On Wednesday, 18 March, IPAA SA hosted a dynamic conversation with Derek Alton, founder of Civic Punks, and Brenton Caffin, Co-Founder of States of Change, as part of our commitment to fostering public sector innovation.

The session brought together two leaders at the forefront of global innovation practice to explore how governments can better respond to complex challenges through experimental, human-centred approaches.

Through a candid fireside conversation, Derek and Brenton reflected on their work across jurisdictions, the importance of rethinking traditional models, and the capabilities needed for the next generation of public sector leaders to thrive.

Designed with emerging professionals in mind, the event created a space for connection, learning and inspiration, empowering attendees to lead meaningful change within their organisations.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this engaging conversation.

Learn about our speakers

Derek Alton

Host and Chief Explorer
Civic Punks

For the past 17 years, Derek been focused on one central question: how to make government work better. That journey has taken him from academia and civic activism to working alongside and inside governments, and most recently to his role as Community Engagement Lead at Apolitical, where he helped build and connect global communities of public servants.

Over that time, he has been continually inspired by the people he's met who are pushing for change alongside and inside government — thoughtful, pragmatic, and determined reformers who care deeply about public service and its impact on society, he calls these people Civic Punks.

We are now at a significant moment of transformation for governments around the world. In response, Derek is spending 2026 travelling the world to better understand the future of government and the people shaping it. Derek will be documenting this journey through short videos and podcasts to share promising ideas and highlight the work of practitioners on the front lines.

Brenton Caffin

Co-founder
States of Change

Brenton is the Co-Founder of States of Change and has over twenty-five years of experience at the intersection of public policy, innovation and reform.
Brenton has advised governments and multilateral institutions in over twenty countries to strengthen their innovation capabilities. Before States of Change, Brenton led Nesta's work globally to help people and organisations get better at innovating for the common good.
He regularly presents to and advises national governments and global organisations on a wide range of issues relating to social and public sector innovation.
Brenton was the founding CEO of The Australian Centre for Social Innovation and most recently served as an Executive Director with the South Australian Department of the Premier and Cabinet.