The Queensland Government has launched a five year plan to boost performance and integrity in the state’s public sector.

The Even better public sector for Queensland strategy 2024-2028  lays out six goals around inspiring trust in government, meeting challenges and serving the community, and is accompanied by a two year action plan.

It follows on from the recommendations of Professor Peter Coaldrake’s 2022 review of culture and accountability in the Queensland public sector.

The Coaldrake report found a loss of capacity in the public service resulting from an over reliance on contractors and consultants, and a culture that tolerated bullying, avoided ‘unfashionable points of view’ and was dominated by short-term political thinking.

Public Sector Commissioner David Mackie says the strategy will help Queensland’s public sector evolve over the next five years with integrity, professionalism, and commitment to better outcomes for the community.

“It is critical that while we are delivering services or supporting frontline services, we have an eye on the challenges we will face in the future so we can be well positioned to respond to them,” he said.

“There’s a genuine spirit of service that runs through the Queensland public sector, and this strategy will help shape that spirit into strength.”

Premier Steven Miles said the strategy highlights the role of public servants in providing government with frank and fearless advice.

“It also stresses the importance of a public sector which is responsive to the community, culturally capable, fair to its employees and apolitical,” he said.

The public sector governance council, which is chaired by DP&C Director General Mike Kaiser, will oversee implementation of the strategy.

The state’s Public Sector Commission will be responsible for managing the strategy’s program of work, as well as monitoring progress. and updating the council.