This report provide a comprehensive overview of government activities and performance. It presents the latest available data on government finances, employment, institutions, budgeting practices, risk management and citizen satisfaction. 

Governments face a highly complex operating environment marked by major demographic, environmental and digital shifts, alongside low trust and constrained fiscal space. The report presents the latest evidence on public governance tools and resources that can help public administrations in OECD and accession candidate countries address these complex, long-term challenges. 

Responding effectively means concentrating efforts on three fronts: enhancing individuals’ sense of dignity in their interactions with government, restoring a sense of security amid rapid societal and economic changes, and improving government efficiency and effectiveness to help boost productivity in the economy, while restoring public finances. These priorities converge in the governance of the green transition as highlighted in the report.

Governments can strengthen public trust by ensuring meaningful public engagement in decision-making, using tools such as spending reviews and digital technologies to increase efficiency and enhancing access to justice and public services.

The report includes a country note on Australia.