The report provides an assessment of the key factors that influence the shape, performance and behaviour of New South Wales (NSW) public sector agencies and the people who work in them. It assesses notable achievements, challenges and priorities, and provides an analysis of government sector workforces data. The report discusses the performance of the public service, government sector and public sector.

The report provides a time-series assessment of the key factors that influence and shape performance and behaviour of public sector agencies and the people who work in them. It is an essential tool for focusing thinking and effort on the key issues that affect the public sector’s capacity to delivery on behalf of citizens and the government of the day.

Key findings

• More than 470,000 public sector employees serve NSW.
• The NSW public sector employs 10.7% of the state workforce, with 33.6% of those based in regional areas.
• The median remuneration for non-casual employees in the NSW public sector was $104,754 in 2025.
• Overall, the survey results improved across most key measures compared to 2024.
• Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, offer new opportunities to innovate and enhance service delivery through connected governance.