Top issues for CPSU members

For the first time in the APS, we are establishing an APS Consultative Committee, to create a clear mechanism for union members to be involved in the big issues that affect the APS as a whole.

CPSU members have had their say on priorities for APS wide consultation.

Ensuring newly won enterprise agreement conditions are followed in practice (including flexible work, EL TOIL, consultation)

57% of respondents listed this as a top 3 priority. Enforcing and implementing the rights we won in service wide bargaining is an overwhelming priority for CPSU members and will continue to be the focus of the union’s campaigning.

A further 14% listed the related topic Preparing for the next round of bargaining as a top three issue.

Check out enforcement and implementation materials available here.

Improvements to recruitment practices in the APS

31% of respondents listed this as a top 3 priority. We know that members across the APS have strong concerns about recruitment practices and the protection of the merit principle, including private companies conducting flawed processes, bulk recruitment rounds with overly generic recruitment tools that knock out strong candidates in the early stages, merit pools with little transparency, and high turnover where successful candidates are ill-suited to the job they have been engaged to perform.

This is a high priority issue for CPSU members, and we are seeking more detailed feedback from members here.

Secure jobs in the APS

Secure jobs remain a high priority for CPSU members, with 27% of respondents listing it as a top three issue. We have already made significant gains on job security, including large numbers of labour hire converted to APS jobs, bringing outsourced work back into the APS, holding APS agencies to account on casual conversion.

There is still work to do, and this will be a priority for the APS Consultative Committee.

Addressing APS capability, including critical skills gaps

21% of respondents listed this as a top 3 priority, with CPSU members focused on the APS being able to attract and retain the skills it needs to deliver for the Australian community.

A further 17% of respondents listed the related topic, Measures to attract and retain professionals and specialists, as a top three priority issue. This is an important issue for APS capability, now and into the future.

A further 12% of respondents listed the related topic Updated APS Work Level Standards as a top three priority.

Diversity in the APS

Diversity in the APS remains a strong focus for many CPSU members, with 14% listing it as a top 3 priority issue. Members also listed Measures to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment, and Measures to Prevent and address sexual harassment.

A union voice in APS reform

21% of respondents listed this as a top three issue. We know that the APS Consultative Committee provides a unique opportunity for union members to have a voice on the issues that affect the APS as a whole, including APS reform.

A further 14% of respondents listed the related issue Integrity in decision-making as a top three issue.

It also provides a way for CPSU members to make a contribution on emerging issues, including Clear Guidance on the use of Artificial Intelligence and other digital technologies, listed as a top 3 priority by a further 9% of respondents.

Work Health and Safety

21% of respondents listed work health and safety as a top three issue. WHS remains a priority issue for the CPSU, with the union supporting a network of Health and Safety Representatives across the APS.  

CPSU members will influence what issues are discussed at the APS Consultative Committee, and the topics we prioritise as a union.