Overview

The department’s management agenda focused on strengthening core capabilities and modernising processes to increase efficiency. We sought to improve productivity through a range of new policies underpinning staff engagement, wellbeing and diversity. We continued to promote gender equality in our corporate and human resources policies and practices through implementation of Women in Leadership initiatives such as better access to flexible and remote work options.

Overseas, the department continued to implement the largest expansion of Australia’s diplomatic network in 40 years. We opened new posts in Doha, Lae and Bogotá, with progress under way for new posts in Surabaya, Rabat and Shenyang. We continued to rethink the traditional post operating model, implementing fit-for-purpose missions that streamline service delivery and reduce overhead costs.

We continued work to consolidate, streamline and standardise corporate-enabling service delivery for staff and other agency clients overseas. Under the reDESIGN strategy, we established the first six regional service delivery hubs in London, Washington, Manila, Jakarta, New Delhi and Beijing. Up to nine service delivery hubs will be established by December 2020.