The Institute of Public Administration Australia’s (IPAA) Sam Richardson Award for the most influential paper published in the Australian Journal of Public Administration in 2022 goes to Dr Meraiah Foley, Professor Rae Cooper, Dr Linda Colley, and Associate Professor Sue Williamson.
Andrew Metcalfe AO FIPAA elected new IPAA National President
Former Secretary of the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Director of Biosecurity Andrew Metcalfe AO FIPAA has taken up the role of Institute of Public Administration (IPAA) president after Professor Renée Leon PSM FIPAA stepped down.
Trust, integrity, and pride highlighted at IPAA National Summit
The Institute of Public Administration Australia’s National Summit brought together state and federal perspectives on crucial issues affecting today’s public service.
Trust is the secret sauce: Mark Webb, IPAA NSW president on building integrity
Mark Webb, president of IPAA NSW and chief executive of the Department of Parliamentary Services NSW talks relationship building, ethical inoculation, and putting trust at the heart of all public service work ahead of our IPAA National Summit on 26 September.
Honest and courageous conversations: What integrity means to Victorian Public Sector Commissioner Brigid Monagle
Ahead of the IPAA National Summit, Victorian Public Sector Commissioner Brigid Monagle talks about the essence of integrity, feeling pride in public service, and what to look forward to at the summit panel discussion on 26 September.
INSIGHTS, INSPIRATION, INTEGRITY: HEAR FROM NEW SOUTH WALES AUDITOR-GENERAL MARGARET CRAWFORD
Ahead of our Garran Oration on 18 August, this year’s speaker Margaret Crawford PSM talks about how past work has shaped her, acting with integrity, and more.
2022 Sam Richardson Award shortlist
From making governments fit for the future to the struggle to improve regulation, this year’s 2022 Sam Richardson Award contenders bring new insights and in-depth analysis of public sector issues.
In memory of Dr Damian West PSM
The Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) ACT is mourning the loss of Damian West PSM, who passed away on 24 July 2023.
PRESS RELEASE: Institute of Public Administration Australia committed to promoting integrity and trust in the public service in light of robodebt findings
Acknowledging the impact of the robodebt scheme, the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) will continue to work with the public sector to strengthen integrity and rebuild trust.
PROFESSOR RICHARD MULGAN FROM THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY WINS 2021 SAM RICHARDSON AWARD
The Institute of Public Administration Australia’s (IPAA) Sam Richardson Award for the most influential paper published in the Australian Journal of Public Administration in 2021 goes to Professor Richard Mulgan from ANU Crawford School of Public Policy for his paper ‘Regulating the post-employment of public officials: Australian experience in an international context’.
2021 SAM RICHARDSON AWARD SHORTLIST
The Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) is pleased to announce the shortlisted articles for the 2021 Sam Richardson Award.
The Editors of the Australian Journal of Public Administration (AJPA) have provided the six papers they believe to have been the most influential papers published in 2021.
Professor Ruth Wallace delivers the 2022 Hawkes Oration
IPAA Northern Territory recently hosted the 2022 Hawkes Oration, “Indigenous co-design: opportunities, challenges and risks”, which was delivered by Professor Ruth Wallace, Dean of the College of Indigenous Futures, Education & the Arts and Director of the Northern Institute at Charles Darwin University.
The Hawkes Oration is named after and honours long-serving IPAA NT President, David Hawkes, who made a significant contribution to the work of the IPAA NT, and also played a major role in the development of public administration in the Territory.
Professor Renée Leon PSM FIPAA, new IPAA National President
IPAA is delighted to announce Professor Renée Leon PSM FIPAA, Vice-Chancellor and President of Charles Sturt University has taken on the role of IPAA National President effective 1 July 2022. Her expertise in leadership, extensive experience in Commonwealth and State public administration and ongoing commitment to IPAA positions her to assume this important role.
FRANCES ADAMSON ORATION
On Thursday 23 June 2022, IPAA hosted the inaugural Frances Adamson Oration, to mark United Nations Public Service Day. The Oration, supported by Boston Consulting Group, was delivered by Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, who reflected on and celebrated the critical role played by the public service and the institutional and individual integrity, resilience, and challenges in the service.
STATEMENT FROM DR GORDON DE BROUWER PSM, IPAA NATIONAL PRESIDENT
Having accepted the role of Secretary for Public Sector Reform, I will be stepping down as National President of IPAA on 30 June 2022. I have been honoured to serve as President, speaking as a voice for the public sector across Australia and promoting the value of public service. It has been a pleasure to work with IPAA Divisions and staff on initiatives that have strengthened the focus and professionalism of the organisation.
Dr Damian West receives PSM honours
Congratulations to Dr Damian West, the ACT Government’s Deputy Director-General, Workforce Capability and Governance, IPAA ACT Councillor and IPAA National Secretary, for being awarded a Public Service Medal (PSM) in the Queen’s Birthday 2022 Honours List.
In memoriam: John Nethercote
Australia is mourning the loss of John ‘JR’ Nethercote, who passed away in early May 2022 at the age of 74.
A renowned political historian, public servant and expert on government administration and parliament, John was known amongst his many friends and colleagues as an outgoing, exuberant character, who was generous with his time and expertise. John had an unquenchable desire to learn and to be better informed.
FRANCES ADAMSON ORATION TO BE DELIVERED ON UNITED NATIONS PUBLIC SERVICE DAY
IPAA is delighted to announce a new annual oration to be named after Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia and delivered on the United Nations Public Service Day.
KEN JONES: A ‘MOST UPRIGHT AND CORRECT PUBLIC SERVANT’
Kenneth Norman Jones AO CBE passed away on 19 January, aged 97. A Commonwealth public servant for 44 years, he was instrumental in guiding and implementing the policies of successive governments that led to Commonwealth involvement at all levels of Australia’s education system.
Bullying and harassment are rife in the public service
The vast majority of public servants behave respectfully and civilly to their colleagues. But the surveys show bullying is significantly more widespread than codes of conduct or workers’ compensation claims suggest. Dr Gordon de Brouwer explores bullying and harassment in public sector workplaces across Australia.
Tribute to a Distinguished Champion of IPAA
Emeritus Professor Roger Wettenhall AM passed away on 20 January 2022. An academic with a fervent passion for the study and practice of public administration in Australia, Roger was integral to the formation of a national IPAA body, and the administration of IPAA’s activities. His commitment to the growth of IPAA as a vibrant and valuable institution that serves its members and the wider public sector will not be forgotten.
NEW AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (AJPA) EDITORS APPOINTED
We’re pleased to announce the selection of the new AJPA Editorial Team for 2022-24, who will continue to lift the AJPA readership and increase its accessibility and visibility amongst researchers, practitioners and students.
IPAA’S FUTURE ON TRACK WITH THE LAUNCH OF ITS NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN 2021-2025
IPAA has released its National Strategic Plan 2021-2025. Developed by IPAA’s National Council in consultation with IPAA’s eight Divisions, the plan provides a framework to realise our vision of enriching our offerings at a national level, building stronger connections and increasing membership across each jurisdiction.
IPAA Victoria 2021 Top 50 Public Sector Women: Nominations now open
Nominations for IPAA Victoria’s 2021 Top 50 Public Sector Women are now open! Now is the time to acknowledge and celebrate exceptional women across the public sector who exemplify leadership, commitment and strength in these challenging times.
How important is connection and collaboration to service transformation?
The Australia Statistician, Dr David Gruen, will join Australia Post’s Fiona da Silva in a conversation on connection and collaboration for service transformation as part of the 2021 IPAA National Conference in Brisbane and live streamed on 14–15 October 2021.
Grants awarded for new public administration research
The Institute of Public Administration Australia is pleased to announce that funding has been awarded to three new research projects that will examine the ethical application of artificial intelligence, the career pathways of Federal ministerial staff once they leave a minister’s office, and the capabilities associated with the implementation of social procurement.
Dr Alex Antic to bring a Data Scientist’s perspective to the 2021 IPAA National Conference
Dr Alex Antic — one of Australia’s Top 5 Analytics Leaders — will speak at the 2021 IPAA National Conference, Riding the Wave of Service Transformation, being held in Brisbane on 14–15 October 2021.
Dr David Rock from the NeuroLeadership Institute to deliver keynote at the 2021 IPAA National Conference
Dr David Rock, the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the NeuroLeadership Institute, will deliver a keynote address at the 2021 IPAA National Conference, Riding the Wave of Service Transformation, being held in Brisbane on 14–15 October 2021.
Associate Professor Jeannette Taylor from the University of Western Australia wins Sam Richardson Award
The Institute of Public Administration Australia is pleased to announce that the 2020 Sam Richardson Award — for the most influential paper published in the Australian Journal of Public Administration in 2019 — has been awarded to Associate Professor Jeannette Taylor from the University of Western Australia.
Jamila Gordon, Artificial Intelligence Innovator, to deliver keynote at 2021 IPAA National Conference
Lumachain CEO and Founder Jamila Gordon will deliver the opening keynote address at the 2021 IPAA National Conference, Riding the Wave of Service Transformation, being held in Brisbane on 14–15 October 2021.
Professor Genevieve Bell AO to deliver the 2021 Garran Oration
Distinguished Professor Genevieve Bell AO will deliver the Garran Oration at the 2021 IPAA National Conference, Riding the Wave of Service Transformation, being held in Brisbane on 14–15 October 2021. Early bird tickets on sale now.
Expressions of interest sought from academics interested in becoming the new editors of the AJPA
The Institute of Public Administration Australia is seeking expressions of interest from qualified public administration academics to take on the editorship of the Australian Journal of Public Administration from 1 January 2022.
Public Administration Research Grants — Funding Round Now Open
IPAA and the University of Canberra are pleased to announce that the 2021 round for grant funding from the Public Administration Research Trust Fund is now open.
Have your say on the Indigenous Voice proposals
The Australian Government is inviting feedback on proposals for the Indigenous Voice. The proposals were the focus of a recent discussion between Professor Tom Calma AO and Letitia Hope at a webinar on Indigenous Voice hosted by IPAA ACT.
Trust, fairness, influence and reform put under the spotlight
Trust, fairness, influence and reform are just some of the themes explored by a diverse range of Australian and international authors in the March issue of the Australian Journal of Public Administration.
Explainer — What is the National Voice to Parliament?
A new animation explaining the membership and role of the proposed National Voice was played to attendees at an Indigenous Voice webinar hosted recently by the Centre for Social Impact.
Early Notice — New Team of Journal Editors Required for 2022
IPAA will be calling for expressions of interest in June from interested parties to take over the editorship of the Australian Journal of Public Administration from 1 January 2022, with the current editors stepping down after two terms.
Erma Ranieri receives Public Service Medal
The outstanding service and contribution of Erma Ranieri, Commissioner for Public Sector Employment with the South Australian Government, has been recognised in the Australia Day 2021 Honours list with a Public Service Medal.
Research finds increased trust in government and science amid pandemic
New Curtin University research has found a dramatic increase in people’s trust in government in Australia and New Zealand as a result of the COVID pandemic.
New Zealand’s new Public Sector Act and Māori Crown Relations showcased in latest Public Sector Journal
The latest issue of Public Sector | Rāngai Tūmatanui — produced by the Institute of Public Administration New Zealand — is now available.
Latest ABS public sector employment figures now available
The latest estimates of public sector employment and earnings in Australia were released last month by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Focus Sharpens on Change, Reform and Transparency
Change, reform and transparency are themes explored by a diverse range of Australian and international authors in the latest issue of the Australian Journal of Public Administration.
Minister of Defence to launch ‘Lead the Way’ Defence Transformation Strategy
Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC will launch ‘Lead the Way’, the new Defence Transformation Strategy, at a live streamed online event hosted by IPAA ACT on 27 November 2020, beginning at 9.30 am. Registration to attend the event are now open.
GovComms Festival to Explore the Future of Government Communications
Canberra-based Government communication agency, contentgroup, will host the world’s first virtual government communications conference, the GovComms Festival, on 17 November 2020. This latest initiative by contentgroup — IPAA ACT’s digital content partner — will examine the impact on communications of the COVID-19 pandemic and is part of a collaboration supported by the OECD and the European Commission.
IPAA announces 2020 National Fellows
Nine new National Fellows of the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) have been announced by National President, Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM. The award is made annually to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to public service and to IPAA, a tradition dating back to 1983.
Greg Hunt to deliver the 2020 Garran Oration
The Hon Greg Hunt MP, Minister for Health and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service and Cabinet, will deliver the 2020 Garran Oration on 21 October 2020. Register now to watch online.
Caroline Walsh takes IPAA ACT wheel as new CEO
Caroline Walsh, a career public servant, recently joined IPAA ACT as its new CEO, taking the wheel from outgoing CEO Drew Baker.
Working from Home an ‘overwhelmingly positive experience’ for APS employees according to new research
A new research report has found that the working from home experience of APS employees, compelled by the COVID019 pandemic, has been overwhelmingly positive, realising benefits and dispelling some long-held concerns.
IPAA to host pop-up webinar on preparations for an Australian COVID-19 vaccine
IPAA Queensland, in partnership with McKinsey & Co, is hosting a live webinar on Tuesday 22 September, 3.00–4.00 pm (AEST) which will explore the development, manufacture, supply chain and delivery challenge in effectively vaccinating Australians against COVID-19.
New standard for government writing and editing launched in beta
The first digital Australian Government Style Manual promises to make government communication a whole lot clearer. Your feedback is sought to make the beta version even better before the Style Manual goes live later in 2020.
Caretaker Conventions to be Put Under the Spotlight
Jennifer Menzies from the Policy Innovation Hub at Griffith University will be facilitating a free webinar next week on caretaker conventions in Westminster Systems as part of IPAA Queensland and Griffith University’s Challenger Seminar Series.
The Best of Public Sector Innovation is Recognised in Canberra
The 2020 Public Sector Innovation Awards were announced last week in Canberra by David Fredericks PSM, Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, at a ceremony which was live streamed from Questacon.
Upcoming ANZSOG webinar series to focus on leading people through disruption
Dr Jo Cribb — one of the youngest people ever appointed as a chief executive in the New Zealand public service — will be presenting a new three-part ANZSOG webinar series, ‘Leading People Through Disruption’, starting 25 August 2020.
Free Speech at Work to be Put Under the Legal Microscope
IPAA will partner with the ANU College of Law in the delivery of a free webinar on ‘Free speech at work: Folau, Banerji and beyond?’ to be held on Wednesday 22 July 2020. An impressive panel will explore the issue and consider how it might be possible to reconcile employees’ speech rights with the interests of employers.
New ‘Reimagining Government’ Webinar Series Launched
A new webinar series called ‘Reimagining Government’ was launched this week by ANZSOG and global think tank the Centre for Public Impact. The six-part series aims to reimagine our models of government for the COVID-19 world and beyond.
ANZSOG makes new leadership resource available to public managers
ANZSOG has launched a new series to feature the best research and thinking on crisis leadership. The series will explore crisis management, leadership and communication and put global expertise in the hands of public managers in Australia and New Zealand.
We’re all in this together: IPAA adapts to new ways of working in support of Australia’s public sector
Like many organisations across Australia, IPAA is repurposing its operations to reflect a new digital-by-default working environment. You can find out what IPAA’s up to across Australia by exploring its Insights, Events and Opportunities pages, and by subscribing to IPAA’s newsletters.
ANZSOG looks to build a bridge between researchers and public servants
A new initiative to bridge the gap between the research work of academics and the policy work of public servants has been announced by ANZSOG Dean and CEO Ken Smith.
Impressive results for the Australian Journal of Public Administration
Readership and circulation numbers for the Australian Journal of Public Administration grew strongly in 2019, with over 200,000 article downloads achieved for the first time in its publication history.
IPAA and Wiley cement relationship with new publishers’ agreement
Late last year IPAA National and Wiley signed a new publishers’ agreement that will ensure the sustainability of the Australian Journal of Public Administration for the next six years. While this is good news for the journal’s sustainability it does spell an end to the printed copy of the journal starting with the March 2020 digital-only issue.
IPAA to commemorate 40 years of service to members
The Institute of Public Administration Australia has quietly reached a historic milestone — its 40th Anniversary as an independent national organisation — which will be celebrated at a function on 18 February 2020 at the Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House.
Winners of the 2019 PM’s Awards for Excellence in Public Sector Management
The 2019 Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Sector Management were announced by the Hon Ben Morton MP, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Cabinet, at a ceremony held on Wednesday evening at Parliament House in Canberra.
Alexander Lau: some lessons from Singapore in building public service innovation
Mr Alexander Lau delivered an inspiring keynote address at the 2019 IPAA National Conference held in Darwin last month. Mr Lau — the Principal Design Lead with the Singapore Government’s Innovation Lab — unpacked some recent successes to innovating service delivery in the Singapore Public Service, and highlighted some of the unexpected lessons they learned from stress testing low cost prototypes before scaling up.
IPAA continues tradition of advancing public administration practice through support of Insight Hack
IPAA is partnering with the South Australian Public Sector Innovation Lab and Mindhive to provide public servants with the opportunity to tackle complex policy issues in a secure, curated environment for Insight Hack 2019.
IPAA NSW to host the 2020 IPAA National Conference in Sydney on the theme ‘Reinventing Service’
IPAA NSW is shaking up the format for the 2020 IPAA National Conference, ‘IPAAeX Reinventing Service’, to be held on 12 May 2020. A call for speakers to present one of fifteen TED-style addresses is now open.
Professor Mick Dodson: Our Nation Sits at a Crossroads — Enough with the Humbug
Professor Mick Dodson delivered the 2019 Garran Oration at the IPAA National Conference held in Darwin recently, speaking on the purpose of treaties and the challenges in achieving them.
Outgoing National President Peter Shergold: public servants are a foundation of democratic governance, vital to Australia’s future
Professor Peter Shergold AC gave the National President’s Address at the 2019 IPAA National Conference held in Darwin recently.
De Brouwer to take the reins as IPAA’s National President
At the 2019 IPAA National Conference held in Darwin last week, Professor Peter Shergold AC concluded his two-year term as IPAA National President and expressed the honour he felt in serving IPAA as President before “handing on the reins” to his distinguished successor Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM.
Researchers win 2019 Sam Richardson Award with study of female comics
Dr Christopher Pepin-Neff from The University of Sydney and Ms Kristin Caporale from Assumption College, have won the 2019 Sam Richardson Award for the most influential paper published in ‘The Australian Journal of Public Administration’.
Public Servants Honoured by Profession
The Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) has recognised ten of its finest with the organisation’s highest honour, a National Fellow Award, in Darwin last night.
Parkinson delivers valedictory speech to public service leaders “of real substance”
There was an air of anticipation amongst public sector leaders gathered to hear the valedictory address of Dr Martin Parkinson AC PSM, Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet on Monday night.
Prof Anne Tiernan to present a new paradigm for public sector service delivery at Darwin conference
With a grounding in government at the state and Commonwealth levels, political scientist Professor Anne Tiernan FIPAA is exceptionally well placed to provide a practical academic perspective on public sector service delivery.
Rachel Houlbrooke will bring an international perspective on public service delivery to IPAA’s Darwin conference
If anyone can bring an international perspective to different models of public service delivery, it’s New Zealand’s Ms Rachel Houlbrooke, Deputy Chief Executive, Settlements and Takutai Moana, Office for Māori Crown Relations (Te Arawhiti).
Why break down the silos when you can blow up them up: Alexander Lau to speak at Darwin conference
If anyone has answers on how the public service can break down bureaucratic silos it’s Singapore design professional Mr Alexander Lau.
PM unveils six guideposts to show the way forward for his government and the public service
Yesterday the Hon Scott Morrison MP, Prime Minister of Australia, delivered a special address which laid out the direction he wants from his Government and from the Australian Public Service.
Public sector innovation shines at 2019 Awards Ceremony
Innovation across the public sector was celebrated last night at the annual Public Sector Innovation Awards in Canberra.
Professor Mick Dodson to deliver the 2019 Garran Oration
Professor Mick Dodson, the first-ever Northern Territory Treaty Commissioner, will deliver the Garran Oration at the IPAA National Conference being held in Darwin on 26 September 2019.
2019 Future Shapers Forum energises IPAA’s up-and-coming leaders
Twelve young leaders nominated by the Institute of Public Administration Australia have had their perceptions and thinking challenged at the 2019 Future Shapers Forum held recently at the Australian National University.
Sophie Yates, Winner of the 2017 Sam Richardson Award, Collects the Rosemary O’Leary Prize
UNSW Canberra Postdoctoral research Dr Sophie Yates has collected another prize for her paper on gender published last year in the Australian Journal of Public Administration.
Matthew Bowes wins 2018 E A Lyall Memorial Prize
Mr Matthew Bowes was announced as the winner of the 2018 E A Lyall Memorial Prize by the ANU’s Dr Andrew Banfield at an event held yesterday by IPAA ACT.
Peter Shergold’s address to the 2018 IPAA National Conference
Professor Peter Shergold AC, IPAA National President, delivered a keynote address at the 2018 IPAA National Conference on 17 October 2018.
UNSW Public Administration Researchers win 2018 Sam Richardson Award
Professor Jenny Stewart and Dr James Warn have won the 2018 Sam Richardson Award for the most influential article published in the Australian Journal of Public Administration.
Leading Public Servants Recognised with Profession’s Highest Honour
The Institute of Public Administration Australia has recognised ten of its finest with the organisation’s highest honour — a National Fellow Award — at a function held in Melbourne last night.
IPAA seeks to bridge gap for the Independent Review of the Australian Public Service
The Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) has made a contribution to the Independent Review of the Australian Public Service that aims to bridge a significant gap in the existing evidence base on Australian Public Service Reform.
IPAA members inspired by “fantastic” Future Shapers Forum
Seven emerging leaders from IPAA Victoria, IPAA NSW and IPAA ACT have been challenged by an extraordinary range of senior leaders at the 2018 Future Shapers Forum held at The Australian National University this week.
Public service review can spur much-needed modernisation
Professor Peter Shergold AC, IPAA National President, has welcomed the announcement of the Independent Review of the Australian Public Service in an opinion piece published in The Australian Financial Review.