Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Assistant Minister for the Public Service, Assistant Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations
Acknowledgements omitted
Celebrating the Spirit of Service
Australia has the best public service in the world.
And the people gathered here represent the very best of the Australian Public Service.
And while public servants are not usually known for seeking the spotlight, tonight is one occasion where it is entirely deserved.
Although I suspect some of you may still be more comfortable standing on stage accepting an award than appearing in an Estimates TikTok video from one of my fellow Parliamentarians
Tonight is about celebrating something bigger than individuals.
It is about celebrating the institution of the Australian Public Service, 125 years strong this year.
Impact of a trusted public service
One of the privileges of serving as Assistant Minister for the Public Service is meeting public servants from every corner of the country.
Front-line workers at the Box Hill Services Australia centre.
Engineers at the Australian Space Agency in Adelaide
Public policy experts at Australian Public Service Commission here in Canberra.
The truth is that most Australians will never see your work directly.
They simply experience a service that works.
In many ways, that is a sign of success.
Because the best public service is often invisible.
Quietly improving the lives of citizens.
Celebrating the finalists
But our ambition does not end at improving lives.
Our APS is saving lives too.
One outstanding example is the National Lung Cancer Screening Program.
For the first time, eligible Australians will have access to a national screening program designed to detect lung cancer earlier.
This is when treatment can be most effective.
Behind a program like this sits years of policy planning.
Because if the countless meetings lead somewhere, it is all worth it.
Another finalist, Sentinels of Sea Country, demonstrates the value of genuine partnership and innovation.
The program combines Indigenous knowledge and artificial intelligence.
Working across government, industry and local communities, the team has developed an approach that strengthens environmental management.
All while empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and supporting marine conservation.
These projects are different in their focus.
But they share something important.
A commitment to delivering practical outcomes that make a real difference.
And that is what the Spirit of Service Awards are all about.
Indeed, innovation in government does not always arrive with a new framework, three steering committees and an acronym nobody can quite remember.
Sometimes it is simply finding a smarter way to solve a problem that matters to Australians.
Why public service matters
The qualities we celebrate through these awards are the same qualities that underpin a strong APS.
Curiosity.
Collaboration.
Professionalism.
And a determination to keep improving.
These are not simply the ingredients of successful projects.
They are the qualities that help the APS adapt to changing expectations, embrace new opportunities and continue delivering for Australians.
Because excellence does not happen by accident.
It is built through a culture that encourages innovation, values evidence and never stops looking for better ways of doing things.
That is why strengthening the capability of the APS has been such an important focus of our work.
Whether it is making government communication clearer and more accessible through the APS Style Manual.
Strengthening policy development through better impact analysis.
Or showcasing the achievements and experiences of public servants through the State of the Service Report.
Each plays a role in supporting a public service that is equipped for the challenges of today and prepared for those of tomorrow.
Although I should acknowledge that "improved impact analysis" is not always a guaranteed conversation starter outside Canberra.
But these things matter.
Because strong institutions do not maintain themselves.
They are built by people committed to learning, improving and striving for excellence.
Conclusion
Regardless of tonight's outcome, everyone here should leave with a sense of pride.
Because the value of your work is not measured by a trophy.
It is measured by how we improve the lives of our fellow Australians.
That is what the public service must achieve.
If there is one thing I'd ask you to remember from tonight, it is this.
Good government does not happen by accident.
It happens because people like you show up every day, bring your expertise, and dedicate yourselves to serving Australians.
Australia is stronger because of your service.
To all finalists and award recipients, congratulations.
Thank you.
