This audit would assess the effectiveness of the implementation of the APS Strategic Commissioning Framework by the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) and a selection of Australian Government entities.

The APSC issued the APS Strategic Commissioning Framework in October 2023. It is intended to strengthen APS capability through reduced reliance on contractors and consultants for core work. Under the framework, certain core functions must be done by the APS and must not be outsourced to an external workforce. At an APS-wide level these include: developing cabinet submissions; drafting legislation and regulation; leading policy formulation; and roles on an agency’s executive team. Other core functions should be brought back in-house: procurement; contract management; cost benefit analyses; grant administration; and program delivery.

The framework initially applies to all entities that employ staff under the Public Service Act 1999, but the APSC encourages all Australian Government entities to follow the framework. Entities are guided by the framework’s seven principles: start with rigorous planning; APS employment is the default; use APS networks first; use external support in limited circumstances; maximise the benefits and minimise the risk of any external arrangements; apply merit when converting roles; and monitoring and accountability. The APSC received $4.8 million in additional funding in 2024–25 to update and enhance the APS Employment Database to provide improved insights into the APS workforce.