Global MPM Insight

Innovations and Implications for the Public Sector Global MPM Insight Vol.5 Shyam Raghupathi MAHRI, MAS, BSc. Executive Director, APS Academy Australian Public Service Commission APS Data, Digital and Cyber Workforce Plan 2025-30 and AI Plan for the APS: Innovations and Implications for the Public Sector This imperative has been brought into sharp focus by the rapid emergence of AI. Our recently published AI Plan for the APS (November 2025) articulates our ambition to responsibly harness AI to improve services, deliver more insightful policy advice, and drive internal efficiencies. This new frontier reinforces the core message: the foundation of a modern, effective government is its people. Together the APS Data, Digital and Cyber Workforce Plan and AI Plan for the APS form a comprehensive blueprint for building the workforce required to meet the evolving demands of the public service. In sharing our approach, I hope to contribute to the global dialogue so valuably fostered by the Global MPM Insight. Introduction Across the globe, public services face a common, transformative challenge: to meet the rapidly evolving expectations of the citizens and businesses we serve in an increasingly digital world accelerated by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The trust placed in public institutions is intrinsically linked to our ability to deliver simple, seamless, and secure services. This is not merely a technological challenge; it is fundamentally a human one. To deliver on this mission, the Australian Public Service (APS) has developed the APS Data Digital Cyber workforce plan 2025-30 that is guided by our whole-of-government Data and Digital Government Strategy, which envisions a future of simple, secure, and connected public services for all Australians. The Strategic Blueprint The APS Data, Digital and Cyber Workforce Plan and the AI Plan for the APS. This APS Data, Digital and Cyber Workforce Plan (DDCWP) is key to realising the vision set out in the Data and Digital Government Strategy and the Australian Cyber Security Strategy. The DDCWP provides a coordinated approach to attract, develop and retain people with skills in these areas of growing need. It ensures our collective efforts are aligned, while retaining flexibility for agencies to address their individual workforce requirements. It addresses shared challenges across the APS, including skill shortages, the growing demand for specialised expertise and the need for cultural change to support. The delivery of this plan requires whole-of-APS collaboration and leadership. This will allow us to share knowledge, make the most of available resources and to create opportunities to benefit the entire APS. In addition, the DDCWP recognises the importance of fostering partnerships with industry and academia to build talent pipelines and maintain our competitive edge. Together, we aspire to create a workforce that meets today’s demands and anticipates tomorrow’s opportunities. Putting this plan into action will enable the APS to remain an exemplar of public sector excellence, delivering meaningful outcomes for the Australian community. In recent years, workforce plans that focus on specific industries and sectors have become essential for aligning workforce strategies with national and global trends. These plans encourage collaboration between businesses, professional associations and educational institutions. This leads to improvements in talent acquisition, retention and development, ultimately boosting productivity and competitiveness by taking an economy-wide approach. DD CW P Special Column A Shared Global Imperative in a New Technological Age 10 11