26 November 2013

Working together to strengthen public service reform

Australian Public Service Commissioner, Mr Stephen Sedgwick AO, today joined Prime Minister, the Hon Peter O’Neill, for the launch of Papua New Guinea’s first Executive Leadership and Management Capability Framework for the PNG Public Service.

Minister for Public Services Sir Puka Temu, Chief Secretary to Government Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc and Secretary of the Department of Personnel Management (DPM) Mr John Kali were among the senior leaders and officials who witnessed the launch in Port Moresby.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Sedgwick said the framework lays the foundation for high performing agencies and a capable public sector workforce in PNG.

Developed by senior PNG leaders and public servants, the framework aims to instil ethical, effective and efficient leadership capabilities critical for delivering public services to the people of PNG. The six key values for leaders and managers are honesty, integrity, accountability, respect, wisdom and responsibility.

Mr Sedgwick also signed Memoranda of Understanding with the DPM and PNG Public Services Commission that will strengthen institutional links between the APSC and the agencies.

“The APSC has been working closely with the Government of PNG since 2008 to provide advice focused on organisational capability including human resource management, and leadership development,” Mr Sedgwick said.

“From this relationship, the APSC has also been able to learn a great deal, and to utilise this experience to reflect on our own public service reforms.
“The MoUs will help to build a stronger foundation for our overall bilateral relationship. It will promote professional exchanges that will enhance both agencies and build on our long term partnership through people to people relationships.”

Mr Kali said the MoU reflected the close relationship between the APSC and DPM.

“Mr Sedgwick took over at the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) at about the same time as I became Secretary of the DPM four years ago,” Mr Kali said.

“Since then we have been working together closely and the APSC has been assisting my department to improve the capability and responsiveness of the PNG public service to meet the needs of the people. This MoU formalises that relationship going forward.”

The APSC is one of six Australian Government agencies that have twinning relationships with seven PNG Government agencies. These relationships provide PNG public servants with the opportunity to share firsthand public policy and technical experience. The twinning initiative is part the PNG-Australia Economic and Public Sector Program.