Open Letter to the Australian Public Service - December 2020

Dear Colleagues

We are nearing the end of an extraordinary year. It has been tough and like all Australians, all APS workers have been directly or indirectly affected in some way by the events of 2020. 

Regardless of where you work or what you do as a valued member of the APS, your contribution has made a difference. You have worked together, supported each other and have focussed on the needs of Australians. You have worked for and in the interests of the Australian community. 

The strength of your contribution has been made clear by the Prime Minister and in the reflections we and our colleagues made at this year’s annual Address to the Australian Public Service

Your efforts in 2020 have also been appreciated by your fellow Australians. We think nothing sums it up better than the photo below.

Image
Graffiti message reads 'Thank u Centrelink Staff. We appreciate your work.' with flowers and love hearts
Message written outside the Yarra Service Centre in inner city Melbourne

2021 will be another critical year for the APS as we focus on implementation and recovery across the nation.

Therefore, in our final Open Letter for 2020 we write to you with one simple message. We thank you for your extraordinary efforts in an extraordinary year.

Hope you have a relaxing and safe holiday period.

Yours sincerely

Philip Gaetjens
Department of the
Prime Minister and Cabinet

Peter Woolcott AO
Australian Public
Service Commissioner