The Australian and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG) will be presenting a three-part webinar series on ‘Leading People Through Disruption’, beginning on 25 August 2020.
The series will be presented by Dr Jo Cribb — one of the youngest people ever appointed as a chief executive in the New Zealand public service in 2012. Her work has focused on advancing the cause of vulnerable in society, spearheading some of the most difficult issues of our time, including child abuse, child poverty, family violence and vulnerable women.
The webinar series will give participants insights into how to make decisions during a time of crisis and maintain an inclusive and positive style of leadership.
Dr Cribb said that effective leaders created change in a values-based way, and the best were able to empower their staff and admit the limits of their own knowledge and ability.
‘Leadership is about mobilisation, bringing people together and making things better than they were before. You can have that influence at every level and everyone can be part of the leadership team’.
Dr Cribb also said that organisations were too complex and the problems that they had to deal with were too difficult for one person to have all the answers. Leaders needed to be honest and admit they don’t know everything —something particular true in the context of the COVID-19 crisis.
‘It is really important for authorities to be honest about what they don’t know when they communicate with the public.
This has been the experience in New Zealand and it has actually strengthened trust in government. We have been able to communicate really complex judgement-based policies and do so effectively.’
The first webinar will focus on leading people through disruption (25 August 2020).
The second webinar will explore what it means to be an inclusive leader under pressure (3 September 2020).
And the third webinar will look at ways to build an inclusive culture during crises (17 September 2020).
For Chief Executive, Department for Health and Wellbeing, Dr Chris McGowan, the pandemic response has been a showcase of collaboration and innovation. In this Virtual on the Couch interview, Dr Chris McGowan discussed how his department structured their response to the COVID-19 pandemic by identifying 6 streams of work to achieve their 3 goals being “Flatten the Curve, Optimise the Public Health System and Keep Public Confidence”. Dr McGowan was interviewed by Tricia Tebbutt, Partner, PwC, where they explored Dr McGowan’s insights into the pandemic and responded to questions from the IPAA SA community and broader public sector.
Questions to Dr McGowan included…
Looking back on the last 3 months, what where the biggest challenges you faced and how did you respond?
Communication is key. What are some examples of how you communicated with your team and the wider SA Community?
What was it like in your department during the early weeks of the pandemic?
Where there some surprises during the early weeks that you weren’t expecting?
What do you think are some of the opportunities that have occurred that you want to take with you into the future?
What did you learn about yourself as a leader over the last few months?
How do you think SA can help demonstrate further support in developing leadership and emerging future leaders?
What’s the focus and priorities of SA Health over the next 6 months as we move into recovery?
What do you think would be the lasting legacy of COVID-19, both positive and negative?
The stabilization of the COVID-19 situation means moving from prioritizing suppression to focusing on detection to protect SA as we move into the recovery period.
As highlighted by Dr McGowan, support for emerging and developing leaders is essential. Learning and capability development is an important steppingstone in the leadership journey, providing the opportunity for self-reflection and growth. If you would like to learn more about leadership training opportunities are available both through the South Australian Leadership Academy and IPAA SA.
If you have watched this interview please feel free to leave your feedback and comments here.
Chief Public Health Officer, SA Health, Professor Nicola Spurrier has joined us virtually ‘On the Couch’ to share how the response to COVID-19 has evolved over the course of the year, and in turn what the future may look like as we face a new “normal”. Professor Spurrier highlights the fantastic work of her team and supporting organisations, as well as the commitment of everyone in the state to suppressing the spread of the virus through social distancing and other restrictions.
“we have a great community here….I had a sense that people would understand, get together and be able to do what was needed”
Professor Spurrier was interviewed by Adelaide Managing Partner, PwC, Jamie Briggs, where they explored responses to the following questions.
How regularly do novel coronaviruses appear? Is this one particularly virulent?
Why did we do so well in South Australia [in our response to COVID-19]?
Was the success of the COVID-19 response common across the country or unique to SA?
How much more do we know now, than January 1st about the virus?
How much work went into the preparing for the pandemic in early 2020 as the virus situation developed?
How much is the national group learning from the outbreak in other places around the world, where there isn’t as much control?
Where is the vaccine and where are the treatments? Where do you think we are at?
Is where we are at, where you think we will stay for the next 6-months according to the Transition Committee?
Being front and centre of the media’s interest how have you handled the attention over the last few months? How has that impacted on you personally?
Do you think that COVID-19 will have longer time impacts on the way that we live?
Are you worried about a breakout here – if it does happen as in Melbourne?
Is Winter and cold and flu season going to impact the pandemic situation? Are people able to get the virus twice?
In a world where global pandemics and the like may become more common, do you think there will be more of an emphasis on public health in the coming years?
How does a good and bad scenario for Victoria play out from this point forward?
In a recent address to staff of the Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, IPAA National President, Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM, spoke about the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public services across Australia, and highlighted the importance of telling the stories of public service at the state, territory and national levels.
WE SHOULD CELEBRATE PUBLIC SERVICE
Gordon began by congratulating and thanking the public servants of Queensland and of Australia for their work during the pandemic:
‘You’ve made a profound contribution during a major health, social and economic crisis to protect and improve the lives of the Queensland and the Australian people — well done, and thank you.’
Gordon paid tribute to the speed, collaboration, and effectiveness that public services across Australia have shown in delivering their governments’ responses to COVID-19, and their capacity to ‘think creatively and to act, to change quickly and to do things differently’.
He recognised the importance of digital technology in dealing with the pandemic, both in alternatives to face-to-face engagement and in rapidly making more data available to inform government decision making. And he observed that ‘ministers and public servants have found that they could only do their job with others: be it within their own government, other governments in the federation, or with business and the community’.
In a recent address to staff of the Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, IPAA National President, Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM, spoke about the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public services across Australia, and highlighted the importance of telling the stories of public service at the state, territory and national levels.
WE SHOULD CELEBRATE PUBLIC SERVICE
Gordon began by congratulating and thanking the public servants of Queensland and of Australia for their work during the pandemic:
‘You’ve made a profound contribution during a major health, social and economic crisis to protect and improve the lives of the Queensland and the Australian people — well done, and thank you.’
Gordon paid tribute to the speed, collaboration, and effectiveness that public services across Australia have shown in delivering their governments’ responses to COVID-19, and their capacity to ‘think creatively and to act, to change quickly and to do things differently’.
He recognised the importance of digital technology in dealing with the pandemic, both in alternatives to face-to-face engagement and in rapidly making more data available to inform government decision making. And he observed that ‘ministers and public servants have found that they could only do their job with others: be it within their own government, other governments in the federation, or with business and the community’.
When so much of what we have taken for granted has shifted, many of us are experiencing the challenge of seeing our purpose through our work. The role of public servants has never been more vital, though the way in which we work, has changed for many, and with this you may find that you lack the motivation and sense of purpose that you once had. IPAA ACT has launched a new podcast series called Working With Purpose, where during each episode they sit down with a prominent federal or state government leader to explore their key insights on this area. You can see a full list of the currently available podcasts below. Be sure to check back here each fortnight for the release of the latest episode!
EP# 1: COVID-19 response accelerating reform of the Australian Public Service with Peter Woolcott AO and Katherine Jones PSM | 6 April 2020
Join us for a discussion with Peter and Katherine, who reflect on their respective roles in the COVID-19 response. Peter shares with us some commentary around the APS Workforce Management Taskforce and Katherine reflects on the role of the Chief Operating Officer Committee.
EP#2: Relationships Matter with Andrew Metcalfe AO | 15 April 2020
In the second episode of ‘Work with Purpose’, we sit down with Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Andrew Metcalfe AO. In this wide ranging conversation, Andrew speaks of his love of Italy, the importance of staying rested and fresh, collaboration with Industry and the inspiration he gets every day from working with his fellow public servants on this major crisis.
EP#3: The New Normal with Elizabeth Kelly PSM | 20 April 2020
In our third episode, we sit down via Zoom with Elizabeth Kelly PSM, Deputy Secretary at the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources. In this podcast Elizabeth speaks about her role leading four COVID-19 task forces, finding creative solutions for sourcing PPE equipment, returning to the “next normal”, and more.
EP#4: Citizens First with Kathryn Campbell AO CSC | 28 April 2020
Kathryn Campbell AO CSC, Secretary of the Department of Social Services (DSS), gives her insights into the DSS COVID response, including the increased workload and workforce surge, and what makes her proud to be part of the APS.
EP#5: Making Good Decisions in a Time of Overload with Frances Adamson | 4 May 2020
In this episode, which has been produced as both a podcast and a video, we are joined by Frances Adamson, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. We are also joined by Holly Noble as co-host, who is Chair of IPAA’s Future Leaders Committee and a Director at the Department of Finance.
EP#6: Communicate, Communicate, Communicate with Cheryl-anne Moy | 12 May 2020
Cheryl-anne Moy, Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Oiffcer at the Department of Home Affairs, shares personal reflections and learnings from the public sector’s, and her team’s response to COVID-19.
EP#7: Small is Beautiful with Rebecca Cross and Katy Haire | 18 May 2020
Rebecca Cross, the ACT Coordinator-General for the COVID-19 Response, and Katy Haire, Director-General at the ACT Education Directorate, discuss the links between public service and business, the ACT government’s priorities during the pandemic and working as one government.
EP#8: Defence – Here to help with Greg Moriarty and General Angus Campbell AO DSC | 25 May 2020
Greg Moriarty, Secretary of the Department of Defence, and General Angus Campbell AO DSC, Chief of the Australian Defence Force, discuss how the collaborative business model developed during the bushfire crisis has shaped Defence’s contribution to the COVID-19 pandemic, and into the future.
EP#9: Fighting crime during COVID-19 with Reece Kershaw APM and Michael Outram APM | 2 June 2020
Reece Kershaw APM, Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, Michael Outram APM, Commissioner of the Australian Border Force, talk about the challenges of enforcing values and meeting community expectations, and what they have done to minimise the impact of criminals in Australia and from overseas.
SPECIAL EPISODE: Work with Purpose – A National Perspective with Chris Eccles AO | 5 June 2020
In this special episode IPAA’s National President Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM, sits down with Chris Eccles AO, Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, to discuss how the Victorian government has led the state through crisis to recovery.
EP#10: How ASIO managed during a major global health crisis with Mike Burgess | 9 June 2020
Mike Burgess, Director-General of Security at the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, joins us to discuss how the work of ASIO changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
EP#11: The dynamic duo with Professor Brendan Murphy and Caroline Edwards | 15 June 2020
This episode features the tireless leaders of ‘Team Health’ in a remarkable discussion that covers their personal and professional experiences and insights during the COVID-19 crisis: Professor Brendan Murphy, the Chief Medical Officer and Caroline Edwards, the acting Secretary of the Department of Health.
EP#12: Doing the basics well with Michael Manthorpe PSM, Grant Hehir and Angelene Falk | 22 June 2020
In this episode we speak with three APS leaders about the importance of integrity and its impact on citizens: Michael Manthorpe PSM, the Commonwealth Ombudsman, Grant Hehir, the Auditor-General of Australia, and Angelene Falk, the Australian Information Commissioner and Privacy Commissioner. Listen here.
EP#13: Need drives innovation with David Fredericks PSM and Dr Michele Bruniges AM | 29 June 202
David Fredericks PSM, Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, and Dr Michele Bruniges AM, Secretary of the Department of Education, Skills and Employment, reflect on the power of collective work and reaching out to colleagues in an open and transparent way. Listen and watch here.
EP#14: Food for thought with Ray Griggs AO CSC and Letitia Hope | 6 July 2020
In this episode we speak with the leaders of the National Indigenous Australians Agency, Chief Executive Officer Ray Griggs AO CSC, and Deputy Chief Executive Officer Letitia Hope. We explore the decisions, partnerships and networks that were deployed to keep the people in, and the virus out, of our most remote communities. Listen here.
EP#15: Under Pressure – Rebecca Skinner | 13 July 2020
In this week’s Work with Purpose, Rebecca Skinner, Chief Executive Officer of Services Australia, shares her memories of the earliest days of the COVID-19 crisis and how she prepared her team to not just cope, but thrive. She reflects on the importance of sharing the load, taking it one day at a time and always remembering that no matter how bad things looked, the sun would always rise the next morning. Listen here.
EP#16: Road to recovery with Jane Halton AO PSM | 20 July 2020
Our guest for this episode is Jane Halton AO PSM, Commissioner at the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission. During her 33 years in the Australian Public Service, Jane served for 15 years as Secretary of the Departments of Finance and Health (and Ageing); as well as Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and has held significant roles in Global Health Governance including as Chair of the board of the World Health Organisation.
EP#17: Oceans-19 with Michael Pezzullo AO | 27 July 2020
In this episode we’re joined by Michael Pezzullo AO, Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, who recalls how by age 11 he had already decided on a career of public service, describes the inspiration he gets from working with our political leaders, and his desire to leave the APS in a better place than when he started.
A SPECIAL EPISODE:Work with Purpose – A National Perspective with Sharyn O’Neill | 3 August 2020
In this special episode of ‘Work with Purpose – A National Perspective’ IPAA National President, Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM, is joined by WA Public Sector Commissioner and State Recovery Controller, Sharyn O’Neill, who shares her experience and insights on Western Australia’s COIVD-19 response and recovery.
EP#18: Future Leaders with Katherine Jones PSM – The APS in 2021 | 10 August 2020
This episode features a conversation with Katherine Jones PSM, the Associate Secretary of the Department of Defence, Matt McMahon, the Assistant Commissioner at the Australian Electoral Commission, and IPAA Future Leaders who undertook a hackathon to explore the question “What could, or should the APS look like one year from now?”
EP#19: Keeping it Simple with Chris Jordan AO | 17 August 2020
In this episode, we speak with Chris Jordan AO who has driven major change in the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) since assuming the position of Commissioner in 2013. In Chris’ view, the cultural “reinvention’’ of the ATO over the past seven years has prepared the organisation to deal with the challenges of COVID-19.
A SPECIAL EPISODE: Work with Purpose – A National Perspective with Dave Stewart | 20 August 2020
In this special episode, Dave Stewart, Director-General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet of the Queensland Government, talks about how the public service has come together to support the Premier, Cabinet and Ministers in managing the COVID-19 health and economic crises.
EP#20: Let’s Stick Together with Steve Worrall and Dr Larry Marshall | 24 August 2020
In this episode, which was recorded during National Science Week, we bring together Steve Worrall, Managing Director of Microsoft Australia and Dr Larry Marshall, Chief Executive at CSIRO, who have been working in Australia’s best interests since well before the beginning of the pandemic.
A SPECIAL EPISODE:Work with Purpose – A National Perspective with Erma Ranieri | 27 August 2020
In this special episode,Erma Ranieri, the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment, South Australian Government, talks about how the South Australian public service has responded to the pandemic and is working to strengthen the resilience of its workforce.
EP#21:‘Parliament powers on’ with Rob Stefanic and Cate Saunders | 31 August 2020
In this episode we speak with the Secretary of the Department of Parliamentary Services, Rob Stefanic, and Deputy Secretary Cate Saunders, about how their team joined in the APS whole-of-government effort to help the Australian people.
EP#22: ‘A Purpose-driven public service’ with Philip Gaetjens and Eleanor Kay | 14 September 2020
Philip Gaetjens, Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) talks about how the collaboration across federal, state and territory lines is heightened, and is set to continue as the APS looks to strengthen its culture of communications and data sharing to support effective service delivery. Philip is joined by PM&C Graduate, Eleanor Kay.
EP#23:‘Keeping up with JobKeeper’ with Dr Steven Kennedy PSM and Matt Comyn | 21 September 2020
In this unmissable episode, Dr Steven Kennedy PSM, Secretary of The Treasury, and Matt Comyn, CEO of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, is joined in conversation with Jessica Irvine, the Senior Economics Writer for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.
EP#24: ‘Last Drinks’ with Drew Baker, Caroline Walsh and Carmel McGregor PSM | 28 September 2020
Drew Baker’s transformative term as Chief Executive Officer of IPAA ACT, was one of energy, strategy and opportunism. After more than five years in the role, he left the organisation in great hands, with a capable new CEO excited to take IPAA from strength to strength. In this episode, Drew is joined by his successor Caroline Walsh, and Carmel McGregor PSM, former IPAA ACT Deputy President and former Deputy Secretary.
EP#25:‘Australia’s Bright Future’ with Andy Penn | 6 October 2020
The ways we work have changed drastically, yet according to Telstra Chief Executive Officer, Andy Penn, it’s only just getting started. Australians have adopted digital technologies at an unprecedented pace during COVID-19. This has delivered benefits including mitigating skills shortages, improved work-life balance and increased workforce satisfaction. In this episode, Andy speaks about how Australia is well placed to capture a bright digital future.
EP#26:‘Making the Lives of Australian Citizens Easier’ with Ailsa Borwick, Jason Lucchese and Helen Bailey | 12 October 2020
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? In this episode we hear from Helen Bailey, Manager of the Public Sector Innovation Network, and 2020 Public Sector Innovation Award winner representatives, Ailsa Borwick from Services Australia and Jason Lucchese from the ATO.
EP#27: ‘Strong Teams, Strong Institutions’ with Rosemary Huxtable PSM and Chris Moraitis PSM | 19 October 2020
In this episode we are joined by Rosemary Huxtable PSM, Secretary of the Department of Finance and Chris Moraitis PSM, Secretary 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 uncertain times, and share their pride in the strength of their people and the institutions they support.
A SPECIAL EPISODE:Work with Purpose – Global Perspectives: ‘An Extraordinary APS’ with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research | 26 October 2020
Hear about some of the extraordinary projects the 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.
EP#28: ‘A year of Looking Back and Moving Forward’ with Dr Marie-Louise Ayres, Dr Mathew Trinca AM and Dr Rachael Coghlan | 5 November 2020
As COVID-19 changes the rules of access, how do our cultural institutions remain vibrant, relevant, and resilient? In this special episode of Work with Purpose, leaders from three of Australia’s best-loved institutions describe how they, and their teams, met the challenge.
EP#29:‘National Service, Individual Purpose’ with Liz Cosson AM CSC | 9 November 2020
The first female Major General of the Australian Army, and now Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Liz Cosson AM CSC, has devoted her career to serving the nation and its people. She shares her insights in this episode.
EP#30:‘Workplace health and safety: A common sense approach’ with Sandra Parker PSM and Sue Weston PSM | 23 November 2020
With each state and territory having such different COVID-19 pandemic experiences, how do you support all Australian businesses to keep operating? In this episode we hear from the leaders of two of Australia’s key workplace regulatory authorities: Sandra Parker PSM, the Fair Work Ombudsman, and Sue Weston PSM, CEO of Comcare.
A SPECIAL EPISODE:A National Perspective: ‘A well-earned tipping point’ with Jodie Ryan | 3 December 2020
Jodie Ryan, Chief Executive of the Northern Territory Government’s Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet, believes 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.
EP#31:‘Trust in Government after 2020: Where do we go from here?’ with Professor Mark Evans and Michelle Grattan AO | 7 December 2020
Trust in the Commonwealth Government rose to new heights during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this special episode of Work with Purpose, Director of Democracy 2025, Professor Mark Evans FIPAA, and one of Australia’s most distinguished political journalists, Michelle Grattan AO, explore this increase in political trust and how trust levels could be shaped in the future.
Earlier this month Lois Boswell, Acting Chief Executive of the Department of Human Services, was IPAA South Australia’s guest for a virtual ‘on the couch’ conversation.
During the conversation Lois talked about her involvement in the state-wide response to COVID-19 and expressed her pride in the work of her staff in support of the Department of Health and the non-government sector:
‘Human Service workers are the firefighters in a pandemic in many ways. Health workers are the front-line and we’re very close behind’.
She also spoke about leadership
‘People do go into “command and control” — and there’s definitely a role for that in crisis, there’s no doubt about that — but there’s also a role for “How do you get people to come along on it?”.
So one of the things that has been reinforced for me about leadership is something I’ve always believed which is “communicate, communicate, communicate”. Talk about it, ask about it, share what you’re actually thinking and what the challenges are with people, because that’s what makes them prepared to participate.’
Disclaimer: This video contains an unedited transcript
If you have had a chance to view this interview, please provide your thoughts here.
Connect with us now on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to be the first to know when this video is released.
Earlier this month Lois Boswell, Acting Chief Executive of the Department of Human Services, was IPAA South Australia’s guest for a virtual ‘on the couch’ conversation.
During the conversation Lois talked about her involvement in the state-wide response to COVID-19 and expressed her pride in the work of her staff in support of the Department of Health and the non-government sector:
‘Human Service workers are the firefighters in a pandemic in many ways. Health workers are the front-line and we’re very close behind’.
She also spoke about leadership
‘People do go into “command and control” — and there’s definitely a role for that in crisis, there’s no doubt about that — but there’s also a role for “How do you get people to come along on it?”.
So one of the things that has been reinforced for me about leadership is something I’ve always believed which is “communicate, communicate, communicate”. Talk about it, ask about it, share what you’re actually thinking and what the challenges are with people, because that’s what makes them prepared to participate.’
Disclaimer: This video contains an unedited transcript
If you have had a chance to view this interview, please provide your thoughts here.
Connect with us now on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to be the first to know when this video is released.
“Thank you very much, from the bottom of my heart. This has been a real test, and the South Australian public sector has proven itself to be extraordinarily capable”
disclaimer: this video contains an unedited transcript
During the Premier’s Address to the Public Sector released 7 May 2020, Premier Steven Marshall extended his sincere thanks to the exemplary efforts of all those delivering services to the community in these challenging times.
Prior to the interview Michael O’Brien gave a moving Welcome to County, highlighting the importance of opportunities such as this to share knowledge.
Premier Marshall was interviewed by Commissioner for Public Sector Employment, Erma Ranieri. Commissioner Ranieri addressed a number of questions from the audience to the Premier seeking his insight into the response to COVID-19, as described below.
Premier, what are the exceptional behaviours that the public service has displayed during these challenging times that every member of the public service can champion to assist our State in the recovery phase?
The healthcare system has undergone a significant makeover due to preparation for COVID, what will happen to Wakefield and Cottage Grove once COVID is past?
To maintain work mobility, post-COVID19 will you issue an across government directive to approve workers requests to continue to work from home e.g. 1day per week?
Will there now be a focus to manufacture our own medical supplies and medication so that we are not solely reliant on China and India?
With so many people out of work do you think it is wise for Chief Executives to get a pay rise when their contracts are renewed?
If SA keeps up the trend and becomes COVID free, what measures will SA take to keep the virus from coming from interstate? Do visitors obey self-isolation?
Are the targets, Gov structures, and ambitions pre-COVID still relevant, given the world has changed? Is there an appetite for a Gov directional rethink and in particular how do we use this current situation to reform the Public Service?
When can we actually do some travel interstate or travel that was postponed?
What would you like to see every single public servant do to see us become stronger than we were before?
To all public sector employees and affiliates, a key takeaway of the Premier’s Address is to keep up their great work which to date has put the state in a great position to meet the evolving challenges of COVID-19. Premier Marshall also emphasised that he can see the state coming out of this pandemic ‘stronger than before’, and the efforts of people working for the public purpose will be the cornerstone in achieving this outcome.
If you have had a chance to view this interview, please provide your thoughts here.
Connect with us now on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to be the first to hear about new interviews and resources, or sign-up to receive updates from IPAA SA straight to your inbox.
“Thank you very much, from the bottom of my heart. This has been a real test, and the South Australian public sector has proven itself to be extraordinarily capable”
disclaimer: this video contains an unedited transcript
During the Premier’s Address to the Public Sector released 7 May 2020, Premier Steven Marshall extended his sincere thanks to the exemplary efforts of all those delivering services to the community in these challenging times.
Prior to the interview Michael O’Brien gave a moving Welcome to County, highlighting the importance of opportunities such as this to share knowledge.
Premier Marshall was interviewed by Commissioner for Public Sector Employment, Erma Ranieri. Commissioner Ranieri addressed a number of questions from the audience to the Premier seeking his insight into the response to COVID-19, as described below.
Premier, what are the exceptional behaviours that the public service has displayed during these challenging times that every member of the public service can champion to assist our State in the recovery phase?
The healthcare system has undergone a significant makeover due to preparation for COVID, what will happen to Wakefield and Cottage Grove once COVID is past?
To maintain work mobility, post-COVID19 will you issue an across government directive to approve workers requests to continue to work from home e.g. 1day per week?
Will there now be a focus to manufacture our own medical supplies and medication so that we are not solely reliant on China and India?
With so many people out of work do you think it is wise for Chief Executives to get a pay rise when their contracts are renewed?
If SA keeps up the trend and becomes COVID free, what measures will SA take to keep the virus from coming from interstate? Do visitors obey self-isolation?
Are the targets, Gov structures, and ambitions pre-COVID still relevant, given the world has changed? Is there an appetite for a Gov directional rethink and in particular how do we use this current situation to reform the Public Service?
When can we actually do some travel interstate or travel that was postponed?
What would you like to see every single public servant do to see us become stronger than we were before?
To all public sector employees and affiliates, a key takeaway of the Premier’s Address is to keep up their great work which to date has put the state in a great position to meet the evolving challenges of COVID-19. Premier Marshall also emphasised that he can see the state coming out of this pandemic ‘stronger than before’, and the efforts of people working for the public purpose will be the cornerstone in achieving this outcome.
If you have had a chance to view this interview, please provide your thoughts here.
Connect with us now on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to be the first to hear about new interviews and resources, or sign-up to receive updates from IPAA SA straight to your inbox.
