From APS 6 to Assistant Director — Leading with Purpose

Through the Indigenous Development and Empowerment Program (IDEP), Josh Kelly transformed his leadership journey.

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Overview

Josh Kelly, a proud Worimi man with family connections to Biripi country and the Simon’s mob, joined the Indigenous Development and Employment Program (IDEP) as an APS 6. He was driven by a deep desire to not only grow his own skills and capabilities but to help other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees progress in their careers across the Australian Public Service.

Challenge

Like many emerging leaders, the initial challenge was gaining the skills, confidence, and strategic understanding to influence outcomes at senior levels, especially while navigating the complexities of the APS.

Cass Burgess

“Joined as APS5, now EL1 acting at EL2. IDEP builds real growth.”

Jasmine Donnelly

“Three years of growth in a culturally safe space delivered by mob, for mob.”

Shae Rodgers

“Advanced three levels from APS4 to EL1. Truly transformative.”

IDEP is amazing. I have learnt so many skills and identified early how to adapt these learnings to work within the APS landscape. I’m now influencing strategic thinking around Closing the Gap and making this place a recognised employer of choice.

Solution
Through IDEP, Josh gained critical insights and tools to thrive in the APS environment.

The program helped him identify how to apply his learnings early on through adapting meaning to contribute to strategic conversations, influence senior leadership, and work toward meaningful change, particularly in the space of Indigenous employment and cultural capability.
 

Results

  • Career Progression: After regularly acting in EL1 roles throughout the program, Josh secured a permanent promotion to EL1 and was appointed Assistant Director, Indigenous Capability Development at the Department of Social Services on 17 July.
  • Leadership Impact: IDEP provided the platform to step into high-level thinking. Through his new role he is now directly engaging with senior leadership on strategic direction, helping shape a department that champions Closing the Gap to position itself as an employer of choice for First Nations people.
  • Legacy and Purpose: Josh’s motivation to join IDEP was never just about personal gain, it was about uplifting community and creating pathways for mob to succeed.