Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Service.

Daniel Patterson has always been keen to do good for Canberra’s communities – and their backyards. On this episode of Public Sector Unearthed, the horticulture expert and passionate public servant tells us the story of Canberra’s innovative European Wasp program.Daniel shares how his team manages European wasps in the ACT, by focusing on eco-friendly, preventative measures. He talks us through how the program evolved through using new luring techniques and focusing on preventative, rather than reactive, approaches for trapping queen wasps to reduce the wasp population.The program became a standout initiative in public safety and environmental management, earning the 2023 IPAA ACT Spirit of Service Awards in the ‘Breakthrough’ category.This episode’s Unearthed wisdom: Pest control is crucial to keeping local species and communities safe and thriving. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Public Sector Unearthed podcast, Matt Padovan and Noel Chan from the ACT public service walk us through the organisation’s innovative flexible work program.Having worked on this project well before the world had to grapple with more flexible work demands due to COVID-19, Matt, who is director of flexible work within the ACT Government’s Office of Industrial Relations and Workforce Strategy, reflects on the program’s development. He highlights that it is as much about innovative workspaces as it is about cultural uplift, and why this approach wasn’t without challenges in the initial stages.Noel, who is director of the North Canberra Hospital Transition Project at the ACT Health Directorate is an avid user of the flexi hub workspaces, with the Belconnen site being her personal favourite. She talks about how the flexible workspaces have improved her work-life balance, and how it’s helped her gain a fresh perspective on the importance of collaboration between different directorates.Together with guest presenter Brock Phyland, Matt and Noel explore how flexible workspaces have transitioned from simply providing location flexibility to driving a cultural shift that promotes collaboration and innovation across various government areas.This episode’s Unearthed wisdom: Experimentation and taking risks are key to creating flexible workspaces that are responsive to workforce needs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 7 of the Public Sector Unearthed podcast, we hear the success story of the Fitzroy Crossing service centre's redevelopment from Ewa Griffiths and Zara Nehow, who were at the core of this initiative. Their innovative approach involved creating a co-designed space that respects local needs and incorporates elements reflecting cultural aspects and Indigenous arts. This earned them the 2023 IPAA ACT Spirit of Service Awards in the Community Engagement category.Ewa, the director of face-to-face service transformation at Services Australia, discusses the broader vision and strategic approach behind the redesign of the Fitzroy Crossing service center. She talks us through how the plan for the redesign came about and highlights lessons for future service center redesigns.Meanwhile, Zara, who is the service centre manager at Fitzroy Crossing with Services Australia hones in on community connection and takes us on a virtual walkthrough of the service centre. She also talks candidly about the impact of the 2023 floods on the newly opened center and how it has affected the redesign and the community.This episode’s unearthed wisdom: Empathy, collaboration, and a deep respect for cultural heritage are the cornerstones of creating spaces where communities can truly connect. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 6 of the Public Sector Unearthed podcast, we dive into the Empowered Communities program with Kristina Musial-Aderer, adviser, Empowered Communities at the National Indigenous Australians Agency, Reshaune Singer, engagement officer for NPY Empowered Communities and Jason Quin, executive manager of NPY Empowered Communities. They share how the program runs from the ground up, how they connect with community, and what motivates them to keep going every day.Kristina, shines a light on what the makes the Empowered Communities program stand out and how the government acts not as the primary driver but as an enabling partner. She also highlights how the program varies significantly across different communities and regions to accommodate the unique needs and circumstances of each area.Joining the conversation from Alice Springs, Reshaune, and Jason provide insights into how the program is running in the NPY region. Located in a tri-state area, Jason and Reshaune talk about the need for strong community ties and innovative communication and decision-making strategies are important for success. The conversation also explores their personal journeys, revealing the deep connections and motivations that drive their commitment to working closely with First Nations communities.This episode’s unearthed wisdom: Empowering First Nations communities requires genuine partnership, respect for indigenous knowledge, and a commitment to community-led solutions.Shownotes:Data and Digital Government Strategy | Charter of Partnerships and Engagement Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 5 of the Public Sector Unearthed podcast, we go behind the scenes of the Connected Beginnings program and talk to two public servants dedicated to giving First Nations children the best start in life.Lesley Richardson, director of Connected Beginnings Angurugu at the Department of Education, Northern Territory Government, shares how her career led her to playing a key role in the Connected Beginnings program in Angurugu. She highlights the program's comprehensive approach, combining health, education, and family support to nurture early childhood development in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across over 40 sites in Australia.Joining Lesley is Terese Christoff-Smith, who until recently was an assistant director for the Connected Beginnings program at the Australian Government Department of Education. From her position in Canberra, Terese gives an overview of the program's impact, focusing on the strides made in community-led initiatives and the significance of incorporating data-driven policies.This episode’s unearthed wisdom: Truly successful policies and programs will involve and draw on First Nations communities’ wisdom and strengths. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 4 of the Public Sector Unearthed podcast, we shine a light on the incredible human stories behind the Regional University Study Hubs.  Hearing from the program delivery point of view, we talk to Libby Beattie, assistant director in the higher education division at the Department of Education. Libby, driven by her own experiences growing up in a regional area, passionately discusses her role in the Regional University Study Hubs project. She also talks about how the program is revolutionising education accessibility in remote areas of Australia.  Olivia Sice is currently doing a masters degree in health service management from Griffith University, which she’s pursuing at the Broken Hill hub. Olivia shares her personal journey and the sense of community she’s found in this unique educational environment. Listen in as Libby and Olivia highlight the APS Reform’s emphasis on placing people at the heart of policy and services, showcasing the direct impact of public servants on community development. Gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of higher education in Australia's remote regions, and discover the passion and dedication driving this transformative initiative. This episode’s Unearthed wisdom: Equal access to resources and community support empowers individuals from remote areas to pursue higher education and positively impact their communities.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 3 of the Public Sector Unearthed podcast, we explore the journeys of Danni Woods, director of people and diversity, New Ways of Working program, and Olympia Sarris, departmental officer in the lived experience section at the Department of Health and Aged Care, who are dedicated to fostering inclusivity and promoting diversity in the public sector.Danni leverages her background in communications to advocate for those with diverse needs through the Disability and Carer's Network (DCN). In her day job, she has the unique opportunity to create workplaces with dignified access, from making corridors wide enough to fit wheelchairs to creating quiet rooms with dimmed lighting.Meanwhile, Olympia, also a member of the DCN, is motivated by her personal experiences with the healthcare system, and is keen to ensure that the voices of those with lived experiences shape mental health and suicide prevention policies.Together, Danni and Olympia discuss the DCN's significance in raising awareness and advocating for people with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, and carers. This episode’s Unearthed wisdom: The insights of people with lived experiences are invaluable. Listen closely to them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this second episode of the Public Sector Unearthed series, we're joined by Jayden Swain, a dedicated diversity and inclusion advisor at Austrade. Having grown up in a small town, Jayden’s journey into the diversity and inclusion space was motivated by his passion for First Nations justice and education, and inspired by his grandparents, who were pillars of his local Indigenous community. Jayden tells us about the importance of authenticity and leading by example. He also shares the guiding philosophy for his team at Austrade, which is “aim to be1 per cent better every day”. Through both minor policy adjustments and initiatives like ‘Wear it Purple Day’, Jayden's team influences not only the internal dynamics of Austrade but also resonates on a global scale, nudging the world toward greater inclusivity, one connection at a time. This episode’s Unearthed wisdom: Small actions can have a significant impact on making workplaces more inclusive. Strive to be 1 per cent better every day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From mentoring to inclusion networks, our new Work with Purpose spin-off series, Public Sector Unearthed, showcases the stories of public servants who are achieving grassroots culture change and reform.In this teaser episode, our series hosts Megan Aponte-Payne and Brock Phyland talk with Anna Ryan, Head of Communications and Engagement at the Australian Public Service Commission, and Caroline Walsh, CEO of IPAA ACT to give you a little taster of what's to come. Caroline and Anna share their personal stories about joining the public service, some of the great bottom-up initiatives they have seen in their careers, and how leaders can support their staff to start their own.This episode's Unearthed wisdom: If you want people to drive change on the ground, create an environment of trust and psychological safety. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The vast majority of public servants behave respectfully and civilly to their colleagues, but employee surveys of public servants across the country repeatedly show that bullying and harassment is still a significant issue. There is strong evidence that it weakens institutions, undermines productivity and innovation and poisons workplace culture. So, what does workplace bullying and harassment look like and what can be done to tackle it and make sure that we have safe and respectful workplaces in the public sector.In this week’s episode we are joined by Victorian Public Sector Commissioner, Adam Fennessey PSM, Vice-Chancellor and President at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst, Renee Leon PSM and President of IPAA National, Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM. Listen as they are interviewed by guest host, Clare Walsh, the Deputy Secretary of Business Enabling Services at the Department of Finance and Councillor at IPAA ACT.Discussed in this episode:·        What makes a healthy workplace culture.·        The current state of bullying and harassment in the APS.·        Varied approaches to tackling workplace bullying·        The impact this has on the APS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s Work with Purpose episode, Dr Nina Terry, Bec Bodel and Professor Brenton Prosser help you learn the ropes of human-centred design.In today's complex world, how can the public sector effectively ensure that its policies and programs are centred on the needs of the people they serve? This episode explores human-centered design as one piece to solving this puzzle.Host David Pembroke convenes class with three leading experts in the design space: Bec Bodel from the Australian Taxation Office, Brenton Prosser from UNSW Canberra, and Dr Nina Terrey from ThinkPlace. Together, they walk through the most important parts of the design process and discuss how empathy, creativity, and strategic thinking can truly make a difference to policy and service delivery for Australia’s communities. Our guests also share practical tips and resources for you to hit the books and start your own design journey.Show Notes: How to empathy map | Nielsen Norman GroupExpand: Stretching the Future By Design | Book by Christian Bason and Jens Martin SkibstedCommunity-led project | Just ReinvestPolicy-making through design | The Policy LabIntro to human-centred design | Government of VictoriaInternational Design in Government CommunityDon't Make Me Think | Book by Steve KrugHuman-centred design program | An outline of National Standards for Out‐of‐home CareGovernment centred design, future-led | NESTA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we celebrate 100 episodes of Work with Purpose with a special conversation between two passionate public servants: Dr Gordon de Brouwer, Australian Public Service Commissioner and Thanuri Welaratne, education programs officer at Questacon. Together, they explore Gordon’s extensive career journey, covering the APS reform agenda and his report on bullying and harassment.Gordon highlights the critical role public servants play in maintaining democratic governance and upholding the principles of transparency, accountability and service to the community. Along with Thanuri, Gordon also discusses how public servants can navigate work-life balance, and what flexibility means post-pandemic.Framing the conversation, host David Pembroke looks back on Work with Purpose’s 100-episode journey – from its first episode covering the public service’s COVID-19 response to today’s conversation about reform, stewardship, and purpose. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whilst the ‘whole-of-nation’ approach is not new on the global stage, it is still a relatively new concept in Australian international policy circles. Amidst global challenges that demand more than just government action, it is also becoming increasingly vital. Unlike the familiar whole-of-government strategy, the ‘whole-of-nation’ approach includes a broader coalition, encompassing public sector agencies and actors from science, sports, arts, industry, civil society and more. But what are the nuances of this approach, and what potential does it hold for Australia on the global stage? In this episode, host David Pembroke welcomes Melissa Conley Tyler, executive director of the Asia-Pacific Development Diplomacy & Defence Dialogue (AP4D) and honorary fellow at the University of Melbourne. The discussion hones in on a comprehensive report published by AP4D in February, which involved consultations with 113 individuals from 93 organisations on the whole-of-nation approach. Throughout the episode, Melissa sheds light on the perceived benefits, potential barriers, and the critical balance between commercial and national interests. Tune in to discover how this approach applies to various areas, from major sporting events to climate change initiatives. Show notes: A whole-of-nation approach to international policy | Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy and Defence Dialogue    The whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace | National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict A whole-of-nation approach | Executive Order No. 70, President of Philippines  Public service to go from ‘whole-of-government' to ‘whole-of-nation' | The Straits Times, Singapore  A Whole of Nation Approach | Singapore Government Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning: This podcast discusses topics related to war and warfare, which some listeners might find distressing. If you need someone to speak with, do not hesitate to contact Beyond Blue’s 24-hour support via 1300 22 4636.As AI continues to evolve, its application in defence raises critical ethical questions. Ensuring the responsible integration of AI technologies within the Australian Defence Force (ADF) demands strict adherence to ethical standards. How then, can policy makers and public administrators ensure that the deployment of these technologies aligns with strategic objectives, ethical standards of the ADF and international law? Further, what are the potential impacts of AI on decision-making processes and the dynamics of warfare?In this first new Work with Purpose episode in 2024, host David Pembroke is joined by two leading Australian experts in AI ethics and military applications. Professor Toni Erskine from the ANU Coral Bell School explores the moral agency of AI-enabled military tools and what they mean for future use-of-force decisions. Adjunct Professor Kate Conroy from the Centre for Robotics, School of Electrical Engineering and Robotics at Queensland University of Technology, examines the ethical challenges of AI deployment in military and civilian contexts. The conversation covers the complex environment of AI in defence, shedding a light on autonomy in weapon systems, and emphasising the importance of balancing technological progress with ethical responsibility in defence. Kate Conroy speaks in her personal capacity and views are her own.Show notes:A method for ethical AI in Defence | Defence Science & Technology GroupAustralia’s System of Control and applications for Autonomous Weapons Systems | Australian GovernmentBad, mad and cooked: Moral responsibility for civilian harm in human-AI military teams | Dr Kate Conroy née DevittHow might AI affect the trustworthiness of public service delivery | Department of the Prime Minister and CabinetEthical use of AI in the workplace - AI WHS Scorecard | NSW GovernmentSystems of Control | UNODAAI, automated systems, and future use-of-force decision making: Anticipating effects | Professor Toni ErskineAnticipating the Future of War: AI, Automated Systems, and Resort-to-Force Decision Making Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite greater flexibility and more opportunities, gender equity still has some way to go. The country’s gender pay gap persists, and women are still underrepresented in leadership positions according to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency. One of the ways workplaces and women themselves are trying to turn the tide, is to offer and actively engage in mentoring.In our final rerun of the most popular episodes of 2023, we revisit a conversation that aired around International Women’s Day. It featured two inspirational female leaders: Tania Rishniw, Deputy Secretary of Employment and Workforce at the Department Employment and Workplace Relations, and Nina Davidson, Deputy Director-General Intelligence at the Office of National Intelligence. They discussed how mentoring can benefit women throughout their careers and what a great mentoring relationship should look like. Tania, Nina, and Caroline also talked about some of the women who inspired them, including the influential Dr Margot McCarthy, who championed women through coaching and mentoring until her recent passing in 2022. Margot was the first female national security advisor, a leader in social policy and a founder of the APS Academy.Discussed in this episode:Honesty, openness, and listening as key ingredients for good mentoringMargot McCarthy’s fierce leadership and support for other womenOvercoming self-censorship as a womanEmpowering and amplifying women’s voices. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used by public services globally, including in Australia, to improve policy-making and program creation. AI has immense potential to transform how the public sector functions and serves communities, from streamlining copywriting to providing strategic advice. However, there are risks and limitations associated with using AI, such as privacy breaches, accountability issues, and bias concerns.In this rerun of the best episodes of Work with Purpose from 2023, we revisit an insightful conversation that explored the potential and challenges of using generative AI in the Australian public sector. Sally Bayley-Nelson, manager of the AusIndustry Insights team, and Anthony Murfett, head of division for Technology and Digital at the Department of Industry, Science and Resources share their experiences using generative AI tools for their work and discuss the benefits and limitations of the technology. They also talked about the risks that the public sector needs to be mindful of when working with AI and the importance of putting guardrails in place to regulate its use. Discussed in this episode:Use of generative AI: benefits and limitations in the workplaceRisks in using generative AI in the public sector and regulatory guardrailsHow AI suggests regulating itself: thoughts and missing pointsBest practices and hopes for AI in the public sector’s future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Neurodiversity has become an important topic in the Australian public sector. With research suggesting that teams can be 30 per cent more productive with neurodivergent professionals, workplaces stand much to gain from greater inclusivity. Yet, many public sector workplaces can still do more to be neurodiversity inclusive.In this rerun of our most popular Work with Purpose episodes in 2023, we revisit a conversation featuring three public service thought leaders: Lee Steel, Ability Network Champion and First Assistant Secretary, Intergovernmental Relations and Reform, Robin Edmonds, Assistant Director, Media Reform Branch at the Department of Infrastructure and co-founder and co-chair of the cross-agency APS+ Neurodiversity Community of Practice, and Andrew Pfeiffer, Ability Network Executive and Adviser, BETA at PM&C. They discussed what public sector workplaces could look like in 2028 and how to better support neurodivergent individuals.Show notes:The inaugural APS Diversity and inclusion report 2022 (APSC)Business benefits of employing people with disability (Australian Network on Disability)Creating an accessible and inclusive workplace (Australian Human Rights Commission) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Robodebt Royal Commission highlighted the tremendous impact government policy gone wrong can have on the lives of Australians. The evidence given at the royal commission hearings also brought into question the state of ‘frank and fearless advice’ in the service.In the first rerun of our best episodes in 2023, we revisit our conversation with two public service leaders: Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM FIPAA, the Australian Public Service Commissioner, and Kathy Leigh, Head of Service and Director-General of the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate, ACT Government. We examined the impact of robodebt, and discussed how the public service might reinforce its values around integrity, and rebuild courage and pride in its work.Discussed in this episode:The importance of empathy and compassion for those affected, the public, and the public serviceThe role of impartiality and objectivity in giving policy adviceBest practice behaviour and delivery to further embed integrity cultureWhat a modern and responsive public service should look like. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flexible work has become a staple in modern workplaces, and the public sector is no exception. With an increasing demand for work flexibility, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a shift towards more adaptable working environments.On this episode, we are joined by Clare Kelliher, professor of work and organisation at Cranfield School of Management, Dr Fiona Buick, senior lecturer at UNSW Canberra, and Adam Fennessy PSM, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. In conversation with guest host Patrick Hetherington, COO of the Department of Social Services, they share their insights on the evolution of flexible work and how to make the most of it. The panel highlights the importance of understanding employee needs, rethinking job design, and the need for leaders to model the behaviours they wish to promote within their organisations.Discussed in this episode:The definition and scope of flexible work in the public sectorStrategies for managing and implementing flexible work effectivelyThe role of leadership in promoting and modeling flexible work culturesThe balance between employee well-being and organisational needs in the context of flexible work arrangements.Show notes:The future of flexible work | Randstad Five ways to make part-time working easier and more available | The Conversation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2019, the Thodey Review highlighted capability challenges and untapped potential within the Australian Public Service (APS). Two years have passed, and the APS Reform Agenda is providing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build capability and improve public service. With growing awareness of APS Reform across the service and 270 specialist capabilities within various agencies and departments, we explore the challenges and opportunities of building and sustaining capability across the APS’s large and diverse workforce.In part two of this special episode of Work with Purpose, we continue our conversation with Dr Rachel Bacon, deputy secretary at the APS Reform Office, and Dr Subho Banerjee, head of APS Academy and Capability. We explore some of the mechanisms that are supporting capability uplift – the Capability Reinvestment Fund, new in-house consulting model, and the APS Academy. Rachel and Subho also discuss some of their top tips on how to drive capability uplift as a leader in the APS, including being prepared to have meaningful and hard conversations, approaching each task with curiosity, and being a role model that others can look up.Discussed in this episode:Initiatives driving capability uplift in public service, including the Capability Reinvestment Fund and regular capability reviews.Role of APS Academy in fostering academic partnerships and skill developmentStrategies for future-proofing public service capabilities, including in-house consulting and systems approach.Show notes:APS Capability Reinvestment Fund 2023-24 | APS ReformUplifting the capability of the APS | APS Commission Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.