An ongoing review could call for the creation of a single mission statement for the whole public service.

David Thodey, the head of an independent review of the public service, says it could be very important to have a clear statement of purpose, culture and values across the APS.

“Many departments and agencies have mission statements or something similar, but there must be hundreds of those, each very different,” Mr Thodey said in a speech to the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

“It’s not surprising so many staff identify as working for a particular department as opposed to working for the APS.

“I wonder whether a single, clear, aspirational purpose statement for the APS would help drive greater collaboration and convey to Australians the unique and valuable role of the APS.

“It would be fantastic if working for the public service was seen as a badge of honour and pride, and the term bureaucracy was not used to describe the APS.”

Mr Thodey said it would require bold action to truly change the culture of the public service.

“It’s not sufficient for the review panel to vaguely recommend a change,” he said.

“We need to put together a program of reform, and an implementation plan, that will, over time, positively impact culture.”