Strengthening public service workforce planning across the Pacific

The Public Service Fale recently had the privilege of attending the Pacific Workforce Planning Conference as an observer, following the invitation of the Samoa Public Service Commission and the Australian Public Service Commission.

Hosted in Brisbane from 2 - 4 June 2026, the conference brought together more than 55 HR practitioners from across the Pacific. Over three days, the focus was on practical learning, country-led insights, and strengthening how the Workforce Planning Guideline is applied in real settings.

Samoa Public Service Commission is leading this work, supported by contributions from across the region. Their leadership, alongside the support of the Australian Public Service Commission, created the conditions for informed, country-led conversations to advance workforce planning across the Pacific.

Throughout the conference, countries shared how they are adapting the Guideline to reflect their own context and priorities. The examples shared showed steady progress and growing capability, with a strong sense of openness across countries. Participants exchanged ideas, challenges, and solutions in a way that supported collective progress.

We are grateful to and acknowledge the Samoa Public Service Commission and the Australian Public Service Commission for their leadership in this area. The Fale looks forward to seeing continued progress across the Pacific and to contributing a deeper understanding of how the Guideline may best be applied over time.