Jacqui Curtis has been named the next Public Service Commissioner, taking on the role as the Australian Public Service addresses the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the appointment on Thursday, with Ms Curtis set to begin on June 9, 2026, for a five-year term.
Ms Curtis, who has served as Chief Operating Officer of the Australian Taxation Office since 2016, previously worked at the Department of Human Services, now known as Services Australia. She was awarded a Public Service Medal in 2022 for outstanding service in driving change and building capability as the inaugural Head of the APS Human Resources Profession.
The Public Service Commission, a small federal agency, acts as a human resources and integrity unit for the public service. Former Commissioner Gordon de Brouwer resigned in February after nearly three years, citing a desire to contribute differently. His tenure saw high-profile integrity investigations, including code of conduct inquiries linked to the robodebt royal commission and the sacking of former Home Affairs boss Mike Pezzullo.
Ms Curtis is expected to focus on AI and other capability issues as the public service reform program nears completion. Changes have included empowering the commissioner to launch own-motion investigations and probe former secretaries, a move prompted by the robodebt scandal.
Her start date coincides with a round of enterprise bargaining, where the main public sector union will push for a pay rise. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher has already downplayed the union's initial claim of a 15% increase over three years. The commission faces pressure to reach a deal by the end of 2026, with new agreements to take effect by March 2027.
