Australian Government

AustralianSmall Business andFamily EnterpriseOmbudsman

3 May 2019

Department of the Prime Minister and CabinetBox 6500

Canberra ACT 2600

By email: apsreview@pmc.gov.au

Dear Sir/Madam

PRIORITIES FOR CHANGE

We provide below our view on the four priorities for change as identified in the fromthe Independent Review of the APS.A strategic approach to the four priorities is critical given that The International

(InCiSE) Index Results Report 20191 now ranks Australia 5th overall2 (downfrom in 2017) and Australia made the top 5 for only one measure (ie. crisis and riskmanagement). We therefore strongly recommend connecting in with the publicservices in New Zealand (ranked 2 ) and Canada (ranked that performedwell in terms of policies and strategies relevant to our top four priorities.To the first priority of strengthening culture, governance and leadership, New Zealand gainedthe top position for integrity. The integrity indicator covers 6 themes measuring ethics,fairness and impartiality.To the third priority of investing in capability and talent, Canada ranked 1st for HRmanagement and inclusiveness. The rankings looked for systems being meritocratic;attracting and retaining talent; management; and data collection. New Zealandranked 1st (Canada for capabilities taking into consideration core capabilities,organisational skills and learning and development.Canada ranked and New Zealand 5th for policy making which consider the quality ofadvice, coordination across government and monitoring during implementation. Particularattention should be paid to the way that New Zealand is a world leader in terms of tax policydevelopment that is transparent, collaborative, and inclusive through its "Generic Tax PolicyProcess" (GTPP).3 The GTPP provides for public engagement throughout thedifferent phases of the policy process. This creates a system that is widely accepted andable to respond to a dynamic environment.To the priority of developing stronger internal and external New Zealandagain was number one based on the extent to which they use and the policiesin place that enable small and medium−sized enterprises to take in governmentprocurement. Currently, Australian small businesses are largely excluded from governmentpanels due to the way that they are set up (for example, requiring a full suite of legalby each firm on the legal panel). Commonly, the best provider of a good or is a smallbusiness yet they are excluded from consideration through not being on a panel.

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For example, seefor a summary of the process and options to further improve the GTPP.

T 1300 650 460 Ewww.asbfeo.ciov.au

of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise OmbudsmanGPO Box 1791, Canberra City ACT 2601

Lastly, it is important to note that across all of the priorities for change, there is a greaterneed for transparency and sharing. In an operational context, weencounter information secrecy standing in the way of an outcome that is good forgovernment, business and others alike. We also encounter multiple departments seeking toreach the same people but in an uncoordinated way.Thank you for the opportunity to comment and we would be pleased to expand on any of thepoints that we have raised. If you would like to discuss this matter further, please contact JillLawrence on 6121 5312 jill.lawrence@asbfeo.gov.au.Yours sincerely

Kate Carnell AOAustralian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman

Office of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman