One Government Value Agreement: A Guide to Understanding and Implementing It

The One Government Value Agreement (OGVA) is a framework aimed at driving a cultural shift across the public sector to create a more cohesive, collaborative, and effective government. It represents a commitment to shared values, principles, and behaviors that underpin a modern and resilient public service.

The OGVA was introduced in 2018 as part of the Australian Government`s Public Sector Modernisation Agenda. It is built on four key values – stewardship, agility, collaboration, and respect – and seeks to promote these values across the public sector.

At its core, the OGVA is a strategy for changing how government agencies work together to achieve better outcomes for the Australian people. It is a way of breaking down silos, encouraging collaboration, and driving a culture of continuous improvement.

Stewardship: The first value of the OGVA is stewardship. This value recognizes that public sector employees are responsible for managing public resources in the best interests of the community. It emphasizes the need for accountability, transparency, and ethical behavior in all aspects of government operations.

Agility: The second value of the OGVA is agility. This value recognizes that the world is changing at an unprecedented pace, and that government must be able to adapt quickly to new challenges and opportunities. It emphasizes the need for innovation, flexibility, and resilience in the face of uncertainty.

Collaboration: The third value of the OGVA is collaboration. This value recognizes that no single agency or individual can solve complex problems alone. It emphasizes the need for cross-functional and cross-agency collaboration to achieve shared goals and outcomes.

Respect: The fourth value of the OGVA is respect. This value recognizes that diversity and inclusion are essential to a strong and effective public sector. It emphasizes the need for respect, empathy, and understanding in all interactions, both within and outside of government.

Implementing the OGVA requires a whole-of-government approach. It requires strong leadership, clear communication, and a commitment to embed the values of the OGVA into every aspect of government operations. This includes developing policies, procedures, and practices that align with the values of the OGVA, as well as providing training and support to public sector employees to embed these values into their daily work.

In summary, the OGVA is a strategic framework designed to drive cultural change across the public sector. It represents a commitment to shared values, principles, and behaviors that underpin a modern and resilient public service. Implementing the OGVA requires a whole-of-government approach and a commitment to embedding these values into every aspect of government operations. By doing so, we can work towards a more collaborative, agile, and effective public sector that delivers better outcomes for the Australian people.