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Profile of the APS
The APS is about providing advice to government and developing and implementing government policy.
The work of the APS is wide ranging and careers within the APS include office work but also include biologists, zoologists, oceanographers, fisheries scientists, economists, meteorologists, environmental scientists, designers, curators, city planners, meat inspectors and more.
The following pages provide more information about the APS including its work, structure and achievements.
Resources
APS agencies
Lists the current Australian Public Service agencies
APS Employment Database
The Australian Public Service Employment Database (APSED) is a database that stores the employment data of all current and former APS employees. APSED is maintained by the Australian Public Service Commission and the data is supplied to APSED from the HR systems of APS agencies.
Implementing Machinery of Government Changes: A good practice guide
This publication has been designed to provide practical guidance to help agencies implement machinery of government changes. It has been developed jointly by the Australian Public Service Commission, the Department of Finance and Administration, and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, in consultation with the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the National Archives of Australia.
Merit and transparency: Merit-based selection of APS agency heads and statutory office holders
On 5 February 2008, the Australian Government introduced a policy implementing transparent and merit-based assessment in the selection of most Australian Public Service (APS) agency heads and other statutory offices working in, or in conjunction with, APS agencies. The new arrangements will also ensure that existing office holders are given sufficient notice as to whether or not they will be reappointed and that vacancies will be advertised well in advance of them falling due.
List of agency heads and statutory offices subject to merit-based selection
A list of positions requiring merit selection and specific offices that are excluded
Foundations of Governance
A resource for agency heads - Foundations includes useful information about the APS
Frequently asked questions
Includes questions about the APS
(The) Australian experience of public sector reform
The profile provides an overview of the Australian government and public administration framework
State of the Service reports
State of the Service reports provide an annual guide to changes in the APS.
The full list of reports is available from our State of the Service page.
Websites
Australian Government services
Links to all government websites as well as a whole of government search .
Government online directory
contact information for key APS services and staff
Budget website
information on the current budget
