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.
Leave your feedback on this event 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.
Leave your feedback on this event here.
The latest issue of the Australian Journal of Public Administration contains a gem of a research paper by Catherine Althaus on the exciting contribution that Indigenous evidence and knowledges can make to public administration in the fields of engagement, sustainability, and policy innovation.
Catherine Althaus is the Professorial ANZSOG Chair of Public Service Leadership and Reform at the Public Service Research Group at UNSW Canberra and ANZSOG Deputy Dean. She is a non-Indigenous academic woman who has been privileged by the great generosity and hospitality of Indigenous peoples from across Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. She has also observed with frustration the many barriers to the contribution of Indigenous knowledges in the scientific and policy-making realms.
Her paper — Different paradigms of evidence and knowledge: Recognising, honouring, and celebrating Indigenous ways of knowing and being — proposes that public administration can benefit from these Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
Catherine starts by tracing some of the contemporary reasoning in favour of such acknowledgement and prioritisation. She then turns to practical examples to demonstrate how the field of public administration and the practice of policymaking will benefit (including a discussion on the potential barriers to uptake). And she closes with a call for dedicated and respectful work by the discipline and practitioner communities.
The latest issue of the Australian Journal of Public Administration contains a gem of a research paper by Catherine Althaus on the exciting contribution that Indigenous evidence and knowledges can make to public administration in the fields of engagement, sustainability, and policy innovation.
Catherine Althaus is the Professorial ANZSOG Chair of Public Service Leadership and Reform at the Public Service Research Group at UNSW Canberra and ANZSOG Deputy Dean. She is a non-Indigenous academic woman who has been privileged by the great generosity and hospitality of Indigenous peoples from across Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. She has also observed with frustration the many barriers to the contribution of Indigenous knowledges in the scientific and policy-making realms.
Her paper — Different paradigms of evidence and knowledge: Recognising, honouring, and celebrating Indigenous ways of knowing and being — proposes that public administration can benefit from these Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
Catherine starts by tracing some of the contemporary reasoning in favour of such acknowledgement and prioritisation. She then turns to practical examples to demonstrate how the field of public administration and the practice of policymaking will benefit (including a discussion on the potential barriers to uptake). And she closes with a call for dedicated and respectful work by the discipline and practitioner communities.
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.
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’.
Read the full article for free on the IPAA National Website.
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.
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’.
Read the full article for free on the IPAA National Website.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
