In a speech delivered to the National Press Club, Australian Public Service Commissioner Gordon de Brouwer outlined a vision for the public service focused on supporting the government’s agenda, prioritizing economic growth, and maintaining national security. He emphasized the need for a “one APS” approach, stressing collaboration and agility within the public sector.
De Brouwer explicitly linked the public service’s role to implementing the government’s economic policies, highlighting the importance of supporting business and fostering economic dynamism. He also stressed the critical role of the public service in safeguarding national security amid rising geopolitical tensions. He talked about the need for impartial service while simultaneously serving the government of the day.
Concerns were raised regarding de Brouwer’s emphasis on supporting the government’s agenda, with critics suggesting that it could compromise the public service’s impartiality and independence. The speech was viewed as a signal that the bureaucracy intends to enforce the Labor government’s pro-war and pro-business policies, potentially suppressing dissent or alternative perspectives within the public sector. This shift towards prioritizing government objectives sparked debate about the proper role of the public service in a democratic society and the potential for political influence to undermine its integrity.
find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/05/09/rjpe-m09.html