Home Affairs fix outlined
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Changes could be coming following a review of Home Affairs’ collaboration with national intelligence and agencies.
The Department of Home Affairs, responsible for safeguarding Australia’s domestic security and border management, is undergoing a comprehensive transformation following an Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) capability review.
The review (PDF), which assessed the department’s collaboration with central agencies and the national intelligence community, identified several critical areas for improvement, especially in leadership, governance, and collaboration.
The capability review emphasised the need for strategic, collaborative, and cohesive leadership within the Department of Home Affairs.
It was noted that the department has faced significant disruptions over recent years, including internal restructuring and global geopolitical shifts. These challenges have impacted the department’s ability to operate cohesively.
During the review, a new secretary was appointed, introducing a period of uncertainty. However, the new leadership has committed to using this period as an opportunity to rethink the department’s organisational structure and culture.
The review highlighted the need for the leadership to model collaborative behaviour and integrate governance reforms to ensure the department functions as a unified entity.
Stephanie Foster, the newly appointed Secretary of Home Affairs, has laid out a vision (PDF) for the department that focuses on “exemplary leadership, a game-changing agenda, and collaboration at our core”.
Foster says that the department and the Australian Border Force (ABF) are “looking forward to executing the plan and helping to build a more prosperous, secure, and united Australia”.
The review found that while the department has effective relationships with non-government stakeholders, its collaboration with central agencies and the National Intelligence Community (NIC) requires significant enhancement.
The department's relationships with other public sector bodies were described as variable, with operational and tactical relationships being strong but inconsistent across different areas.
The review stressed the importance of building confidence and leveraging better collaboration with central agencies and the NIC.
It was noted that without improved collaboration, the department risks duplicating efforts, wasting resources, and missing critical risks and opportunities.
The new leadership says it has identified collaboration as a key pillar for the department's transformation, with a focus on integrating tools and technology to facilitate better information sharing and network building.
The capability review praised the commitment of Home Affairs staff to the department’s mission, describing them as resilient and possessing a “can-do” attitude.
However, it also identified significant workforce capability gaps, particularly in strategic workforce planning.
The department has high turnover among senior executive staff (SES), risking the loss of key skills and capabilities.
The review called for a comprehensive workforce strategy to address these gaps and ensure the department is prepared to meet future challenges.
It also emphasised the need for ongoing training and development at all levels, alongside initiatives to foster a respectful, inclusive, and safe workplace.