These reforms include the implementation of Workplace Diversity Programs in all APS agencies. These will require agencies to review and enhance their EEO programs to incorporate the concept of workplace diversity. The object is to ensure that the public service makes the fullest possible use of the diverse backgrounds, skills, talents and perspectives of all its people. Implicit in the requirement to develop Workplace Diversity Programs is a recognition of the need to ensure that the APS reflects the composition of the Australian community. Under the new arrangements, managers will be encouraged to recognise, value and nurture the different skills and competencies of all people through flexible employment practices and to utilise these differences in ways that serve to enhance the performance of their agencies.
Diversity is seen as a way of promoting high performance.
Workplace Diversity Programs will build on the current EEO provisions of the Act and Commonwealth anti-discrimination provisions. Reporting requirements Under the current Act , the Public Service Commissioner is required to report annually to the Prime Minister on the operation of the EEO provisions. This report is tabled in Parliament as part of the Public Service Commissioner's Annual Report obligations. The content of these reports will be revised in order to implement the more comprehensive and at the same time more streamlined diversity reporting arrangements developed as part of the Government's public sector reforms. Agencies will be required to give the Commissioner information that he or she needs to monitor and report on comparative agency performance against Service-wide equity indicators.