, long-term employment, and a focus on quality advice can rejuvenate the APS and ensure its alignment with the genuine needs of the nation.
By embracing a return to the foundational principles of the APS, particularly by reestablishing tenure and securing the positions of senior officials, Australia can pave the way for a more accountable, transparent, and “frank and fearless” public service – one that honours its role in providing unwavering guidance to the government while safeguarding the interests of the Australian people.