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.

The final report of the independent review of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988, the legislative framework that underpins the Commonwealth workers’ compensation scheme. The review made 124 recommendations, focussing on: best practice in workers’ compensation; workers’ experience of the scheme; scheme coverage and entitlements; governance and administration; and reducing disputes.

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.

The Action Planning Tool supports Australian organisations to reduce their gender pay gap. It uses organisational data to identify gender pay gap 'hot spots' and provide a targeted action plan specific to the organisation. This evaluation assesses the effectiveness of the tool in building confidence, lifting knowledge and supporting organisations to take action.

This evaluation found the Murray–Darling Water and Environment Research Program delivered high‑value, policy‑relevant research that strengthened Basin management and supported water reform. It makes 7 recommendations, emphasising continued investment in research adoption, integration and long‑term funding to build an enduring research ecosystem and ensuring the Program’s full benefits are realised under future Basin challenges.