If there was one positive to take from the impact of COVID-19, it was the marked decrease in emissions and pollution, as industry around the world ground to a halt. However, as these industries ramp back up into production scientists are observing a return to pre-COVID ways.

Many are calling on the pandemic as a wakeup call to further reduce our environmental impact, with some experts now fearing an increased focus on economic recovery will push environmental concerns to the back burner.

“How do you get that economic, environmental, and socials equation around sustainability working for us?” – Chief Executive, Environment Protection Authority SA, Tony Circelli

So what can COVID-19 teach us for the future?

• The behavior change barrier has been broken. We now know we can take big steps to do things differently and explore solutions that may have previously gone unconsidered.
• The workday commute may have changed forever. There are ways even individuals can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels by embracing new ways of working.
• A “see-saw” approach to economic growth and environmental impact may no longer be suitable. We need to search for ways to decouple our growth from fossil fuel emissions.
• And finally, if we do make change successfully, how can we maintain it without falling back into old patterns.

Where to from here?

As we continue into the recovery phase of COVID-19 there will undoubtedly be opportunities for policy makers around the world to tap into the experience of the pandemic. Many scientists continue to highlight environmental change as the major crisis for this century. The lessons we have learnt from the COVID-19 crisis will put us in good stead to use our new experience and knowledge to make big positive changes and make them stick.

Resources for this article…

https://www.science.org.au/curious/earth-environment/what-impact-will-covid-19-have-environment

https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/covid-19-is-an-opportunity-to-reset-our-environmental-future

https://singularityhub.com/2020/04/16/coronavirus-what-are-the-chances-well-change-our-behavior-in-the-aftermath/

https://sa.ipaa.org.au/events/virtual-on-the-couch-with-tony-circelli/

Expand your learning with IPAA SA professional development…

Leading and Managing Change (face-to-face) – 15 October

Building a Constructive Culture (online) – 16 October

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving (face-to-face) – 2 November

Positive Psychology PERMA+ – 5 November

Maintaining Positive Focus in Changing Environments (face-to-face) – 17 November

Erma Ranieri FIPAA, South Australia’s Commissioner for Public Sector Employment and IPAA SA President, joined IPAA ACT in the latest episode of their ‘Work with Purpose: A National Perspective’ podcast. In this interview Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM FIPAA, IPAA National President, discussed the COVID-19 pandemic in South Australia.

“The clear message at the end of the day was that you keep talking to people”.

As highlighted by Commissioner Ranieri, while the pandemic presented a series of challenges it also showcased the real capability of the South Australian public sector.

“The innovation and resilience of the public sector were on display during this time, as they worked to support and collaborate with SA Health, SAPOL and other agencies to mobilise the sector to meet the unique needs of the pandemic. As the Mobilisation Coordinator, Commissioner Ranieri noted that this played a key role in the agile response to the pandemic.

“We have connected more than we have ever connected before”.

“COVID has shown what is possible within the public service”.

COVID-19 has also brought about a change to the existing paradigm for leadership and performance management in the workforce.  The Commissioner is encouraged to see great outcomes in flexible work arrangements which are “reshaping the workforce to be more adaptable and diverse”. Commissioner Ranieri’s office and IPAA SA will continue to focus on fostering the skills and capabilities leaders need to adapt to this rapid shift in the workplace.

The Commissioner also highlighted the importance of awareness of mental health and wellbeing and the materials available to help leaders and employees to manage the COVID-19 pandemic:

• a Manager Toolkit  has been released to assist leaders navigate the challenges of COVID-19
• a Mentally Healthy Workplaces Framework and Toolkit has been released to provide practical information and resources to support wellbeing strategies, and additional supporting guidance for the COVID-19 context.

The Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment continues to work with agencies to implement a peer support program and develop an online training program for new peer support officers to build on the existing skills of employees trained in mental health first aid.

The COVID-19 Mental Wellbeing Interview Series, also offers valuable new resources for those working in the public service, with advice and tips from experts in the field

LISTEN HERE

RESOURCES

Open Your World.sa.gov.au

VIDEOS

– COVID-19 Mental Wellbeing Interview Series with Forensic Psychologist, Luke Broomhall

– COVID-19 Mental Wellbeing Interview Series with Chief Psychiatrist, SA Health, Dr John Brayley

– Virtual on the Couch with Commissioner Erma Ranieri

– All Virtual on the Couch interviews

Business Services Manager

South Australian Public Transport Authority

Department for Infrastructure and Transport

Natasha holds a double degree in Bachelor of Commerce (Corporate Finance and Marketing), as well as qualifications in Diploma of Government, Diploma of Project Management and a Diploma of Leadership and Management.

Currently a Business Services Manager at Department for Infrastructure and Transport, Natasha is a driven professional with extensive experience working in various public sector agencies in strategic planning and leadership, change management, business operation management in areas of finance, human resources, risk management, contracting and project management.

Throughout her public sector career journey, Natasha has provided strategic leadership, delivered high level programs by leading projects and policy reform of critical importance which have had state-wide impacts. Diversifying her knowledge and experience, maximising her potential, through initiative, growth and innovation, Natasha continuously strives to deliver exceptional service and improvements.

Natasha is a proud White Ribbon Australia Community Partner proactively engaging in community initiatives to end all forms of violence against women. Delivering prevention through an evidence-based framework, Natasha delivers education and awareness to communities nationally striving for a society where all women and children are safe.

Natasha has a strong commitment to serving the people of South Australia by contributing to the achievement of public sector’s strategic vision with a leadership style founded by strong values of integrity, respect, compassion and service excellence.

Chief Human Resources Officer

Department for Child Protection

Billie-Jo is the Chief Human Resources Officer at the Department for Child Protection, having joined the agency in August 2022.

As an outcomes-focused executive and board director with a track record in complex leadership and organisational transformation, Billie-Jo has held board and executive leadership roles in NSW and the NT, returning to her home state of South Australia through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Drawing upon almost 20 years of experience across the value chain of HR and business operations, she carefully connects strategy with execution – translating challenging mandates into actionable strategies and initiatives that deliver targeted stakeholder outcomes, often in sensitive and/or legacy landscapes, where a future culture of achievement is needed.

Billie-Jo is a keen supporter of the NGO sector, having served on four not-for-profit boards, including two as Chairperson.  She hold tertiary qualifications in management, HR, communications and project management.

Billie-Jo is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), a Fellow of the Australian Human Resources Institute and a Chartered Manager and Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders.