The report provides a picture of how evaluation is used across the Australian Public Service. It looks at how well evaluations are planned, carried out and used, and how evaluation culture is developing across government. It reflects findings on evaluation types; use of evaluation evidence; capability building efforts; and culturally appropriate and ethical evaluation.

This action plan commits to embedding and strengthening high‑quality evaluation across the Australian government. It guides decision‑making, supports continuous improvement, enhances accountability, and ensures programs are designed and delivered to achieve meaningful outcomes. The plan outlines 14 actions structured around four interconnected priorities to build a more effective, evidence‑informed public sector.

This report explores how governments can overcome barriers to deliver high-quality impact evaluations to contribute to policy development. It sets out the main evaluation methods available, ranging from randomised trials to quasi-experimental approaches, and highlights the conditions under which each can be applied.

This rapid evaluation compared three online training formats for professional development in the Australian Public Service – click‑through e‑learning, micro‑learning video and podcast – to inform future delivery. Using a randomised trial, survey and focus groups, it found that the video format was the most suitable option, offering strong effectiveness at a lower cost for...

The Boosting Apprentice Commencements (BAC) and Completing Apprentice Commencements programs aimed to support businesses take on an apprenticeship or traineeship during the COVID-19 pandemic. This evaluation sought to answer questions covering apprentice commencements and completions, apprentice and employer characteristics, and cost effectiveness. There are 7 major lessons for the design of future policies outlined in...