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Lloyd's appointment as Commissioner in 2014 by then-Minister Eric Abetz marked a break with our public service traditions. He has taken on the role many times at the Institute of Public Affairs, a right-wing think tank that has publicly denigrated APS and asked that its staff, its budget and its role be reduced.
Five years later, it is clear that nomination was another ideological experiment failed by the Abbott / Turnbull government. By naming someone from outside APS, the government hoped to expose its shortcomings and flaws. Instead, he emphasized the importance of the values and traditions of the public service.
It seems that Lloyd has never been able to completely put aside the partisan tendency. As Commissioner, he supported a draconian social media policy for APS staff, according to which many people felt unduly restricted ordinary rights of badociation and political speech. At the same time, he used his work email to comment on remarks that Senate opposition leader Penny Wong made in the media. He spent years trying to thwart wage increases for public servants and reduce their conditions. At the same time, he was supplying the work product of the public service to his friends at the API
Imagine what could have been achieved with a commissioner who wanted to lead the public service instead of undermining it over the years. last five years. Governments face challenges and opportunities as they respond to emerging technologies and the changing needs of those they serve: the public. The public service can and must be at the center of these discussions. Indeed, many of these issues are likely to be examined as part of the independent review of the EAPA initiated by the Prime Minister.
Since the commissioner resigns under a cloud, the government should ensure that, this time, the position is filled by someone who understands and supports the importance of a public service impartial and adequately resourced.
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