Public Sector Perspectives

In this episode of Public Sector Perspectives, Dr Steve Hodgkinson talks about the potential impacts of AI on the way the public sector works. Drawing on his long experience in the sector, including his current position as Chief Digital Officer for Victoria Police, Steve offers some very practical advice on how public servants can safely use the new tools that AI creates and the sort of the traps that you need to avoid. Whilst it’s tempting to see AI is being totally new and different, Steve argues that AI is still just IT and that many of the IT policies and procedures that we have built in the past are still relevant in the AI-enabled workplace. RESOURCES REFERRED TO IN THIS PODCAST Jobs and Skills Australia recently released a new report Our Gen AI Transition - Implications for Work and Skills. You can find it here: https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/publications/generative-ai-capacity-study-report You can register for IPAA Victoria’s free for members webinar AI in action: real stories and lessons from the Victorian Public Sector on Thursday 9 October 2025 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm. You can find it here: https://www.vic.ipaa.org.au/events/ai-in-action-real-stories-and-lessons-from-the-victorian-public-sector/ You can find out more details about IPAA Victoria’s other upcoming events here: https://www.vic.ipaa.org.au/events/

In Australia, serious mental illness is much more common in women than it is in men. In 2021, 23% of all women reported experiencing some form of serious depression or anxiety. That compares to 14% of men. This gender disparity is example of what drives the work of our guest on this episode of Public Sector Perspectives: Professor Jayashri Kulkarni AM, Professor of Psychiatry at the Alfred Hospital and Monash University and the Founder and Director of two research centres: the HER Centre Australia and the Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre. Together we examine why using a gender lens is so important when we think about mental health services for women, whether the current funding priorities in mental health services are appropriate and what gives Professor Kulkarni hope that things will get better. This is the second of two episodes profiling two women who are changing the way health services are delivered in Australia. The first episode profiles the work of Professor Marion Saville AM, Executive Director of Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer. RESOURCES REFERRED TO IN THIS PODCAST • Find out more about the work of the HER Centre Australia (https://www.monash.edu/medicine/her-centre) and the Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (https://www.alfredhealth.org.au/research/research-areas/maprc). • You can find out more details about IPAA Victoria’s upcoming events here https://www.vic.ipaa.org.au/events/.

This episode of Public Sector Perspectives profiles an unsung public policy success story: Australia is on track to be the first country in the world to effectively eliminate cervical cancer. We talk to Professor Marion Saville AM, Executive Director at the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer, about what has put us in this unique position and what she thinks are the lessons this success should teach us about effective public policy. This is the first of two episodes profiling two women who are changing the way health services are delivered in Australia. The second episode profiles the work of Professor Jayashri Kulkarni AM who is Professor of Psychiatry at The Alfred Hospital and Monash University and the founder of two research centres focusing on women’s mental health. Podcast Host Nick Bastow IPAA Victoria Podcast Guest Professor Marion Saville AM Executive Director at the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer RESOURCES REFERRED TO IN THIS PODCAST • You can find out more about the work of the Australian Centre for the Prevention Cervical Cancer here: https://acpcc.org.au/ • Details about the Centre’s work to reduce cervical cancer in the Pacific region can be found here: https://acpcc.org.au/epicc-program-update-may-2025-on-our-journey-to-fairer-cervical-cancer-outcomes-in-the-indo-pacific-region/ • This Our World In Data summary shows the extraordinary potential of combined vaccination and screening programs to effectively eliminate cervical cancer worldwide: https://ourworldindata.org/hpv-vaccination-world-can-eliminate-cervical-cancer You can find out more details about IPAA Victoria’s upcoming events here: https://www.vic.ipaa.org.au/events/

IPAA Victoria CEO Amanda Stevens speaks with Robert Hortle – one of IPAA Victoria’s newest Fellows and Commissioner of Wage Inspectorate Victoria. Robert talks about his career in the public sector and the secret to being a good industry regulator. He also reflects on the work of the Inspectorate and why the impact of the public sector needs to be measured in both the really big - and the really tiny - moments. Wage Inspectorate Victoria promotes (https://www.vic.gov.au/wage-inspectorate-victoria) and enforces Victoria’s long service leave, child employment, owner driver and forestry contractor laws. You can find out more details about IPAA Victoria’s other new Fellows here: https://www.vic.ipaa.org.au/insights/ipaa-victoria-announces-2024-victorian-fellows/

IPAA CEO Amanda Stevens speaks with Brigid Monagle – one of IPAA Victoria’s newest Fellows and Commissioner of the Victorian Public Sector Commission. Brigid talks about her career in the public sector and how watching federal budgets being delivered on television was the beginning of her interest in public policy. She also discusses the importance of understanding the values that underpin the Victorian Public Sector Code of Conduct and the core capabilities that all good public servants need. RESOURCES REFERRED TO IN THIS PODCAST • The Victorian Public Sector Code of Conduct is here: https://vpsc.vic.gov.au/ethics-behaviours-culture/codes-of-conduct/code-of-conduct-for-victorian-public-sector-employees/ • Adam Grant’s idea of 'character skills' – as opposed to ‘soft skills’ – comes from his book Hidden Potential: https://adamgrant.net/book/hidden-potential/ • you can find out more details about IPAA Victoria’s other new Fellows here: https://www.vic.ipaa.org.au/insights/ipaa-victoria-announces-2024-victorian-fellows/ • and our upcoming events here: https://www.vic.ipaa.org.au/events/

As part of IPAA Victoria's Fellows Voice series, Amanda Stevens, Chief Executive Officer, IPAA Victoria, interviews Ella McPherson, Deputy Commissioner, Victorian Public Sector Commission, about her career journey.

As part of IPAA Victoria's Fellows Voice series, Dr Marija Maher, Chief Operating Officer, Victorian Ombudsman, interviews Pam Anders, Senior Executive Director, Mental Health & Wellbeing Transformation, Department of Health, about her significant commitment to public service and experience in implementing reform from the Royal Commission in Victoria's Mental Health System.

As part of IPAA Victoria's Fellows Voice series, Amanda Stevens, CEO, IPAA Victoria interviews Simon Corden, Essential Services Commissioner, and 2023 Fellow inductee about his significant commitment to public service and experience in leading organisations and teams. RESOURCES REFERRED TO IN THIS PODCAST UK Post Office Scandal explainer https://www.bbc.com/news/business-56718036 Mr Bates and the Post Office https://www.smh.com.au/culture/tv-and-radio/the-true-crime-drama-about-the-uk-post-office-which-caused-a-national-scandal-20240201-p5f1pf.html Westminster Tradition podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-westminster-tradition/id1695815010

In this follow-up podcast to IPAA Victoria's AI and the Future of Governance event, host Kristy Hornby, Chair, Risk Community of Practice (CoP), IPAA Victoria, and Associate Director, Grosvenor, and guest speaker Peter Williams, Chief Edge Officer, Centre for the Edge, Deloitte Australia respond to some of the unanswered audience questions that were submitted during the event.

In this follow up podcast to the IPAA Victoria’s AI And The Future Of Governance event, host Josef Oduwo, Executive Program Director, Change & Transformation, Department of Health, and guest presenter Professor Eduard Hovy, Executive Director, Melbourne Connect, University of Melbourne, responds to some of the unanswered audience questions that were submitted during the event.

IPAA Victoria's Leadership in the Public Sector Awards celebrate and recognise exceptional projects delivered by teams and organisations. This podcast episode puts a spotlight on Cenitex, the Leading Employer Award winner, about their employee experience uplift projec and is a conversation between Frances Cawthra, CEO, Cenitex and Brigid Monagle, Commissioner, Victorian Public Sector Commission.

As part of IPAA Victoria's Sustainability and Climate Change series, delivered in partnership with its Sustainability Community of Practice (CoP), this two-part podcast features Jonathan Masom, VMIA, and Lynette Smith, gramma consultancy. Together, they explore risk, sustainability and public policy.

As part of IPAA Victoria's Sustainability and Climate Change series, delivered in partnership with its Sustainability Community of Practice (CoP), this two-part podcast features Jonathan Masom, VMIA, and Lynette Smith, gramma consultancy. Together, they explore risk, sustainability and public policy.

In this Public Sector Perspectives episode, we chat to Elly Patira, Deputy Secretary, First Peoples – State Relations, Department of Premier and Cabinet, who explored the Treaty Framework in Victoria, the strengths and challenges of being a First Nations woman in the public service, and in keeping with IPAA Victoria's International Women's Day Gala Dinner theme, what are the specific opportunities for First Nations women as a result of the treaty process. This episode was hosted by Elke Smirl, Program Director, Victorian Public Sector Commission and member of IPAA Victoria's Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

Professor Eleanor Bourke AM (Chair of the Yoorrook Justice Commission) and Aunty Geraldine Atkinson(Co-chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria) in conversation with Angela Singh (IPAA Victoria Board member and Regional Director at the Victorian Department of Education) answer audience questions from IPAA Victoria's International Women's Day Celebration. How do you find the personal strength to stay involved in discussions and hear stories that are incredibly important but that must often also be deeply traumatic? https://on.soundcloud.com/C1xbh What does treaty mean to you and how will it change the work you do? How does Treaty and truth-telling impact you every day? https://on.soundcloud.com/pHC8C How do you advocate for inclusive cultural change? https://on.soundcloud.com/NXFex What advice can you give to non-First Nations colleagues on how to best support First Nations colleagues? https://on.soundcloud.com/DUA1M What are some barriers you all face, as a woman, and as a First Nations person? How did you overcome them? https://on.soundcloud.com/CCLyJ I am interested in the panels’ views on the Voice To Parliament and the challenge to make sure the conversation about the Voice is not divisive across the country. https://on.soundcloud.com/mt6xb As First Nations female leaders, what is one piece of leadership advice that you received that made a difference for you that you would like to share? https://on.soundcloud.com/BjPrV Who has inspired you in your leadership journey? And why? https://on.soundcloud.com/ygS2f What is the panels advice for young women, looking to make their substantive mark in public or public service life or in the community? https://on.soundcloud.com/6oZXp

In our latest episode of Public Sector Perspectives, IPAA Victoria chats to Maria Katsonis FIPAA (Vic), Deputy Chair of Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, and hear her very personal story about wellbeing and mental illness in a public sector workplace. Content Warning This interview contains references to suicide. If this discussion causes you distress and you need support or help, you can contact Lifeline’s 24-hour hotline on 13 11 14.

In partnership with IPAA Victoria's People and Culture Community of Practice (CoP), IPAA Victoria has launched a content series dedicated to exploring wellbeing. In this episode, Professor Deborah Blackman, Head of School, and a member of the Public Service Research Group and Dr Fiona Buick, Senior Lecturer, School of Business, UNSW, explore the ideas and concepts that underpin wellbeing that public purpose sector leaders and professionals should consider.

In partnership with IPAA Victoria's People and Culture Community of Practice (CoP), IPAA Victoria has launched a content series dedicated to exploring wellbeing. In this episode, Professor Deborah Blackman, Head of School, and a member of the Public Service Research Group, School of Business, UNSW and Dr Fiona Buick, Senior Lecturer, School of Business, UNSW, explore the ideas and concepts that underpin wellbeing that public purpose sector leaders and professionals should consider.

In this episode, Julian Freeland from the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) discusses some of the surprising ways that hospitals can be more energy efficient, how to persuade project managers that it's worth investing in better environmental design, and how this type of public service work creates a real sense of satisfaction and value.

In this episode, we explore co-design principles in implementing some of the interim recommendations of the Victorian Royal Commission into Mental Health. We are joined by Paul Flowerdew, Director of the Transformation Strategy and Program Management Office, Mental Health and Wellbeing Division, Department of Health, Michelle Swann, Principal Adivser for Family/Carer Lived Experience, Mental Health and Wellbeing Division, Department of Health, and Karen Gallagher and Alex Moshevelis, co-design practitioners at Today, one of Australia's leading social impact agencies.