On today’s episode of Work with Purpose, Andrew Walter from the Department of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and Professor Anne Tiernan from the McKinnon Institute for Political Leadership unpack the caretaker conventions.

The Australian federal election campaign is well underway – this means the Australian Public Service is now in caretaker mode. But what does this mean for the day-to-day work of public servants?

Host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, speaks with Andrew Walter, first assistant secretary of the Government Division at PM&C, and Anne Tiernan head of research and Professor of Political Leadership at the McKinnon Institute for Political Leadership, walk us through the basics, and talk about how to navigate political and administrative pitfalls. They also clarify when caretaker mode starts and ends, and how you can handle requests for information from ministers.

Key tips:

1. Get in touch your portfolio agency’s caretaker team if you have questions on caretaker conventions
2. If you’ve never been through caretaker, familiarise yourself with the guidance and speak to team members who have experienced it before
3. If a minister asks for factual information during caretaker period, you can provide it. However, be careful if it’s not the type of information you ordinarily provide, requires significant resources, or is likely to be used for campaign purposes. When in doubt, seek advice.

Show notes:

• Guidance on caretaker conventions | Department of the Prime Minister & Cabinet
• Caretaker Conventions in Australasia | Jennifer Menzies & Anne Tiernan | ANU Press
• Caretaker conventions | APS Academy

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On this episode of Work with Purpose, we hear from Ray Griggs AO CSC about what working in the navy has taught him about taking and giving feedback, and why difficult conversations are part and parcel of becoming a better leader.

Ray Griggs AO CSC looks back at a long and distinguished career in the public sector – from Australia’s Defence Force to most recently the Department of Social Services. Along the way, he navigated many difficult conversations, had his views contested, and at times, had to manage failure. In this conversation with host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, he tells us how these challenges contribute to growing as a leader – and as a human.

They also discuss managing large-scale change in complex environments, why you should always do your own fact-checking, and how solutions through new technologies need to be co-designed with Australia’s communities.

1. How you respond to people’s views and ideas is crucial. Respond the way you’d like your own leaders to respond to you.
2. Never neglect doing your own fact checking. Once you launch into the process, your credibility can be at risk.
3. Work out how real a timeline is. Sometimes we impose unrealistic timelines on ourselves.

• Valedictory: Ray Griggs AO CSC | IPAA ACT

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In this re-run of our most popular Work with Purpose episode of 2024, Dr Nina Terrey, 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 piece to solving this puzzle.

In our first re-run of 2024’s best Work with Purpose episodes, host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, convenes class with three leading experts in the design space: Bec Bodel from the Australian Taxation Office, Professor Brenton Prosser from UNSW Canberra, and Dr Nina Terrey from ThinkPlace. Together, they walk through the most important parts of the design process and discuss how empathy, creativity, and strategic thinking can truly make a difference to policy and service delivery for Australia’s communities. Our guests also share practical tips and resources, so you can hit the books and start your own design journey.

1. You don’t have to always do every prescribed step of the design process. Decide what works best for your situation, and keep in mind that discovery itself is important.
2. Work with a mixed team of people with different areas of expertise.
3. Join a design community with like-minded individuals to keep learning about best practice and new approaches.

• How to empathy map | Nielsen Norman Group
• Expand: Stretching the Future By Design | Book by Christian Bason and Jens Martin Skibsted
• Community-led project | Just Reinvest
• Policy-making through design | The Policy Lab
• Intro to human-centred design | Government of Victoria
• International Design in Government Community
• Don’t Make Me Think | Book by Steve Krug
• Human-centred design program | An outline of National Standards for Out‐of‐home Care
• Government centred design, future-led | NESTA

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According to the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC), only 4% of the APS workforce identifies with having a disability. Why is this and what can be done to change this statistic to help make the APS a more enabling, collaborative and a more inclusive workplace for those with a disability?

In this weeks episode of Work with Purpose episode we are joined by Catherine Seaberg, Assistant Commissioner leading the inclusion group at the APSC and Cain Beckett, Assistant Secretary of Policy Projects and Taskforces at the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet as they discuss improving employment outcomes for those with a disability in the APS.

Discussed in this episode:

• Reflections on personal experience of working with a disability in the APS
• Advocacy and the STEPtember initiative
• What is being done to make the APS more inclusive
• The APS Disability Employment Strategy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Now more than ever, public servants are being encouraged to take up mobility opportunities and learn from the different experiences offered within the public sector. The benefits of having an open growth mindset and a genuine commitment to understanding different workplace contexts, help us to be more flexible in our roles, and better prepares us for managing the different pathways that our careers take. Diversity of thought and experience also makes for a well-rounded leader.

This special Future Leaders inspired Work with Purpose episode is built around the concept of a how to make an impact in the first 90 days in a new job, within the context of transitioning across the private and public sectors. Guests Jill Charker, Associate Partner, at McKinsey & Company and Stephen Barrow-Yu, Assistant Secretary of Performance, Safety and Integrity at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, speak with Holly Noble, Director, Strategic Planning and Performance at the Department of Finance, and Chair of IPAA ACT’s Future Leaders Committee.

Discussed in this episode:

• The importance of growth and broadening horizons
• Managing career change and adjusting to new roles
• Cross sector relationships and leadership learnings from other sectors

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The pandemic has arguably compelled Australia’s public sector to grow and transform in a way as never seen before. It is more modern, flexible, fit for purpose and up to the task. It should be proud of its stewardship role looking after Australia’s health, social and economic needs throughout COVID-19.

Yet there is always more room to grow.

In this episode we are joined by Simon Atkinson, Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications as he is interviewed by Michael Manthorpe PSM, Commonwealth Ombudsman as part of IPAA’s Secretary Series. 

Discussed in this episode:

• Public sector diversity.
• Systems leadership.
• Mega projects.
• Importance of self-reflection and growth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Public Service Medal (PSM) pays tribute to public servants who have gone above and beyond to deliver. It pays homage to outstanding service, including service excellence, innovation, leadership and other achievements. 

In this episode we’re joined by Paul Way PSM, Director General at the Department of Defence, Dr Ros Baxter PSM, Deputy Secretary at the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and Caroline Edwards PSM, former Associate Secretary at the Department of Health and IPAA ACT Councillor. Hosted by journalist Adjunct Professor at the University of Canberra, Virginia Haussegger AM, they explore the meaning behind and significance of Public Service Medals.

Discussed in this episode:

• Panellists’ reflections on being awarded the PSM
• Inspiration in the public service
• The PSM nomination process

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One of the biggest challenges that we all face in the Australian Public Service is making our voices heard. With over 150,000 APS employees both in Australia and around the world, this can be quite the task, particularly for those considered to be part of a minority group. So how do we get people to listen? How do we ensure that our words and actions are making an impact and what steps need to be taken in order to do this?

In this episode we are joined by the Chief Executive Officer of the Torres Strait Regional Authority, Leilani Bin-Juda PSM as she is interviewed by IPAA National President Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM to discuss how to make a lasting impact on the APS.

Discussed in this episode:

• Leading a remote agency in the APS
• Torres Strait COVID-19 public sector response
• Representation in the APS
• Learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to be an Australian Public Servant? What are the skills and crafts that we need in order to serve the Australian Public in the best way that we can? The APS Academy is a place for all members of the APS to help teach and expand their skills by working on their ‘craft’ to improve their skills to do just that. Launching last week, today’s guests discuss its importance and the role the Academy will play in the future of the APS.

In this episode we are joined by Australian Public Service Commissioner, Peter Woolcott AO, Clare Walsh, the Deputy Secretary of Business Enabling Services at the Department of Finance and Dr Subho Banerjee, the Deputy CEO (Research and Advisory) at ANZSOG as they discuss the launch of the new APS Academy.

Discussed in this episode:

• What is craft and why is it important to the APS?
• How the APS Academy will help the whole of APS
• What you will be able to find on the APS Academy
• Where you can access the Academy content

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How do you lead a team during extreme and sudden times of crisis? This is something that many people all over the world have recently had to face including those in the Australian public service. Today’s interviewers, Isabelle Franklin and Megan Aponte-Payne from the IPAA Future Leaders Committee delve into this topic asking our guests how they showed leadership in crises such as the 2007-8 Global Financial Crisis and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and how these events have changed them and their leadership styles moving forward.

In this episode we are joined by Australian Statistician at the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Dr David Gruen, and Dr Ken Henry AC, the Chair of the Sir Roland Foundation at the Australian National University and a non-executive director of the Australian Securities Exchange.

Discussed in this episode:

• Importance of open and regular communication with staff.
• Balancing personal values vs. corporate ones.
• How leaders can learn from crises
• Examples of effective crisis communications

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When it comes to communicating with Indigenous communities, Government needs to be tailored in its approach to ensure messages are clearly relayed and understood. Effective communication, however, is not a one-way street and cannot rely on words alone. Culturally respectful, trust-based relationships, built over time are imperative to ensure every voice is heard, and Indigenous Australians own the decisions and policies that affect their lives and livelihoods.

In this episode we are joined by the National Indigenous Australians Agency’s Chief Executive Officer, Ray Griggs AO CSC, and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Operations and Delivery, Letitia Hope, and Justine O’Brien SCMP, President of the International Association of Business Communicators in Canberra.

Discussed in this episode:

• Engaging and connecting with Indigenous audiences.
• Cadence of partnerships and place-based relationships.
• Government as an enabler.
• Importance of all public servants recognising the impact they can have in their Agency.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

COVID-19 has created boom time for criminals who seek to deceive for financial and personal gain. These scammers and fraudsters, who've been out in force leveraging the insecurities created byCOVID-19 and the power of digital technology, have launched millions of websites, email, investment employee, supply chain, and charity scams. The global reach of this digital criminal activity has brought governments, businesses, academia, and the third sector to from across the globe together to counter these criminal activities.

This episode brings unique insight and approaches to international perspectives on counter fraud, with a focus on UK, New Zealand and Australia. Guests include Julie Read, Director and Chief Executive at the Serious Fraud Office in New Zealand, Mark Cheeseman OBE, Director of the UK Government Counter Fraud Function, and Andrew Walter, First Assistant Secretary at the Integrity and Security Division at the Attorney General’s Department.

Discussed in this episode:

• Capabilities governments are building and collaborating on to counter fraud and scams.
• What Australia is learning from the experiences of other nations.
• The true cost of fraud to the public sector.
• How COVID-19 has changed the profile of fraud.
• New approaches governments are taking to seek out fraud.

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This year has seen Australia face many crises including flood, mice plagues and of course the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. And this is off the back of a crisis filled 2020. So we've really witnessed an accumulative impact. It's really timely today for us just to take this time in this episode, to really explore how, as public servants or former public servants, how we can really draw from our own reserves and our own experiences and create that sense of certainty for our future.

In this episode of Work with Purpose, we are joined by the President of IPAA National, Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM, as he chats with Assistant Secretary of the Department of Education, Skills and Employment, Rachel O’Connor as they discuss strategic thinking in a crisis.

Brouwer and O’Connor begin this episode by sharing some of their own personal experiences during recent times of crises. How have they built resilience? What skills did they draw on as public servants?

The pair also discuss how they connect with the public during difficult times. How do they build relationships with them? How do they ensure that there is trust in the public service?

The episode finishes with Rachel and Gordon sharing their main lessons which they have learnt about strategic thinking during times of crisis. How do you think when under pressure? How can we use the skills we have learnt during a crisis in future endeavours?

Discussed in this episode:

·        The elements of strategic thinking

·        How to build resilience after a crisis

·        Gaining trust of the public during critical times

·        How we can use the skills we have learnt in a crisis in everyday life

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Join us in unpacking the best conversations of Work with Purpose in 2024 – from tips for human-centred design to understanding how the public sector can join hands in defence of Australia.

As the year comes to a close, we listen back to some of our fantastic 2024 Work with Purpose guests, reflecting on the sector’s most pressing challenges, innovative ideas, and inspiring stories.

Presented by David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, our guests give us many gifts – tips on reimagining leadership and collaboration, navigating workplace safety, ethical governance, and innovation, and designing better programs and policies with humans at the centre. We also return to learning about the most important tools for effective policymaking and the critical role of national security and defence. And finally, of course, we celebrate the stories of passion for public service past and present.

Key tips

1.       Engage in diversity of thinking – involving them will be beneficial for you and the programs you’re designing.

2.       To combat burnout, set boundaries around your workloads and encourage your team to do the same.

3.       For the best results in policymaking, you need to understand the policy window – the right time and political will need to combine.

4.       If you want to see change, you need to have uncomfortable conversations about your and others’ biases.

Show notes

• Work with Purpose APS | LinkedIn
• IPAA ACT | LinkedIn
• Work with Purpose | Newsletter
• Work with Purpose | Blog

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The OECD says that the context and challenges of the public sector are changing at such a rapid pace that the capabilities of public servants must keep up. It's a first-order issue as organisations seek to understand just what are the skills, the knowledge, the behaviour, and the attitude that they will need in their people to successfully compete and operate in a digitally-enabled data-led mobile world. The APS, being the diligent enterprise that it is, has been thinking and planning about this for the past few years has now created a document to address this very issue.

In this episode of Work with Purpose, we are joined Mary Wiley-Smith, former Assistant Commissioner at the Australian Public Service Commission and Clare Walsh, Deputy Secretary of Business Enabling Services at the Department of Finance.

Wiley-Smith and Walsh spend this episode mainly discussing the newly released APS Workforce Strategy for 2025. How should those in the APS utilise this strategy? How will it assist in attracting others to join the APS?

The pair also discuss where the strategy will lead the APS digitally. What will the APS see in the future in terms of ICT? Will there be more staff from the ‘digital world’ joining the APS in the next few years?

The episode finishes with the ladies chatting about leadership. Why is leadership so important in any organisation? What does leadership mean across the public service?

Discussed in this episode:

·        The APS Workforce Strategy for 2025

·        What all those across the APS can learn from the workforce strategy

·        The rise of digital in the future of the APS

·        Why leadership is so important across all sectors of work.

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In 2020, a year of uncertainty and risk, the Australian public saw the APS rely on the minds of scientists, and others that work within STEM, like they never have before. A field that in the past has been predominately filled by men, is starting to see some powerful and influential women rise to the top. How did they make it? What choices and career moves did these women make to assist in rising to roles of leadership and how do they advise some of Australia’s most senior politicians on how evidence-based research can help inform decisions and policy?

In this episode of Work with Purpose, we are joined Dr. Cathy Foley AO PSM, Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Cayt Rowe, Deputy Program Leader at the Department of Defence, and Professor Tanya Monro, Chief Defence Scientist at the Department of Defence.

Foley, Rowe and Monro start off this episode discussing how they worked their way to a leadership role in STEM. What career moves do you have to make? What can you learn about yourself from being in a role of leadership?

The trio also explain how they use their roles to ensure that government officials are taking into account the views of scientists. How do you grab their attention? How has this role changed since the beginning of COVID-19?

The episode finishes with the ladies sharing their views on women in leadership. What challenges do women face in their careers? How do we make the APS more equal for both men and women?

Discussed in this episode:

·        The growing role that STEM is playing in government.

·        How scientists are working with and informing government during the pandemic.

·        The obstacles that women face when rising to the top in their careers.

·        Why a diverse workplace is key to the success of the APS.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month marks the one-year anniversary of Work with Purpose. To celebrate, we’re releasing a special highlights edition featuring some of the remarkable insights shared with us over the past year, from some of our most popular episodes with speakers from across the public sector.

In this special episode, we pay homage to the Australian public sector as it took centre stage delivering the Australian Government's agenda supporting the Australian community and the economy throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

We share some of the key themes that resonated across the public sector throughout 2020. We also bring insight into the lives of those people who have kept the wheels ably turning during these challenging and uncertain times.

Our Work with Purpose speakers are shining examples of dedication, humility, aptitude, empathy, tutelage, collaboration and leadership.

It’s been a privilege working with and listening to these public servants, academics, and representatives from business and not-for-profit sectors speak so passionately and intelligently about their areas of expertise, sharing how they and their colleagues are working tirelessly to make Australia, and the world, a much better place.

We hope you enjoy this special as much as we have enjoyed bringing the Work with Purpose podcast series to you since its inception one year ago.

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Whether you work inside or outside of the APS, it is safe to say that 2020, for the most of us, was quite the challenging year. With our work, home and day-to-day lives being forced to change at such a rapid rate, people around the globe learnt to adjust. However along with this, the world didn’t put the rest of life’s challenges on hold, meaning that some of us had a lot of weight to carry on our shoulders. So when our shoulders are sore, and we’re starting to feel ‘a bit over it’, how do we build resilience to come out on the other side?

In this episode of Work with Purpose, we are joined by Dominic Price, Work Futurist at Australian software company, Atlassian.

Price starts off this episode on a personal note. He explains some of the hardships that he has faced in the last 12 months. How did he deal with the challenges that faced him? How did he build resilience?

He also touches on ‘the new workforce’ and reflects on working from home. Are we being more or less productive? Is it something that we should continue to do, even when the pandemic ends?

Price ends the interview giving listeners some tips on how to reprioritize their lives. What is important to you? Where do you want to be five years from now?

Discussed in this episode:

• How to stay positive and build resilience.
• The positives and negatives of working from home.
• What skills 2020 has given those in the corporate world.
• Why now is the time to reprioritize your life.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As life in the Australian Public Service continues to move at a scorching pace in delivering the priorities of the government, the increasing influence of digital technology and data in defining new ways of working to deliver value for citizens has never been more important. At the heart of this transformation is the mission to make the lives of Australians simpler, safer, and better. Nowhere is this mission more obvious or more important than the work of the National Disability Insurance Agency, which is implementing a program to deliver individualised, self-directed care packages to over a half a million Australians.

In this episode of Work with Purpose, we are joined by Martin Hoffman, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), and the former President of IPAA NSW.

Hoffman starts off the episode explaining some of the previous roles he has held in the APS, such as being the head of the Services Australia Taskforce and working with Services New South Wales. What was the contrast between the two? How is different working at a state versus federal level?

He also touches on his current work at the NDIA. What were his first impressions? How did the COVID-19 pandemic change their system both internally and externally?

Hoffman concludes the conversation focusing on what he sees as the priorities for the NDIA for the next 12 to 18 months and how these priorities will be delivered to those within the disability community.

Discussed in this episode:

·        The difference between working at state and federal levels of government.

·        What cultural elements are needed to build strong performing teams in the APS.

·        How the COVID-19 pandemic shaped the NDIA.

·        How to communicate your agencies priorities to citizens and stakeholders in an effective and manageable way. 

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The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of being able to find, access, analyse, and share trusted and reliable digital information in a timely and responsive manner. The National Archives, like most of the APS have been extremely busy during the pandemic, ensuring that the governments most important records are documented, so that they can be held as part of the National Archives archival collection.

In this episode of Work with Purpose, we are joined by David Fricker, the Director-General of the National Archives of Australia, and the current President of the International Council on Archives.

Fricker walks us through what the team at the National Archives have been doing since the beginning of the pandemic. How are they recording information? Why is it important that this moment is captured in time?

He also touches on the effectiveness of Australia’s information management system. How does it rank against other countries around the world? What steps can we take to improve Australia’s information management system?

Fricker rounds out the episode on a personal note, explaining how he has changed since the beginning of the pandemic and how he has realised he is capable of more than he initially thought.

Discussed in this episode:

·        How the National Archives of Australia are recording and documenting the COVID-19 pandemic.

·        Where Australia ranks compared to the rest of the world in effective information management systems.

·        How the National Archives deal with dis and misinformation.

·        Why it is essential that all sectors of the APS collaborate with the National Archives.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020 will be forever remembered as the year of the COVID-19 pandemic. But in Australia, the ferocious bushfires of 2019 that burned well into the new year will never be forgotten. The strain of such significant events was recognised early and the National Bushfire Recovery Agency and the Mental Health Commission worked quickly to deliver necessary support. But more was to come as the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was realised.

In this episode of Work with Purpose, we are joined by Andrew Colvin, the national coordinator of the National Bushfire Recovery Agency, and Christine Morgan, the chief executive officer of the National Mental Health Commission and the National Suicide Prevention Adviser to the Prime Minister.

Morgan explains how the stigma around mental health has changed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. How do people view mental health now compared to 2019? What can we do to further improve the stigma around mental health?

Colvin discusses mental health in relation to the 2019, 2020 Australian summer bushfires. How do we overcome trauma, grief and tragedy? How should the APS make themselves available to Australians in times of need?

Together Morgan and Colvin discuss these questions as well as explain how the National Bushfire Recovery Agency and the Mental Health Commission work together when it comes to bushfire relief.

Discussed in this episode:

·        What COVID-19 taught us about mental heath.

·        How the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the National Bushfire Recovery Agency.

·        Advice on what you can do to improve the stigma around mental health.

·        The work the National Bushfire Recovery Agency has done since the 2019/ 2020 summer bushfires.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this week’s Special Episode of Work with Purpose we are joined by Jacqui Curtis, Head of the HR Profession, Randall Brugeaud, Head of the Digital Profession and Dr David Gruen, Head of the Data Profession.

As part of the 2019 Independent Review of the Public Service, the Government agreed to establish Professions to build capability and support career paths in critical areas. In response, Secretaries Board established APS Professional Streams, headed by Australian Public Service Commissioner, Peter Woolcott AO. Along with the Commissioner, today’s guests, as Heads of Profession are responsible for capability uplift in their areas of focus, in digital, data, and human resources, drawing on international best practice.

In a deliberate, strategic approach to setting professional standards, implementing career pathways and addressing skills gaps, the Professional Streams are being delivered collaboratively across the APS to make sure there is a cross-agency approach to delivering government services.

The Professional Streams have already demonstrated successes in building networks and ways to strategically recruit, develop, grow and retain talent in leadership roles and improve capability of the public service workforce.

Discussed in this episode:

• The establishment and purpose of the Professional Streams.
• Building networks to strategically recruit, develop, grow and retain talent.
• The opportunities available through the Professional Streams.
• Supporting the cross-agency approach to delivering government services.
• What’s next for the Professional Streams.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

COVID-19 presents the perfect example of the modern, complex, and rapidly evolving challenges facing the APS. The government is responding flexibly to demand on high priority, cross-cutting policy and delivery issues, with its ability to act efficiently and effectively hinging on principles of collaboration and mobility. 

Recently we’ve seen the emergence of various taskforces and the development of the APS Mobility Framework. These resources have supported government through some of the most difficult times in our nation’s history.

In this episode of Work With Purpose, a different perspective is captured by host Chevelle Grey - Assistant Director, Policy & Portfolio Strategy Branch at the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. Chevelle is joined by taskforce and mobility experts Simon Duggan, Deputy Secretary from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Patrick Hetherington, First Assistant Commissioner at the Australian Public Service Commission and Teresa McMichael, Senior Adviser, Policy Projects and Taskforce Office, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Speakers discuss their thoughts and experiences regarding taskforces and mobility. While they advocate for the notion of many heads being better than one and agree that mobility has underpinned many of the greatest APS successes, they also remind us that there is a time and place for using such approaches. Tune in and hear our panel discuss all things taskforces, mobility and where you can uncover the most important tools for responding to dynamic and complex issues facing the APS.

Discussed in this episode:

·        The shift towards taskforces and APS mobility.

·        Personal taskforce insights from the panel.

·        A closer look at the APSC Taskforce Toolkit.

·        The APS Reform Agenda.

·        Questions from IPAA’s Future Leaders Committee. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The rise of cyber crime and cyber warfare have forced governments around the world to rethink how they define safety and security. With Australia experiencing a record number of cyber threats, the role of government in combatting this threat is more important than ever.

In this episode of Work with Purpose, we are joined by Hamish Hansford, the First Assistant Secretary of the Cyber, Digital and Technology Policy Division at the Department of Home Affairs.

Hansford discusses his journey to becoming one of the government’s leading cyber security decision makers. He looks back on his twenty-year career in the Australian Public Service (APS), sharing the key insights he has picked up along the way.

He discusses his contribution to Australia’s cyber security infrastructure, as well as the impacts of COVID-19 on our use of digital technologies. What are the positive aspects of this change, and where do we have to be careful in navigating our increasing presence online?

Although the big, but less common cyber attacks attract the most attention, cyber security is actually an everyday occurrence we must all defend against. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) receives one cyber crime report every 10 minutes.

Hansford discusses the role that individuals play in the fight against cyber threats, as well the public service as a whole. How can the APS collectively defend itself against the increasing number of cyber threats?

Discussed in this episode:

·      The future of cyber security and cyber threats. Will it get worse?

·      What the government must do to improve Australia’s preparedness toward cyber threats.

·      Advice about how to reduce your own susceptibility to cyber threats.

·      The career of Hamish Hansford, along with his advice for people beginning their APS careers. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TW: mental health and suicide

On our first ever Work with Purpose live episode, we shine a light on men’s mental health – from the numbers to the stories behind them – with Matthew Short from the Department of Health, Matthew Breen from Running for Resilience, and Lachlan Vivian-Taylor from Comcare.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, about 42 per cent of men will experience a mental health disorder in their lives; they are our partners, family, friends, and colleagues. So, how can everyone contribute to lifting the stigma around men’s mental health, and build workplaces and communities where they feel safe to talk about it if they so choose?

Hosted by David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, our Work with Purpose live panel – Matthew Short, assistant secretary of the Child, Youth and Priority Populations, Matthew Breen, co-founder of Running for Resilience, and Lachlan Vivian-Taylor, general manager, Claims Management Group at Comcare – highlight the stories behind the numbers, including their own. They also talk about how you can look after yourself and those around you, and why it matters how you respond, not what happens to you.

Key tips:

1. Exercise and community can help you take your mind of whatever you’re feeling in that moment.
2. As part of government, work hand-in-hand with communities to prevent mental health challenges and support those who are struggling.
3. Check in with your friends, colleagues and family and be prepared to listen.

If this episode raises concerns for you, help is available. Please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 1300 22 4636.

Show notes:

• National phone service | Head to Health
• National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing | Australian Bureau of Statistics
• Psychosocial hazards | Comcare
• Running for Resilience
• Tough Guy Book Club

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In our final instalment of the 2020 Retrospective Series of Work with Purpose, we give you our episode with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

In this podcast, you will hear from the CEO of ACIAR Andrew Campbell along with his incredible team. If you want to hear some inspiring stories about the APS, this is a must-listen.

One might not necessarily associate an APS career with building fish ladders along the Mekong river to facilitate upstream fish passage and feed millions of people who rely on this important protein. Or measuring soil moisture to inform farmers exactly when, and how much to water their crops. Or developing climate-smart livestock product systems to improve overall livestock health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

These are just some of the extraordinary projects that ACIAR are leading, in partnership with academia, industry and international governments, to improve the lives and livelihoods of developing communities across the globe, as well as back home in Australia.

In this episode of ‘Work with Purpose – Global Perspectives’, ACIAR’s CEO, Andrew Campbell, leads an awe-inspiring discussion with ACIAR Research Program Managers: Dr Ann Fleming, Fisheries, Dr Anna Okello, Livestock Systems, and Dr Robyn Johnston, Water and Climate. They discuss:

• Applying excellence in Australian scientific research to address global agricultural and environmental issues
• Considering broader sociocultural, gender, policy and economic contexts when working with international communities and governments
• Managing biosecurity threats before they reach Australian shores
• Empowering communities to improve their own livelihoods and socio-economic prospects
• Forging enduring partnerships across government, academia, industry and community

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we continue our 2020 Retrospective Series of Work with Purpose. In our last episode, we re-played our episode with Professor Brendan Murphy and Caroline Edwards.

This week we are giving you another opportunity to listen to our episode with the Secretary of the Treasury Dr. Steven Kennedy, the CEO of the Commonwealth Bank Matt Comyn and the Senior Economics Writer for the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age Jessica Irvine.

It’s the largest piece of Australian Government spending in history. Secretary of the Australian Treasury Dr. Steven Kennedy gives an insider’s view of the JobKeeper program.

They discuss the decision making and design of JobKeeper, why a demand-driven stimulus approach was chosen, and the differences between Australia’s and other international governments’ fiscal responses to the pandemic.

Discussed in this episode:

• The rationale for the JobKeeper and JobSeeker programs.
• Avoiding a fiscal cliff and what happens next.
• Where that $60 billion shortfall came from.
• Keeping people in jobs and homes.
• Providing certainty in uncertain times.
• Using business intelligence to assess policy impact.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we begin the 2020 Retrospective Series of Work with Purpose. Over the coming weeks, we will be uploading some of the podcast highlights from 2020.

In this week’s episode of Work with Purpose, we re-play contentgroup CEO David Pembroke’s June interview with Professor Brendan Murphy and Caroline Edwards. He loves Italy, her mother was born in Spain. He is learning to sing; she grew up with a father who was totally blind.

In this remarkable interview, Work with Purpose speaks to the people and the partnership that subdued the COVID-19 health crisis in Australia. Both Brendan and Caroline were instrumental in crafting Australia’s medical response to COVID-19. With the pandemic still going today, their perspective is just as insightful today as it was in June.

Brendan Murphy recounts the heartache of closing Australia’s borders and many businesses. Caroline Edwards tells of the late-night WhatsApp conversations with her family in Spain as the virus tore through that European country up ending their way of life.

In this powerful and personal episode of Work with Purpose, you are left reassured that Australia’s “Team Health’, a team of thousands of hard working, intelligent public servants pulled together to get it done when it mattered most.

Discussed in this episode:

• Professor Murphy’s love for languages.
• When the Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy first heard of COVID-19.
• The COVID-19 protection processes.
• Suspending “normal” department rules and processes.
• Professor Brendan Murphy dealing with newfound fame.
• Partnerships between government departments to support Australians.

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Trust in the Australian Commonwealth Government has risen to new heights during the COVID-19 pandemic. With 2020 coming to a close, this podcast explores this year’s increase in political trust, and how trust levels will be shaped in the near future.

In this special episode of the Work with Purpose podcast, we are joined by the Director of Democracy 2025 Professor Mark Evans. He is interviewed by one of Australia’s most distinguished political journalists Michelle Grattan AO.

The two discuss recent global research into perceptions of political institutions, looking specifically at Australia’s level of trust within a global context. Where does Australia sit in terms of political polarisation and support for our political institutions?

Despite the increase in trust we have seen in 2020, the pair discuss the decline in trust prior to 2020, and how Australia can avoid returning to its comparatively low pre-2020 levels.

The pair also explore the changing perceptions toward the Australian Public Service (APS), and what the APS can do to sustain and improve support for Australia’s political institutions.

They identify the key changes that COVID-19 have wrought on Australia’s political, economic and diplomatic landscape. Which of these changes are here to stay, and which will soon be forgotten?

Discussed in this episode:

• How Australia compares to other nations in its levels of polarisation and trust.
• The changing role of the APS, and what caused these changes.
• What caused the increase in trust in 2020, and how Government can sustain it.
• How the APS can contribute to maintaining support for government beyond 2020.

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While the Northern Territory has been comparatively free from the coronavirus, with only 53 confirmed cases, COVID-19 has still presented numerous and complex challenges. Just consider the logistical complications of the region’s vast expanse and diverse population, which includes some of Australia’s most remote communities. 

Jodie Ryan, Chief Executive of the Northern Territory Government’s Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet, believes however, that the COVID-19 crisis has brought the territory to a positive tipping point. The investment in their response - including relationships built, new ways of doing things, risks taken and lessons learnt - will help to cast a more effective NT public service that better serves its citizens.  

In this episode IPAA National President, Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM, and Jodie discuss:

·        Redefining public service roles to invigorate organisational focus and a sense of achievement

·        Transforming a dispersed workforce in collaboration and team dynamics, ownership and participation

·        Strengthening relationships with Aboriginal organisations and communities through broader, deeper and more regular consultation

·        Providing quality digital connection across the territory to improve citizen’s health, wellbeing and quality of life

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With each state and territory having such different pandemic experiences, how do you support businesses to keep operating?

We hear from two of Australia’s key workplace regulatory authorities in this week’s edition of Work With Purpose.  

We are joined by Sandra Parker PSM, the Fair Work Ombudsman, and Sue Weston PSM, the CEO of Comcare, which is Australia's national work, health, and safety, and workers' compensation authority.

They explain how the government is taking a common sense approach to legislation, and is adjusting compliance and enforcement policies to see jobs kept and employees protected.  

They also speak candidly about how to best support service delivery teams, as personnel are faced with rapidly changing policy, distraught customers, and uncertainty in their own personal lives.

Finally, as concerns about the mental health impacts of COVID-19 mount, they speak to help programs already underway across the country to support workers.

Discover the hard work underway behind the scenes to ensure Australia keeps working safely.

Discussed in this episode:

-         Adjusting compliance and enforcement policies to respond to the challenges of COVID-19

-         Building awareness of mental health issues in the workplace, and resourcing help programs to support Australian’s resilience

-         The lasting impact of COVID-19 on wellbeing and occupational health and safety policies

-         Sustaining staff wellbeing through open communication and leadership. 

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Whether it’s managing supply chains for troops in East Timor, or guiding an Australian Government department through the COVID-19 crisis, shared purpose and mission are critical.

It is this shared sense of purpose and mission that enables teams to achieve extraordinary outcomes for the people they serve.

How do you tap into this shared purpose when staff are distributed across working arrangements and the Australian Public Service as a whole?

The first female Major General of the Australian Army, and now Secretary of the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Liz Cosson AM CSC, has devoted her career to serving the nation and its people.

Liz Cosson shares her insights in conversation with David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup on this week’s episode of Work with Purpose.

Discussed in this episode:

-         The importance of applying flexibility to staff working arrangements

-         Using communications to engage and align staff around shared workplace missions

-         Maintaining cultural change through 2020 and beyond

-         Transforming service delivery to better serve the veteran community

-         Crossing the divide between Defence and DVA.

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As COVID-19 changes the rules of access, how do our cultural institutions remain vibrant, relevant, and resilient? In this week’s episode of Work with Purpose, leaders from three of Australia’s best-loved institutions describe how they and their teams met the challenge.

Doubling down on purpose, seeing COVID as an opportunity for innovation and staying close to local people were three of the successful strategies employed.

Dr. Marie-Louise Ayres, Director-General of the National Library of Australia; Dr. Mathew Trinca AM, Director of the National Museum of Australia; and Dr. Rachael Coghlan, CEO and Artistic Director of Craft ACT: Craft and DESIGN Canberra Festival joined us to share their insights at this IPAA Future Leaders conversation.

This episode is hosted by IPAA Future Leaders Committee members Megan Aponte-Payne, Assistant Director at the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and Michael Sanese, Manager of People and Organisation consulting at PriceWaterhouseCoopers.

Discussed in this episode:

–        How to keep teams connected to maintain morale, ingenuity and innovation

–        Using COVID-19 as an innovation driver across complex organisations

–        Maximising digital and physical exhibition opportunities to keep serving the public

–        Keeping organisations aligned with their vision, mission, and objectives throughout changing circumstances.

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One might not necessarily associate an APS career with building fish ladders along the Mekong river to facilitate upstream fish passage and feed millions of people who rely on this important protein. Or measuring soil moisture to inform farmers exactly when, and how much to water their crops. Or developing climate-smart livestock product systems to improve overall livestock health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

These are just some of the extraordinary projects the perhaps lesser known Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) are leading, in partnership with academia, industry and international governments, to improve the lives and livelihoods of developing communities across the globe, as well as back home in Australia.

In this special episode of ‘Work with Purpose – Global Perspectives’, ACIAR’s Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Campbell, leads an awe-inspiring discussion with ACIAR Research Program Managers: Dr Ann Fleming, Fisheries, Dr Anna Okello, Livestock Systems, and Dr Robyn Johnston, Water and Climate. They discuss:

• Applying excellence in Australian scientific research to address global agricultural and environmental issues
• Considering broader sociocultural, gender, policy and economic contexts when working with international communities and governments
• Managing biosecurity threats before they reach Australian shores
• Empowering communities to improve their own livelihoods and socio-economic prospects
• Forging enduring partnerships across government, academia, industry and community

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How long will we be in the “new normal”, and how do we keep workplace cultures, relationships and productivity growing throughout?

On this episode, we are joined by Rosemary Huxtable PSM, the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Chris Moraitis PSM, the head of the Attorney General's Department.

From their unique perspectives leading the teams that underpin much of government services, they talk candidly about the challenges of navigating such uncertain times, and share their pride in the strength of their people and the institutions they support.

The importance of workplace culture, and tending it through new working technologies is discussed, as well as top skills future leaders will need to manage future work environments. For a candid view of the APS at the highest levels, this episode is not to be missed.

Discussed in this episode:

·        Skills needed to lead digital workforces

·        Opportunities for diversity and workplace inclusion

·        Enabling workplace innovation at the team level

·        Maintaining the benefits of flexible work post-pandemic

·        The importance of emotional intelligence

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Today, Dr Antonio Di Dio from the Professional Services Review talks about how to identify burnout and support yourself and your team members when they struggle with mental health challenges.

The end of the year is inching closer, but for many working in the public sector, the next time-hungry project is just around the corner, increasing pressure on their mental health and wellbeing. In 2023, 1 in 3 respondents to the APS Census reported feeling burnt out by their work – so, how can organisations and individuals stem the tide?

On this episode of Work with Purpose, host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup speaks with Dr Antonio Di Dio, long-term GP and director of the Professional Services Review, about the state of burnout in the sector, and why caring for your work can be both a blessing and a curse. Antonio highlights the need for education about what causes burnout and offers some practical strategies to help support yourself and those around you, from setting boundaries to self-care and regular breaks.

Key tips

1.     Support people in getting the right diagnosis so they can get treatment.

2.   Whilst you can’t always do much about the workflow, ensure you have clear expectations and give recognition to your staff for their work.

3.    Watch out for: perfectionism, pessimism, overachieving and strong need for control – people with these qualities are at the highest risk of burnout.

Show notes

• The 2023 APS Employee Census Overall results | Australian Public Service Commission
• Public Sector Neurodiversity Community of Practice | Australian Public Service Commission
• Professional Services Review
• Burnout diagnosis one step closer with new clinical checklist and predictor of which personalities are most at risk | Black Dog Institute

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How do you cut a government form down from 164 questions to 10 without losing the rigour?

How can you leverage existing business information systems to take the hassle out of payroll and superannuation guarantees?

These are just two of the innovations introduced by public servants this year to make Australians lives easier.

The Public Sector Innovation Awards highlight public servants who rethink government services to make them easier to access and use.

On this week’s episode, David Pembroke sits down with Helen Bailey, Manager of the Public Sector Innovation Network, and representatives from award-winners Services Australia and the Australian Tax Office to discover how large scale innovation projects were delivered.  

Ailsa Borwick, National Manager of Employment Income and Single Touch Payroll joins us to talk about simplifying JobKeeper forms on behalf of Services Australia.

Jason Lucchese, Assistant Commissioner of the Superannuation and Employer Obligations of the Single Touch Payroll Programme joins on behalf of the Australian Tax Office.

Discussed in this episode:

·        Identifying where to target innovation efforts

·        The importance of knowing your customer journey

·        What does user-centred design look like in practice?

·        The importance of team building to deliver major innovations

·        Connecting innovation with the priorities of your authorising environment

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The ways we work have changed drastically this year, yet according to Telstra CEO Andy Penn, it’s only just getting started. Strap yourselves in. Things are about to get interesting.

Australians have adopted digital technologies at an unprecedented pace during COVID-19 which has delivered benefits including mitigating skills shortages, improved work-life balance and increased workforce satisfaction.

Much of this change relies on the reliability of the telecommunications network run by Andy Penn.

In this episode of Work with Purpose, Andy Penn discusses the future of work in Australia; the adoption of emerging technologies like 5G, artificial intelligence and cloud computing; and how industry is partnering with government to accelerate the post-pandemic recovery.

In Andy Penn’s opinion, Australia is well placed to capture a bright digital future.

From an industry perspective of working with government, enjoy this conversation with contentgroup Founder and CEO, David Pembroke.

Discussed in this episode:

·        Forecasting the future of work

·        Sustaining the pace of technology adoption

·        COVID as an accelerator for the move to a digital economy

·        How technologies like 5G, cloud computing & artificial intelligence will enable smart cities of the future.

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From the first floor of a Belconnen Tavern to the shadows of Parliament House.

Drew Baker’s transformative term as a leader of the ACT Branch of the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA), is one of energy, strategy and opportunism.

With his trademark eye for detail, Drew grew the organisation’s profile into one of Australia’s most important public sector institutions.

In this week’s edition of Work with Purpose, Drew is joined in conversation with David Pembroke, Carmel McGregor and IPAA’s incoming CEO, Caroline Walsh.

We learn that it was indeed Carmel who convinced Drew over coffee to take on the role of IPAA CEO and that Caroline and Drew were once EL1 colleagues in the APS.

Drew Baker has made a remarkable contribution to IPAA.

We hope you enjoy his story.

Discussed in this episode:

• Recognising, celebrating and connecting public servants
• The importance of peer connections and networking
• Key achievements of the IPAA ACT team over the past 5 years
• Future plans for the direction of IPAA ACT

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It’s the largest piece of Australian Government spending in history. Now, Secretary to the Australian Treasury Dr. Steven Kennedy gives an insider’s view of the JobKeeper program.

In this unmissable episode of Work with Purpose, Secretary of the Treasury, Dr. Steven Kennedy and CEO of the Commonwealth Bank Matt Comyn is joined in conversation with Jessica Irvine, the senior economics writer for The Sydney Morning Herald and the Age newspapers.

They discuss the decision making and design of JobKeeper, why a demand-driven stimulus approach was chosen, and the differences between Australia’s and other international government fiscal responses to the pandemic.

Discussed in this episode:

• The rationale for JobKeeper and JobSeeker programs
• Avoiding a fiscal cliff and what happens next
• Where that $60 billion shortfall came from
• Keeping people in jobs and homes
• Providing certainty in uncertain times
• Using business intelligence to assess policy impact

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To serve the public in the face of a rapidly-adapting health threat, the Australian Government has evolved to match.

Collaboration across federal, state and territory lines is heightened, and set to continue as the APS looks to strengthen its culture of communications and data sharing to support effective service delivery, as Philip Gaetjens, Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, discusses with contentgroup CEO David Pembroke on this episode of Work with Purpose.

Philip has a distinguished record, serving as the Chief of Staff to two former Treasurers, Peter Costello and Scott Morrison, and the Secretary of the Treasury before being appointed to his current position as Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet in September of last year.

Philip is joined by PM&C Graduate, Eleanor Kay, to reflect on the rapid pace of change inside the APS, and how he sees data, communications and a shared purpose of serving the Australian people driving the APS of the future.

Discussed in this episode:

• Changes in technology across the public service
• Minimising the economic impact of COVID-19
• The impact of the health crisis on Australians
• Building a culture of data usage and exchange across the APS
• The role of leadership communications in workplace motivation and wellbeing

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Fiji’s coordinated response to COVID-19 with Bernadette Welch 

Work with Purpose – Global Perspectives explores the important work Australian Public Servants do around the world to deliver not just for Australians, but for the people of many other countries. It is an important and critical part of Australia’s role in the world in diverse areas such as health, trade, agriculture, defence, national security, and diplomacy.

In this first episode of Work with Purpose – Global Perspectives, IPAA’s National President Dr. Gordon de Brouwer PSM, is in conversation with Bernadette Welch PSM who until recently, was the Fijian Government’s permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services.

Fiji is made up of over 300 islands and around 130 of them are populated. So, when it comes to providing health and medical services, there are unique challenges.

Discussed in this episode:

• The emergence of the pandemic and Fiji’s quick response
• The implementation of Fiji’s COVID-19 Taskforce
• Building trust with the community with effective communication tactics
• Working with the World Health Organisation
• The importance of a good working relationship across government including the Military and Police Force
• The continuity of delivering services while dealing with a global pandemic

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In South Australia perceptions and trust in the public service has doubled over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic and now sits at around 60 to 70 per cent.

In this episode of Work with Purpose — A National Perspective, Erma Ranieri, the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment, talks about how the South Australian public service has responded to the pandemic and is working to strengthen the resilience of its workforce.

Discussed in this episode:

• Innovation employed during the emergency response to the pandemic.
• Rapid deployment of public servants to areas of need.
• Speed in which the public service has adapted to different ways of working.
• How mental health support has been provided to people across the public service.
• The central role the public service has played in protecting the citizens of South Australia.

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Federal Parliament staff including security and hospitality workers joined the Services Australia response to the COVID-19 pandemic as committee rooms in the Parliament building were converted to makeshift call centres.

In this week’s episode of Work with Purpose we speak with the Secretary of Department of Parliamentary Service, Rob Stefanic and his deputy, Cate Saunders about how their team rallied around APS whole of government effort to help the Australian people.

As the heart of the Australian democracy, Parliament is a critically important institution.

But as a “city within a city’’, the Federal Parliament building is also normally a thriving tourist destination attracting thousands of visitors from across Australia and around the world each day.

Discussed in this episode:

• What questions are being asked within the ‘Wall Room’
• The Parliament’s Pandemic Plan
• Ensuring the continuity of Parliamentary services
• IPAA Future Leader questions 

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Service delivery has fundamentally changed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In Queensland, the government hasn’t waited for its citizens to come to them, it has actively pushed services out to the community.

In this episode of Work with Purpose — A National Perspective, Dave Stewart, Director-General of Queensland’s Department of the Premier and Cabinet, talks about how the public service has come together to support the response of the Premier, Cabinet and Ministers in managing the COVID-19 health and economic crises.

Discussed in this episode:

• Fundamental shifts in the way people are deployed across the public service.
• Adapting to nimbler ways of working.
• Maintaining connections between staff and the onus on managers to manage.
• Moving to virtual Cabinets and changes to Queensland parliamentary processes.
• Dramatic and rapid change in relationships within the Federation. 

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The critically important relationship between business and government in managing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a consistent theme of the Work with Purpose podcast.

In this week’s episode we bring together the leaders of two organisations, one private sector, one government, who have been working in Australia’s best interests not since the beginning of the pandemic but well before.

Steven Worrall is the Managing Director of Microsoft Australia. Steven joined Microsoft in March of 2014 as Director of Commercial and Public Sector markets. He previously worked for IBM for 22 years.

Larry Marshall has been the CEO of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) since January 2015. CSIRO’s mission is “to solve the world's greatest challenges through innovative science and technology’’. Larry holds 20 patents and has served on 20 boards of high-tech companies operating in the United States, Australia, and China.

In this week’s episode which was recorded during Science Week, Steven and Larry discuss the similarities in each others' missions and how their teams are working together in the best interests of the Australian community.

Discussed in this episode:

-         The importance and the role of business and government working together

-         The importance of digital literacy

-         The Microsoft and CSIRO collaboration

-         Developing a vaccine

-         ‘’Team Australias'’’ resilience in a post COVID-19 environment

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Sam Jeffries from the Australian Public Service Commission, Julie Hansen from the Department of Defence, and Stella Renagi from the Australian Taxation Office join us on this episode to discuss the Collaboration Circle, a new model centering First Nations experiences in the APS.

Effective engagement with First Nations peoples to ensure better recruitment, retention and advancement is a priority under the Australian Public Service Reform pillar ‘The APS as a model employer’. Collaboration Circle is a recent initiative under this pillar in line with Closing the Gap Priority Reform 3, designed to ensure that the experience of First Nations public servants is understood by the senior leaders of the APS.

On this episode, First Nations APS leaders Sam Jeffries, first assistant commissioner First Nations Systems Lead at the Australian Public Service Commission, Julie Hansen, Training Force WHS advisor at the Department of Defence and Stella Renagi, business strategy manager at the Australian Taxation Office, join host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, to talk about the how the Collaboration Circle initiative has evolved from pilot to a permanent mechanism in 2025.

Key tips

1. Trust is the currency – it is the only thing that will help you build relationships to drive genuine change.
2. Embrace the findings of the Collaboration Circle to support recruitment and retention of First Nations staff in your organisation. Bring it into senior leadership meetings.
3. Recognise your privilege and bias, and that people’s lives can be very different.

Show notes

APS Consultative Committee communique | Australian Public Service Commission

Closing the Gap Priority Reform 3 | Closing the Gap

COO Committee communique: 25 June 2024 | Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

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Chris Jordan has driven major change in the Australian Tax Office since assuming his position of Commissioner in 2013. But it wasn’t his first public service role.

Straight out of school, Chris followed his father into the N.S.W Police Force where he served on Sydney’s North Shore. It was the skills of observation and communication he learnt on the beat that helped him to turn the ship around. 

In his view, it was been the cultural “Reinvention’’ of the ATO over the past 7 years that prepared the tax office to deal with the challenges of COVID-19. Chris Jordan is effusive in his praise of his people and their leadership as they have battled with the demands of major bushfires and a global pandemic in 2020.

Please enjoy our conversation with Chris Jordan.

Discussed in this episode:

-         Chris’s public service beginnings as a policeman

-         What can the public service learn from the private sector

-         Challenging the status quo

-         How the ATO is preparing for the future

-         What were the biggest challenges when implementing the Job Keeper program

-         IPAA Future Leaders Questions 

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Innovation does not stand still on ‘’Work with Purpose’’.

This week we feature a conversation with IPAA Future Leaders who undertook a hackathon to explore the question “What could, or should the APS look like one year from now?”

The IPAA future leaders, as you have seen from the important contribution they have made to Work with Purpose, are the best and brightest in the APS. We would encourage anyone interested in making bigger contribution to the APS to get in touch with IPAA about how to become a future leader.

Today’s episode is hosted by the Assistant Commissioner of the Australian Electoral Commission, Matt McMahon who leads a discussion with Director of the Department of Finance, Holly Noble, Associate Director of KPMG, Rachel Martin, and our first returning guest in her new role as Associate Secretary of the Department of Defence, Katherine Jones PSM.

Discussed in this episode:

-         Identifying the need for change and reform

-         Interdepartmental governance reflections

-         The first steps to taking an active role to shape and become a collaborative leader

-         Maintaining resilience in a digital work environment

-         Delivering old skills in a new digital world

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National Cabinet has been one of the shining examples of collaboration in Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The gravity, the humanity, and the collaboration demonstrated through this process has been remarkable to observe, with people at the heart of the decisions.

In this episode of Work with Purpose - A National Perspective, Sharyn O’Neill shares her experience and insights as the State Recovery Controller on Western Australia’s COIVD-19 response and recovery. She reflects on the flurry of the initial response, on the privilege she has felt in supporting the Premier in meetings of the National Cabinet, and on what the crisis has taught her about herself.

Discussed in this episode:

-         The importance of understanding ‘the user experience’ when services go digital.

-         The implications of ‘the digital divide’ for regional and remote communities.

-         Changing mindsets around different work practices, risk appetite, and accountability.

-         Rolling out a partnership approach to COVID-19 with community, business and NFP’s.

-         The galvanising experience of working with the National Cabinet.

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