show episodes
 
The Australian Public Service (APS) plays a critical role in delivering the Australian Government’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and priorities for the future. Every fortnight on ‘Work with Purpose’, we will talk to key individuals from inside the APS, giving listeners a unique perspective on how the APS works and how it serves the Australian community. Work with Purpose is produced in a partnership between contentgroup and IPAA ACT, with the support of the APS Commission. Follow Wor ...
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show series
 
Dr Wendy Craik AM FTSE joins us for this episode reflecting on a career of curiosity and collaboration in service of Australia’s marine environment. Dr Wendy Craik AM FTSE has had a long and distinguished career across science, not-for-profits and the public sector. What has she learned along the way, from her time as a PhD candidate in Canada rese…
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In a first for Work with Purpose, we welcome The Hon Patrick Gorman MP to talk about his journey into politics, supporting the Prime Minister, and his vision for the use of artificial intelligence in the public service. From Assistant Minister to the Public Service, to Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, to – more recently – Assistant Ministe…
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Dr Trish Mercer, Andrew Tongue PSM and Fiona Barbaro PSM return to complete your policy essentials class with a focus on the mystical policy window, the art of foresight, and the power of evaluation. In today’s complex and fast-moving environment, opportunities to introduce a policy can be tricky to identify. Dr Trish Mercer from the Australian Nat…
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Dr Trish Mercer, Andrew Tongue PSM and Fiona Barbaro PSM take us back to the essentials of policy-making – from understanding the political environment to creating a convincing narrative. What do you need to know about the political environment to make good policy? And how do you create a narrative that gets people on board with your proposal? In t…
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Matt Yannopoulos PSM, Associate Secretary of the Department of Defence, maps out a unified approach for the public service to defend Australia’s interests. In a world with increasing geopolitical tension, collaboration across the public service remains key to protecting Australia’s security and prosperity. On this episode, David Pembroke sits down …
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In celebration of NAIDOC Week, Corey Tutt OAM from DeadlyScience and artist Ben Williams share the spirit of pride in their heritage and work. They invite you to listen closely to create true connections with First Nations peoples. How can all Australians join in celebrating First Nations peoples’ contributions? And what will it take for the public…
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Dr Amaly Khalaf and Dr Steven Munns from the Australian Public Service Commission explore psychological safety in public sector workplaces – from the desk to the frontlines. Creating workplaces which are both mentally and physically safe is a mission close to Dr Amaly Khalaf’s and Dr Steven Munn’s hearts. On this episode of Work with Purpose, they …
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Secretary of the Department of Health and Aged Care Blair Comley PSM tells the story of his public service career, and highlights how devolving leadership in the public sector can reduce risk, increase work quality and staff satisfaction. Blair Comley PSM looks back at an outstanding career across the public and private sectors, from designing the …
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As the UN Climate Change Conference wraps up in Bonn, our Work with Purpose guests Dr Mara Hammerle and Andrew Hudson discuss the link between climate change and wellbeing and share some innovative ideas for greening government procurement. Climate change remains one of the world’s most complex and systemic challenges. With a profound effect on hum…
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On today’s Work with Purpose episode, Director General of IP Australia, Michael Schwager tells IP Australia’s innovation success story, and how the broader public sector can follow in its steps. Did you know that 57 per cent of IP Australia's staff rate their culture as positively supporting innovation, 18 per cent higher than the APS average? Toda…
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On today’s Work with Purpose episode, Dr Nina Terry, Bec Bodel and Professor Brenton Prosser help you learn the ropes of human-centred design. In today's complex world, how can the public sector effectively ensure that its policies and programs are centred on the needs of the people they serve? This episode explores human-centered design as one pie…
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Today, we celebrate 100 episodes of Work with Purpose with a special conversation between two passionate public servants: Dr Gordon de Brouwer, Australian Public Service Commissioner and Thanuri Welaratne, education programs officer at Questacon. Together, they explore Gordon’s extensive career journey, covering the APS reform agenda and his report…
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Daniel Patterson has always been keen to do good for Canberra’s communities – and their backyards. On this episode of Public Sector Unearthed, the horticulture expert and passionate public servant tells us the story of Canberra’s innovative European Wasp program. Daniel shares how his team manages European wasps in the ACT, by focusing on eco-frien…
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Whilst the ‘whole-of-nation’ approach is not new on the global stage, it is still a relatively new concept in Australian international policy circles. Amidst global challenges that demand more than just government action, it is also becoming increasingly vital. Unlike the familiar whole-of-government strategy, the ‘whole-of-nation’ approach include…
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In this episode of the Public Sector Unearthed podcast, Matt Padovan and Noel Chan from the ACT public service walk us through the organisation’s innovative flexible work program. Having worked on this project well before the world had to grapple with more flexible work demands due to COVID-19, Matt, who is director of flexible work within the ACT …
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In episode 7 of the Public Sector Unearthed podcast, we hear the success story of the Fitzroy Crossing service centre's redevelopment from Ewa Griffiths and Zara Nehow, who were at the core of this initiative. Their innovative approach involved creating a co-designed space that respects local needs and incorporates elements reflecting cultural aspe…
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The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is 'Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress.' In Australia, progress toward gender equality is ongoing, yet significant challenges remain, particularly in financial security and workforce participation. Additionally, systemic issues like the undervaluation of care and the prevalence of …
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Trigger warning: This podcast discusses topics related to war and warfare, which some listeners might find distressing. If you need someone to speak with, do not hesitate to contact Beyond Blue’s 24-hour support via 1300 22 4636. As AI continues to evolve, its application in defence raises critical ethical questions. Ensuring the responsible integr…
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Despite greater flexibility and more opportunities, gender equity still has some way to go. The country’s gender pay gap persists, and women are still underrepresented in leadership positions according to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. One of the ways workplaces and women themselves are trying to turn the tide, is to offer and actively engag…
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Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used by public services globally, including in Australia, to improve policy-making and program creation. AI has immense potential to transform how the public sector functions and serves communities, from streamlining copywriting to providing strategic advice. However, there are risks and…
  continue reading
 
Neurodiversity has become an important topic in the Australian public sector. With research suggesting that teams can be 30 per cent more productive with neurodivergent professionals, workplaces stand much to gain from greater inclusivity. Yet, many public sector workplaces can still do more to be neurodiversity inclusive. In this rerun of our most…
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The Robodebt Royal Commission highlighted the tremendous impact government policy gone wrong can have on the lives of Australians. The evidence given at the royal commission hearings also brought into question the state of ‘frank and fearless advice’ in the service. In the first rerun of our best episodes in 2023, we revisit our conversation with t…
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In episode 6 of the Public Sector Unearthed podcast, we dive into the Empowered Communities program with Kristina Musial-Aderer, adviser, Empowered Communities at the National Indigenous Australians Agency, Reshaune Singer, engagement officer for NPY Empowered Communities and Jason Quin, executive manager of NPY Empowered Communities. They share ho…
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In episode 5 of the Public Sector Unearthed podcast, we go behind the scenes of the Connected Beginnings program and talk to two public servants dedicated to giving First Nations children the best start in life. Lesley Richardson, director of Connected Beginnings Angurugu at the Department of Education, Northern Territory Government, shares how her…
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Flexible work has become a staple in modern workplaces, and the public sector is no exception. With an increasing demand for work flexibility, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a shift towards more adaptable working environments. On this episode, we are joined by Clare Kelliher, professor of work and organisation at Cranfield…
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In episode 4 of the Public Sector Unearthed podcast, we shine a light on the incredible human stories behind the Regional University Study Hubs. Hearing from the program delivery point of view, we talk to Libby Beattie, assistant director in the higher education division at the Department of Education. Libby, driven by her own experiences growing u…
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In episode 3 of the Public Sector Unearthed podcast, we explore the journeys of Danni Woods, director of people and diversity, New Ways of Working program, and Olympia Sarris, departmental officer in the lived experience section at the Department of Health and Aged Care, who are dedicated to fostering inclusivity and promoting diversity in the publ…
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In this second episode of the Public Sector Unearthed series, we're joined by Jayden Swain, a dedicated diversity and inclusion advisor at Austrade. Having grown up in a small town, Jayden’s journey into the diversity and inclusion space was motivated by his passion for First Nations justice and education, and inspired by his grandparents, who were…
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From mentoring to inclusion networks, our new Work with Purpose spin-off series, Public Sector Unearthed, showcases the stories of public servants who are achieving grassroots culture change and reform. In this teaser episode, our series hosts Megan Aponte-Payne and Brock Phyland talk with Anna Ryan, Head of Communications and Engagement at the Aus…
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In 2019, the Thodey Review highlighted capability challenges and untapped potential within the Australian Public Service (APS). Two years have passed, and the APS Reform Agenda is providing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build capability and improve public service. With growing awareness of APS Reform across the service and 270 specialist ca…
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In 2019, the Thodey Review highlighted capability challenges and untapped potential within the Australian Public Service (APS). Two years have passed, and the APS Reform Agenda is providing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build capability and improve public service. With growing awareness of APS Reform across the service and 270 specialist ca…
  continue reading
 
As the Australian Public Service (APS) continues to drive its reform agenda, the importance of community engagement in addressing complex issues becomes increasingly evident. Recent challenges, such as robodebt and the relationship between the public sector and consultants, highlight the intricate balance between public good and how it connects to …
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National wellbeing measures are becoming increasingly common around the world. Joining the ranks of countries such as Scotland, New Zealand, and Germany, Australia introduced its first iteration of its national wellbeing framework, ‘Measuring What Matters’ in late July 2023. Centered around five core themes—healthy, secure, sustainable, cohesive, a…
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By fostering workplaces where people feel safe about speaking up with ideas or concerns, organisations empower their employees to thrive and unlock their full potential. This concept of psychological safety is supported by recent Work Health and Safety laws that came into effect in April this year and are being implemented across Australia. These r…
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Across Australia, there are 2.65 million people who dedicate their lives to caring for family members or friends with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related conditions. These unpaid carers, often unsung heroes, face financial hardship due to limited income opportunities, paired with the significant cost of care. Whilst caring can greatly e…
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Each year during NAIDOC week, everyone in Australia is invited to join in celebrating the rich history, culture, and achievements of First Nations peoples. While more and more Australians recognise the crucial role that First Nations peoples play in caring for the country and making it a place we can all enjoy and love living in, First Nations peop…
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Collaboration and breaking down silos are big themes in today’s public service. At the heart of APS reform sits the idea of partnership between the public service and various stakeholders such as communities, businesses, and governments. To achieve this, it needs on-the-ground collaboration that takes into consideration the interdependence of polic…
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Last week, Australia commemorated Reconciliation Week. It was a chance to celebrate progress, but also to consider the inequalities First Nations people still face in Australia. Across health, education, justice and employment, the country still has some way to go to truly close the gap. On this episode of Work with Purpose, Brendan Moyle, executiv…
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Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used by public services globally, including in Australia, to improve policy-making and program creation. AI has immense potential to transform how the public sector functions and serves communities, from streamlining copywriting to providing strategic advice. However, there are risks and…
  continue reading
 
Reliable data is critical for public policy and program development, but many public sector staff still need to build their digital capability and literacy. Currently, the APS Reform Office is reviewing the digital skills of public servants and ways to enhance their skill sets. To contribute to this important conversation, the Institute of Public A…
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Australia's public service is based on the principle of providing frank and fearless advice, where advice given is expected to be honest and politically neutral to ensure public trust. However, despite the release of official policy advice, governments are sometimes accused of ignoring or rejecting their experts, raising questions about the efficac…
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The Robodebt Royal Commission has shone a light on the tremendous impact government policy gone wrong can have on the lives of Australians. The evidence given at the royal commission hearings has also brought into question the state of ‘frank and fearless advice’ in the service. On this episode of Work with Purpose, together with two public service…
  continue reading
 
Despite greater flexibility and more opportunities, the recent International Women’s Day has again reminded Australians that gender equity still has some way to go. The country’s gender pay gap persists, and women are still underrepresented in leadership positions according to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. One of the ways workplaces and wom…
  continue reading
 
Partnerships are crucial for achieving meaningful change, whether that’s between organisations, people, or communities. Wanting to leverage this potential, advancing partnerships has come into sharp focus for the public sector through the APS reform agenda. However, developing these partnerships can be challenging – the more partners are involved, …
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The LGBTQIA+ community represents a considerable part of the Australian workforce, and many workplaces are striving to ensure they feel valued, safe, and respected. Yet, a survey by Diversity Council Australia has revealed why it is so important that organisations in Australia continue to build on that work. According to their findings, only 32 per…
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Neurodiversity has become an important topic in the Australian public sector. With research suggesting that teams can be 30 per cent more productive with neurodivergent professionals, workplaces stand much to gain from greater inclusivity. Yet, many public sector workplaces can still do more to be neurodiversity inclusive. This time, we feature thr…
  continue reading
 
The devastating 1926 Australian east coast bushfires were a critical point in history that highlighted the imperative for governments to collaborate across jurisdictions. At that time, Victoria and New South Wales worked together to establish insurance populations of species to ensure their ongoing survival. In this special re-run episode, we revis…
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The vast majority of public servants behave respectfully and civilly to their colleagues, but employee surveys of public servants across the country repeatedly show that bullying and harassment are still significant issues. There is strong evidence that it weakens institutions, undermines productivity and innovation, and poisons workplace culture. …
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Change is now the new normal, whether it is in response to an external shock, or internally generated to capitalise on an emerging strategic opportunity. With change, comes a need for workforce transformation. In this special re-run episode, we revisit the conversation we brought to our listeners in August 2022. The conversation explores the topic …
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The public service offers opportunity to contribute to positive outcomes for Australian communities and to pursue rewarding careers. It also comes with challenges, obstacles, ethical dilemmas, and racism for some of our First Nations public servants. In this special re-run of one of our most popular episodes of 2022, we revisit the conversation we …
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