Global MPM Insight

Innovations and Implications for the Public Sector Global MPM Insight Vol.5 Addressing the Cyber Security Imperative The Insights Report identified cyber security as our most critical workforce shortage. In response, we have launched a dedicated cyber security workstream under our workforce plan. This includes partnering with the national security community to create new recruitment pathways, developing a specialised cyber skills framework, and funding an accelerated development program to rapidly upskill existing staff into high-demand cyber roles. Following three mutually reinforcing pillars form an integrated approach. This enables us to support change management as we adopt AI across the APS. Each pillar’s success is vital to the others: skilled people and clear policies are needed to use new AI tools effectively, and the tools and experiences gained will inform ongoing policy refinement. Building confidence through transparency, ethical use and strong governance. Trust uplifting capability across the APS to support safe and effective use of AI, while remaining conscious of the impact change has on people. People Expanding access to secure, fit-for-purpose AI technologies. Tools From Insights to Action Key Initiatives in 2025 and 2026 Act ions are underway to translate the strategic ambitions into meaningful outcomes. In this journey, 2025 marks a decisive shift from planning to coordinated, system-wide implementation. Through an incremental approach, deployment of prioritised initiatives has begun. These initiatives directly strengthen capability, address critical workforce shortages, and prepare the APS for the accelerating impact of AI and cyber risks. This year’s efforts focus on building scalable foundations shared standards, cross-agency pathways, and integrated development programs that allow the APS to respond quickly and conf ident ly as technology and ci t izen expectations continue to evolve. The Professionalisation of our Workforce The Digital Profession has become a cornerstone of our strategy. The 2025 Insights Report highlighted its success, showing a membership growth of 40% in the past year to over 12,000 members. This scale allows us to deliver targeted development programs, set common standards, and build a powerful sense of shared identity among our digital experts. Preparing for the AI-Enabled Era In line with the AI Plan for the APS, our focus is two- fold. Firstly, we are building deep expertise by creating specialist career paths in AI engineering, machine learning, and AI ethics. Secondly, and just as importantly, we are launching a service-wide “AI Literacy” program to ensure all public servants understand the opportunities and risks of AI. The plan mandates that our leaders are equipped to champion the responsible and ethical use of AI, ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability are built into our adoption from the outset. Trust People JUL 2025 DEC 2025 JUL 2026 JUL 2025 DEC 2025 JUL 2026 Tools AI in government policy and guidance updates AI Review Committee Clear expectations of external service providers AI strategic communications Support for AI tool procurement Central register of generative AI assessments New whole-of-government cloud policy GovAI Chat Re-using intellectual property GovAI:Centrally hosted AI services GovAI open trial Guidance on public and enterprise AI services Chief AI Officers Foundational learning Staff consultation and engagement AI delivery and enablement APS AI Plan implementation timeline 14 15