A new initiative to bridge the gap between the research work of academics and the policy work of public servants was announced yesterday by ANZSOG Dean and CEO Ken Smith who said that public sector leaders needed access to research evidence when developing policy.

‘In these times of uncertainty, evidence-based policy and decision-making are more vital than ever.’

‘However, too often researchers lament that the public service ignores their work, while public servants say academic research is not timely or applied to their day-to-day challenges. The Bridge will make vital research available in an accessible format.’

The Bridge is distributed by ANZSOG each fortnight by email. It centres around a Research Brief which distills academic research into an easy-to-read format and will be complemented by other insights into public policy and management.

The Bridge is compiled and curated by Maria Katsonis — a former senior Victorian public servant with more than 20 years’ experience, who is now a Public Policy Fellow at the University of Melbourne. She was previously the curator of The Drop — a joint project between ANZSOG and The Mandarin. Maria is also one of the editors of the Australian Journal of Public Administration.

Anyone interested in reading The Bridge can subscribe to it on the ANSZOG website.

To learn more about other opportunities and resources you can also visit the IPAA National website.

Pictured: Professor Ken Smith, ANZSOG Dean and CEO 

Public Administration Today (Today) was a quarterly publication for IPAA members, which served as a national communications medium for all IPAA members. It aimed to report IPAA activities, promote and celebrate achievements in Australian public sector management, disseminate information about major trends and developments, and facilitate discussion and debate.

The magazine was published by IPAA ACT on behalf of IPAA National, with a circulation of approximately 5,000 as at 2015.

In June 2015 it was determined that IPAA would cease the publication of Public Administration Today. As a result of falling circulation nationally and increasing costs, it was no longer a financially viable proposition. Edition 43 was the final, covering the period July to September 2015. IPAA ACT wishes to thank the many contributors to the magazine, with a special mention for Mr Ron Dent, the editor for the four final years of the publication.

The four most recent editions are accessible below, with previous editions available by contacting IPAA ACT on 02 6154 9800.