The APS Internal Consultant: Advanced Strategy, Policy & Business Case Masterclass

Overview

APS professionals are increasingly expected to act as trusted internal consultants who can bridge the gap between policy intent, strategic objectives, operational delivery and investment decisions. Whether developing Cabinet submissions, advising executives, leading transformation initiatives or preparing business cases for Government consideration, public sector professionals must possess a sophisticated blend of strategic thinking, evidence-based analysis and stakeholder engagement skills.

This masterclass equips participants with practical tools, frameworks and techniques used by senior advisers, consultants and executives across the Australian Public Service. Participants will learn how to define strategic problems, develop a robust options set, construct compelling business cases, manage complex stakeholder environments and communicate recommendations that influence decision makers. Drawing on real-world APS and Defence examples, the course provides an end-to-end methodology for progressing from problem definition through to implementation and benefits realisation.

By the end of the session, participants will have a practical toolkit to operate as high-performing internal consultants who can confidently advise executives, shape policy outcomes and deliver measurable public value.

Learning Objectives

Participants will learn how to:

Apply consulting methodologies within the APS environment
Analyse complex strategic and policy challenges
Develop evidence-based options and recommendations
Build persuasive business cases aligned to Government requirements
Engage stakeholders to achieve consensus and buy-in
Quantify costs, benefits, risks and public value outcomes
Present recommendations confidently to executives and governance bodies
Translate policy intent into practical implementation plans

Featuring Our Speakers

Alexia Hunter
Founder and CEO
Bluebird Advisory

Alexia Hunter is the Founder and CEO of Bluebird Advisory and a trusted advisor to Australian Government agencies on business case development, strategy and transformation. She has led major business cases and investment initiatives across the AER, ACCC, PM&C, Department of Defence, DEWR, MDBA and Defence Housing Australia.

Her expertise spans strategic analysis, options assessment, cost-benefit analysis, benefits realisation, governance and implementation planning. Alexia works closely with senior executives and investment boards to turn complex challenges into compelling funding proposals and practical delivery outcomes. She is passionate about building APS capability in business case development and strategic decision-making.

Who should attend?

This masterclass is designed for:

EL1 and EL2 officers
Policy professionals
Strategy and planning practitioners
Project and program managers
Business analysts
Internal consultants and advisory staff
Transformation and reform officers
Government executives responsible for investment decisions
APS staff preparing Cabinet, Ministerial or Executive Committee submissions

Topics Covered

Strategic Context and Case for Change
Requirements Definition
Options Analysis and Investment Logic
Financial Analysis, Benefits and Risk Assessment
Commercial, Delivery and Implementation Planning
Recommendations, Executive Approval and Decision Support