The Australian Public Service has reached a major milestone, with 100 First Nations staff now holding senior executive service roles.
The achievement marks the success of the SES100 initiative, a program launched under the federal government's APS reform agenda to encourage more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees to apply for senior positions.
Ben Bolt, a National Manager at Services Australia and an SES100 initiative candidate, said the APS is making "real strides"; both in creating a "culture that values diversity" and one that "genuinely listens to First Nations voices".
"It's not just about recruitment, it's about building culturally safe workplaces where we feel seen, supported and empowered to lead," he said.
The milestone doubles the number of First Nations executives from 54 to 100 — fulfilling the program's initial target. The APS will now shift its focus to its longer-term goal of ensuring five per cent of all staff across the service are First Nations.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, said the SES100 program sets out to recognise the "transformative power of representation and its role to create a stronger and more inclusive Australia".
"SES100 is more than just a recruitment strategy, it's a commitment to meaningful change in the Australian Public Service," Senator McCarthy said.
"By increasing First Nations representation at decision-making levels in government, we are shaping policies that better serve all Australians."
Minister for the Public Service, Katy Gallagher, said the federal government has consistently argued the APS should reflect the community it serves; including in its leadership ranks.
"Encouraging more First Nations employees to apply for senior positions means embedding important perspectives into the policy-making processes, delivering better outcomes for all Australians," she said.
"I am proud of the work we are doing to build a strong public service that delivers for the Australian people."
Officials say the initiative is designed to build a workforce that better reflects the community it serves, while also setting a benchmark for diversity and inclusion in the public sector.
The program also contributes to Priority 3 of the Closing the Gap framework, which calls for greater representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in senior leadership roles.
Applicants appointed through SES100 have been recruited through rigorous merit-based selection processes to ensure the best candidates are being appointed to the right roles.
