Content
- Build a clear understanding of political acumen (or ‘political nous’) and how it strengthens your policy capability
- Distinguish between political awareness and politicisation, and why this matters within the Westminster system
- Explore the key political forces shaping government priorities, including ideology, values, electoral cycles and stakeholder pressures
- Understand the roles of key political actors and how they influence decision-making and the policy process
Outcomes
- Develop a stronger grasp of the political environment influencing public sector organisations
- Recognise the value of political acumen, while navigating the risks of politicisation
- Gain insight into the broader dynamics that shape policy direction and outcomes
Who Should Attend
Designed for mid to senior-level public servants, including policy managers, senior policy advisers and experienced professionals looking to sharpen their strategic and policy judgement.
Benefits to You and Your Organisation
- Strengthen your understanding of the political context shaping your agency’s work
- Support more informed, timely and well-considered policy advice
- Improve your agency’s responsiveness and effectiveness in a complex operating environment
Group Bookings
**For groups of five or more, IPAA SA can tailor the training to suit your organisation. Group bookings may also be eligible for a preferential rate. Complete the form, and our team will be in touch to discuss options. **
Learn about our speakers
Dr Rob Manwaring
Senior Lecturer, College of Business, Government and Law
Flinders University
Dr Rob Manwaring is a senior lecturer in the College of Business, Law and Government. Rob's background is in public policy, and worked for the UK's Commission for Racial Equality as a senior policy adviser, and also for the South Australian Council of Social Services. Since completing his PhD at Flinders in 2010, he teaches a range of policy and politics topics, and researches into the areas of centre-left political parties, democratic politics, and public policy. Most recently, his edited collection (with Paul Kennedy from the University of Bath) 'Why the Left Loses' (Policy Press) examined the electoral fortunes of the family of centre-left political parties and the ongoing crisis of social democracy.
Tim O’Loughlin
Lecturer, College of Business, Government and Law
Flinders University
Tim's professional life started as a political staffer, culminating in his appointment as chief-of-staff to Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs. This was followed by 15 years in commercial roles in the petroleum sector. He then worked for another 15 years in four different roles in the South Australian Government public service. The last two of these roles were as CEO of the Department of Transport and Urban Development and as Commissioner for Renewable Energy. Tim has been teaching in university public policy schools for the past 12 years.
Upcoming course availability
May 2026
Wednesday, 06 May 2026
Format
Face-to-face
Duration
1 half-day
9:30am - 12:30pm (9:15am registration)
Inclusions
Workbook, morning tea and refreshments
Location
12 Pirie Street, Adelaide CBD, SA 5000
(please visit registration links for further information)
View map
Costs
Personal Member $355
State Govt Employee Member $390
Corporate Member $405
Non-Member $440