Global MPM Insight

Innovations and Implications for the Public Sector Global MPM Insight Vol.5 As a whole, success looks like - An engaged, skilled, future ready and sustainable APS data, digital and cyber workforce has the potential to deliver great benefits for Australia. AI, particularly generative AI, is revolutionising the way we do business and has the potential to transform the way governments deliver for the communities they serve. The Australian Government is focused on capturing the opportunity of AI. It’s vital to ensure the benefits of this technology are shared equitably, creating a higher standard of living for all Australians. The role of APS as a skilled workforce to maximise the potential and the opportunities arising from adoption of AI, is critical to realise this vision. With a clear strategic alignment to the Data and Digital Government Strategy and the APS Reform Agenda, the AI plan for the APS sets out a clear pathway for incremental acceleration that is built on a solid foundation. The DDCWP (a) identifies the complexities in the external environment that affect government, operations, policy making and digital transformation; (b) explains the crucial role of the APS data, digital and cyber security workforce in achieving the government’s aims; (c) outlines the common workforce challenges faced by agencies; and (d) provides a coordinated approach to tackle these challenges, using the benefits of scale and collaboration. Whilst many of the challenges identified in the DDCWP are not new, it builds on important work underway across the system including APS Reform, Delivering for Tomorrow: APS Workforce Strategy 2025, the Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Strategy 2020-2024, the APS Gender Equality Strategy 2021-2026, the APS Academy, and the Data and Digital Professions. The DDCWP outlines four key action areas tabulated below, that will support agencies to build and strengthen their data, digital and cyber workforce and enhance future skills planning now and into the future. Action area Desired outcome Attract, recruit and retain a data, digital and cyber workforce We will attract top data, digital and cyber talent, streamline recruitment processes and position ourselves as a modern employer in a challenging labour market. Uplift technical capabilities We will ensure long term data, digital and cyber workforce capability by providing career pathways and mobility opportunities, investing in continuous skill development and strengthening in-house expertise. Grow and deploy a specialist cohort We will address the immediate need for critical data, digital and cyber specialists, recognising these capabilities are difficult to source and take time to grow. Enhance capability planning maturity We will enhance capability planning maturity by using data- driven insights and ensuring access to high-quality data, empowering agencies to make informed workforce decisions. A Strategy is only effective when it delivers outcomes. Following are snippets of what success looks like from different viewpoints. Australia has a digital government that is world class, trusted and supported by a highly capable APS workforce. Government improves its capability to use its data holdings and harness analytical tools and techniques, improving service delivery, evidence-based decision making and policy and program evaluation. Australians and businesses can use digital products and services from government that are secure, fit for purpose and supported by a capable workforce. They have confidence that government can appropriately use and safeguard their data. What success looks like for government What success looks like for Australians The APS is a great place to work and offers a quality employee experience in dynamic workplaces. Data, digital and cyber employees enjoy a diverse and rewarding career, with opportunities to pursue life-long learning that keeps pace with industry developments. The APS’ workforce is skilled, capable and achieves government’s objectives. The APS improves how it attracts, recruits and retains specialist talent, reducing digital project delivery risks. What success looks like for the APS’ data, digital and cyber workforce What success looks like for the Australian Public Service 12 13