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.
Archive: News
The ACT: A Small Public Service Responds Effectively to the Coronavirus Pandemic
Rebecca Cross and Katy Haire from the ACT Government reflected on the benefits of having a smaller public service when responding to the coronavirus pandemic in the latest WORK WITH PURPOSE podcast.
South Australia’s Man In Charge of Coronavirus Response Immensely Proud of Community
In speaking recently on the South Australia Police’s response to the coronavirus, Commissioner Grant Stevens APM paid tribute to the true character of the South Australian community in helping its vulnerable. A video of his ‘on the couch’ conversation is now available.
Best Advice? Work Outside Your Comfort Zone: Cheryl-Anne Moy
Cheryl-anne Moy, Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of the Department of Home Affairs, was recently interviewed for the WORK WITH PURPOSE podcast. She has played a key role in contributing to a number of taskforces including the National COVID-19 Coordination Committee and the Chief Operating Officer Committee, and spoke about the importance of mobility to the public service.
Premier pays tribute to ‘incredible, dedicated, super-talented people’ of South Australia
The Premier of South Australia reflected with pride on the response of South Australians to coronavirus in a recent address to the South Australia public sector. A video of his address is now available.
Advances in public data help shape government response to crisis: Celia Moss, ABS
The value of public data to government was the focus of the summation address delivered recently at the 2020 Australian Public Service Graduate Data Forum by Celia Moss, Program Manager, Statistical Data Integration Division at the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Getting Australians home — the unfolding story: Frances Adamson
Frances Adamson, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, was recently interviewed for the WORK WITH PURPOSE podcast. Frances spoke about how her Department has supported around 300,000 Australians return home during the coronavirus pandemic. The Department has also taken 38,000 calls and is providing ongoing support to a further 10,000 Australians who remain overseas.
Rethinking child protection during a pandemic: Insights from Cathy Taylor
There are more than 4,000 children and young people under guardianship in South Australia. Cathy Taylor, Chief Executive of the Department for Child Protection, spoke recently about how the public sector has worked to provide these children and young people with safe care during the current pandemic.
Meeting the dramatic surge in JobSeeker claims: Kathryn Campbell AO CSC
Kathryn Campbell AO CSC, Secretary of the Department of Social Services, was interviewed recently for the WORK WITH PURPOSE podcast. In a short but expansive interview she spoke about the response of her Department to the dramatic surge in JobSeeker payment claims by Australians who have lost their jobs as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
IPAA SA: On the Virtual Couch with Rick Persse
Rick Persse, Chief Executive of the Department of Education, was IPAA South’s Australia guest for its latest virtual ‘on the couch’ conversation. Rick reflected on the recent success South Australia has had in reducing coronavirus infection numbers and how this is providing confidence for a return to face-to-face teaching in the State.
Voting in 2030, the complexity conundrum, and the search for a silver bullet
Earlier this month Tom Rogers, the Australian Electoral Commissioner, gave a virtual address to the 2020 Australian Public Service Graduate Data Forum. During his address — on what voting may be like in 2030 — Tom spoke about Australia’s electoral journey, innovations and successes, and the mythical ‘silver bullet’ that is electronic voting.
‘Work with Purpose’ celebrates the Spirit of Service
An ingrained feature of public service across Australia — its ‘spirit of service’ — is the focus of a new podcast, WORK WITH PURPOSE. Each week senior leaders tell the stories of public service: how the sector is grappling with the complex challenges thrown up by the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, and how it is supporting the rapid response of governments with the best possible modelling, advice and service delivery.
IPAA SA: Virtual on the Couch with David Reynolds
A video of David Reynolds ‘on the couch’ with IPAA South Australia is now available. David is the Chief Executive of the Department of Treasury and Finance. During the conversation, he shared his insights on practices that government intend to put in place to get the economy ‘back to normal’, and how the easing of restrictions may be undertaken so as not to significantly impact health outcomes.
IPAA ACT: Australian Statistician speaks to graduates on a data-driven APS
Dr David Gruen, the Australian Statistician at the Australian Bureau of Statistics, recently gave a virtual address on the topic of ‘A Data-Driven Australian Public Service’.
Researchers call for the design of HR practices that identify proactive and innovative talent
The recent publication of a study of innovative work behaviour in a large Australian public sector organisation has practical implications for public administrators.
IPANZ: Making digital access more inclusive
Laurence Millar — a former Deputy Commissioner at New Zealand’s State Services Commission and a Trustee with the 20/20 Trust — speaks on digital inclusion in New Zealand and how to achieve it.
IPAA ACT: ‘Work with Purpose’ with Andrew Metcalfe AO
WORK WITH PURPOSE is a weekly podcast that gives listeners a unique perspective on how the Australian Public Service works and how it is responding to the once in a generation challenge presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. This week’s guest is Andrew Metcalfe AO (Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment).
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.
IPAA SA: Virtual ‘On the Couch’ conversation with Jim McDowell
A video of Jim McDowell ‘on the couch’ with IPAA South Australia is now available. Jim is the Chief Executive of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. During the conversation, he shared how he’s been involved in the state-wide and national response to COVID-19, gave insights on the evolving situation, and stressed the importance of nationwide collaboration in this challenging time.
IPAA ACT: The first ‘Work with Purpose’ podcast is now available
‘Work with Purpose’ is a weekly podcast produced in partnership between IPAA ACT and contentgroup, with support from the Australian Public Service Commission. This week Peter Woolcott AO (Australian Public Service Commissioner) and Katherine Jones PSM (Deputy Secretary, Department of Finance) talk about their respective roles in the COVID-19 response.
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.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION ACROSS THE DITCH
Australia isn’t unique in having a professional organisation for public servants. In fact the Institute of Public Administration New Zealand formed in Christchurch back in 1934 and has a significant place in New Zealand public policy. It also publishes a quarterly journal, ‘Public Sector’, which it generously provides to IPAA as a digital copy. The April Issue is out now.
IPAA ACT: IPAA SPEECHES 2019 now available
IPAA ACT has released its fourth collection of speeches delivered throughout the 2019 calendar year.
The book contains a selection of speeches by government, public and private sector leaders that include the Hon Scott Morrison MP, Prime Minister of Australia; CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella; and a number of Departmental Secretaries and Agency Heads.
IPAA SA: Virtual ‘On the Couch’ Conversation with Erma Ranieri
Erma Ranieri was IPAA South Australia’s guest for its first virtual ‘on the couch’ conversation. Erma unpacked the risks posed to the South Australian public sector from the coronavirus pandemic, and the response by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment in supporting South Australian public sector employees.
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.
Is paradoxical leadership the competency we need now, more than ever?
With coronavirus bringing massive challenges and great turbulence to public sector work around the globe, the recent publication of a New Zealand research paper on paradoxical leadership and its contribution to employee resilience could not be more timely.
Getting on with public sector reform
Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM, IPAA National President, reflects on the debate about public service since the Government released the Independent Review of the Australian Public Service on 13 December 2019.
Finance Secretary Rosemary Huxtable PSM puts challenge out to public service leaders
Rosemary Huxtable PSM, Secretary of the Department of Finance, spoke recently to public sector leaders on the public administration challenges faced by the APS to be effective in its work.
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.
Governor-General celebrates IPAA Anniversary with those “who helped shape Australia”
On a balmy Canberra evening, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Rtd), Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, and Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, were greeted at the steps of Old Parliament House before joining an assembly of distinguished Australians to celebrate IPAA’s 40th Anniversary as an independent national organisation.
Reflecting on ‘The Ethics of Public Office’
As the Australian Government edges closer to releasing a bill for the establishment of a Commonwealth Integrity Commission, it seems timely to look back at what a former Governor-General — the Hon. Sir John Kerr KCMG KStJ QC — had to say on ‘The Ethics of Public Office’ in his 1974 Garran Oration.
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.
Academics ask: Is gender really on anyone’s agenda?
The December 2019 issue of The Australian Journal of Public Administration published a ‘controversy’ by two academics who examined submissions made to the Independent Review of the Australian Public Service to assess whether, and how, organisations had considered gender equality.
Satya Nadella: insights for Australia’s public sector from the Microsoft CEO
Satya Nadella is a man who has reached the absolute peak of his profession. Last month the Microsoft CEO joined David Thodey AO in a wide-ranging conversation in the Great Hall at Parliament House in Canberra. He spoke with an audience of Australia’s most senior public service, professional service networks and tech firms.
Leadership lessons learned by Australian Statistician, David W. Kalisch
On a late Spring evening, in the old-world splendour of the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Mr Michael Manthorpe PSM, Deputy President and Board Member of IPAA ACT and Commonwealth Ombudsman, introduced Mr David W. Kalisch to make his final public address as the 15th Australian Statistician.
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.
Redefining the Possible: the 2019 Williams Oration
The Williams Oration recognises the extraordinary contribution of Ms Helen Williams AC to public administration in Australia. The 2019 Williams Oration was delivered by Dr Megan Clark AC, Head of the Australian Space Agency, who took the opportunity ‘to go behind the curtain’ and share the thinking behind Australia’s first space agency which commenced operations in July 2018.
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.
“A really most remarkable career”: Duncan Lewis AO DSC CSC
On a bright spring day in early September, Secretary of The Treasury and new IPAA ACT President Dr Stephen Kennedy thanked Duncan Lewis AO DSC CSC, the outgoing Director-General of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, for what he described as a “truly remarkable speech”.
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.
Budgets and Intergenerational Inequity
At 7:30 P.M., April 2, 2019, Josh Frydenberg, Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Australia, delivered his first Budget speech. He introduced the Australian Government’s budget for the 2019–2020 financial year.
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.
The Australian Journal of Public Administration — tracing the study and practice of public administration for 81 years
The Australian Journal of Public Administration has been in continuous publication for 81 years, documenting the changing face of public administration, public management and public policy through the different lenses of public servants, politicians and academics
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.