Public service urged to sharpen focus

PUBLIC servants will be set corporate-style performance targets as Prime Minister Scott Morrison seeks a leaner, more service-focused bureaucracy.

Mr Morrison on Friday released the government’s response to the long-awaited public service review by former Telstra boss David Thodey.

While his report came to 384 pages, the government’s response was neatly summed up in 28 pages with more than a dozen of the 40 recommendations rejected.

Labor and the peak public service union have blasted the decision not to lift staffing caps, saying it hampers service delivery.

Key to the overhaul will be the setting of public service-wide performance targets and bringing in external advisers to ensure “organisational health”.

Mr Morrison has provided $15 million to public service chiefs to get the ball rolling on the reforms.

There will also be an urgent audit of government information and community technology capabilities, risks and needs, as well as a long-term ICT blueprint.

The prime minister sees digital technology as a way of improving frontline services and getting departments working more closely.

Listed in the government’s response is the establishment of a Commonwealth Integrity Commission to reinforce integrity and ethics in the public sector.

But the government has rejected a recommendation to give the Australian Public Service Commissioner greater powers to investigate and seek integrity information.

Mr Morrison has previously announced the number of departments would shrink from 18 to 14 from early next year, which was in line with one of the report’s findings to ensure agencies are “fit for purpose”.

The government rejected a recommendation for “common core conditions and pay scales” for public servants, arguing the current system works.

Community and Public Sector Union national secretary Melissa Donnelly said the unchanged staffing cap caused “enormous damage” to the services Australians relies on.

“Scott Morrison continues to disregard expert findings and chase short term budget wins instead of delivering on his election promises,” Ms Donnelly said.

Labor’s public service spokeswoman Katy Gallagher said the Morrison government’s response was weak and a missed opportunity.

“Scott Morrison doesn’t get the APS, he doesn’t respect the APS or its workforce,” Senator Gallagher said.

She said the government’s true colours were on display by not lifting the staffing cap and not improving integrity in the public service.