Interested parties are invited to submit an application for the role of Australian Public Service Commissioner (the Commissioner). This document includes information on the role (section 1) and application requirements (section 2).
1. Background
1.1 The Role
The role of the Commissioner is created by section 40 of the Public Service Act 1999 (Public Service Act) and is the agency head of the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC). The Commissioner currently reports to the Minister for the Public Service and supports the Assistant Minister for the Public Service.
The Commissioner is appointed by the Governor-General on a full-time basis for a period of up to 5 years.
The Commissioner takes a leading role in ensuring that the Australian Public Service (APS) has the organisational and workforce capability and integrity to meet the current and future needs of the Australian Government. The Commissioner works with the Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and other departmental Secretaries to steward the APS.
The Commissioner has both statutory functions under the Public Service Act and policy responsibilities.
The Commissioner's overarching functions, as set out in section 41 of the Public Service Act, are:
* to strengthen the professionalism of the APS and facilitate continuous improvement in workforce management in the APS
* to uphold high standards of integrity and conduct in the APS
* to monitor, review and report on APS capabilities within and between Agencies to promote high standards of accountability, effectiveness and performance.
The Commissioner's functions also include promoting the APS Values, APS Employment Principles, and the APS Code of Conduct.
The Commissioner also has several inquiry and review functions including:
* inquiries into allegations of misconduct by agency heads and former agency heads and, in certain circumstances, APS employees and former employees
* systems reviews into management and structural issues within an agency, or the relationship between agencies
* special reviews into any matter relating to an agency or the relationship between agencies.
The Commissioner reports annually to the Parliament on the State of the Service, including changes in the environment and infrastructure of the APS and emerging issue. The full list of the Commissioner's functions is set out in Division 1 of Part 5 of the Public Service Act.
The Commissioner is a member of the Secretaries Board established by section 64 of the Public Service Act. Further information regarding the membership and functions of the Secretaries Board is available on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s website.
In addition, the Commissioner may be appointed as Parliamentary Service Commissioner – a statutory office created by section 43 of the Parliamentary Service Act 1999. The appointment of the Parliamentary Service Commissioner is at the discretion of the Presiding Officers.
The Parliamentary Service Commissioner’s functions are set out at Division 1 of Part 5 of the Parliamentary Service Act 1999.
1.2 The APSC
The APSC is an agency within the Prime Minister and Cabinet portfolio that supports the Commissioner to administer their statutory responsibilities under the Public Service Act. The APSC employs approximately 360 staff and has offices in Canberra and Sydney.
The APSC is a non-corporate Commonwealth entity operating under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act).
The APSC supports the broader public service to deliver high quality services for government and the Australian public and is a valued, credible and trusted partner to the APS – promoting high standards of accountability, effectiveness and performance of the APS now and for the future.
The APSC is responsible for the APS Academy – a networked hub of learning and development; working with APS and industry partners to build the capability and performance of the APS workforce.
The APSC is centrally positioned to collaborate across government, business, academia, and other sectors to share expertise, solve challenges and harness opportunities to deliver outcomes consistent with our purpose and key activities.
In addition, the APSC assists the:
* Merit Protection Commissioner to perform their legislative functions through the provision of staff and enabling services.
* Remuneration Tribunal and Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal with secretariat support.
* Parliamentary Services Commissioner and Parliamentary Services Merit Protection Commissioner to perform their legislative functions through the provision of staff and enabling services, where appropriate.
The APSC’s Corporate Plan outlines its strategies to support the public service to deliver well, for Government and the Australian people.
Further information about the APSC is also available in its Annual Report .
1.3 Eligibility and Other Standards
The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain, or continue to hold, a security clearance at the NV2 level to conduct their duties and functions.
The successful applicant will be required to undergo an Australian Federal Police check.
The successful applicant would be subject to duties and obligations under the Public Service Act and other relevant Commonwealth legislation, including but not limited to, the PGPA Act, the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and the Archives Act 1983.
The Australian Government values a workforce that reflects the diversity of the Australian community, and encourages applications from all individuals, including those living with disabilities, First Nations peoples, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
1.4 Remuneration and Terms and Conditions of Appointment
Section 46 of the Public Service Act sets out the remuneration and other terms and conditions of appointment of the Commissioner.
The remuneration of the Commissioner is determined by the independent Remuneration Tribunal (Tribunal). The Tribunal has determined total remuneration for the Commissioner of $932,120 per year, effective from 1 July 2025 (see Remuneration Tribunal (Remuneration and Allowances for Holders of Full-time Public Offices) Determination 2025).
The Tribunal determines a range of other terms and conditions and allowances for the Commissioner, such as recreation leave entitlements and expenses relating to travel on official business. Further information is available on the Tribunal’s website.
The Commissioner does not receive additional remuneration as Parliamentary Service Commissioner in accordance with subsection 44(4) of the Parliamentary Service Act 1999.
1.5 Appointment Term and Location
The successful applicant would hold the office of Commissioner on a full-time basis from the time of appointment for a period of up to 5 years. It is anticipated that the successful applicant will be notified in April 2026.
1.6 .