PM&C 2025 Capability Review(link is external)

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) welcomes the 2025 capability review(link is external), tabled in Parliament on 15 January 2026.

PM&C has a unique position at the centre of the public service and provides leadership on the most significant issues affecting government. The capability review is an opportunity for the department to focus its efforts and establish clear organisational goals for the next 4 years.

The review provides valuable insights into our strengths including the effectiveness of many specialist functions including the Office for Women, Office of Impact Assessment, Australian Government Consulting, the Behavioural Economics Team of Australia (BETA), and Protocol and International Visits Branch.

The department is building on this to embed more effective systems, structures and approaches across the organisation.

The review acknowledges our committed workforce, and our trusted and professional working relationships with the Prime Minister's and portfolio ministers' offices. These qualities are our greatest strength and will be the cornerstone from which we build.

It additionally recognises the work already underway to enhance capability across a range of critical areas. This includes ongoing work to strengthen systems and processes, improve strategic capability, and mature our stakeholder relationships.

The review identifies priority areas for action including:

• leadership and governance
• strategy and priorities
• internal and public sector collaboration.

The department will consider the review findings and develop an action plan in early 2026.

The department thanks the senior review team - Helen Silver AO, David Tune AO PSM, David Mackay, and Celia Street PSM - for their insights, and collaborative and constructive approach.

Background

Capability reviews are independent, forward-looking and assess an agency's ability to meet future objectives and challenges.

The Public Service Act 1999 requires all departments of state, Services Australia, the Australian Taxation Office and Australian Public Service Commission to participate in a review every 5 years with the review report tabled in the Australian Parliament.

Find out more about the PM&C Capability Review(link is external) and the Capability Review program(link is external).