The Westminster Tradition

Surfing a wave of listener feelings about this topic, Danielle takes us through the experience of public service recruitment from the other side.Danielle and Alison argue about the merits of requiring 'in house' recruitment before externally advertising positionsThe role that conservative (perhaps inexpert??) local budget management plays in driving a cycle of vacancies and short term contractsHow complex recruitment processes make the public service less and less like the public we serveEzra Klein's podcast episode In This House, We're Angry When Government FailsThe good, the bad and the ugly of external recruitersNow for some appropriately bureaucratic disclaimers....While we have tried to be as thorough in our research as busy full time jobs and lives allow, we definitely don’t guarantee that we’ve got all the details right.If you want rigorous reporting on Robodebt, we recommend the work of Rick Morton at the Saturday Paper, Chris Knaus and Luke Henriques-Gomes at the Guardian, Ben Eltham at Crikey, Julian Bajkowski at The Mandarin, and of course, the Robodebt Royal Commission itself.Please feel free to email us corrections, episode suggestions, or anything else, at thewestminstertraditionpod@gmail.com.Thanks to PanPot audio for our intro and outro music. 'Til next time!

Australia's national elections are heating up as Parliament is prorogued. The discussion dives into caretaker conventions, highlighting their role in ensuring accountability amidst political turmoil. Listeners get insightful tips on managing election periods as public servants, mixed with humorous anecdotes about the complexities of incoming government briefs. The importance of transparency and neutrality in political governance is emphasized, alongside the unique challenges faced by new ministers navigating their roles. Plus, a tribute to a legendary public servant adds a celebratory touch!

Delve into the chaotic world of public sector recruitment! Hear about the emotional rollercoaster of being ghosted after interviews. Discover the madness behind quirky job requirements like 'interstate travel' and driving skills—can Caroline's sister really change a tire? Enjoy the concept of an X factor button for awkward interviews. Listeners share their bizarre experiences, revealing transparency issues and inefficiencies in the hiring process. It's a humorous and insightful look at a frustrating journey toward public service roles!

The hidden abuse at Oakden aged care raises serious questions about oversight in healthcare. From unsettling practices like 'Floor Time' to families fearing retaliation when speaking out, the discussions expose significant flaws in the system. Delving into the toxic loyalty dynamics that silence accountability, the conversation emphasizes the urgent need for better mechanisms to protect vulnerable residents. With personal stories and systemic insights, the podcast shines a light on the dark realities that too often go unnoticed.

In light of this week's decision that the NACC will pursue investigations into six public officials, we thought we would repost this episode from December 2024 explaining why the NACC's original decision to take no further action needed to be revisited, with a little explainer up front on the latest news.You can find out more about the NACC's announcement on 18th February 2025 here.In this episode, we talk about where things are at, managing conflicts of interest, and whether corruption always involves brown paper bags.For Rick Morton's reporting on this:Eight minutes outside: how the NACC failed on robodebtNACC dumped Gleeson over concerns for CoalitionNACC integrity officer quits over integrityOther recommended reads:Annabel Crabb's article on PM Albanese's response to the Qantas upgrades controversyJoe Aston's book The Chairman's LoungeOpening grab features National Anti-Corruption Commissioner Paul Brereton, appearing before the NACC Parliamentary Joint Committee, 22 November 2024.Now for some appropriately bureaucratic disclaimers....While we have tried to be as thorough in our research as busy full time jobs and lives allow, we definitely don’t guarantee that we’ve got all the details right.If you want rigorous reporting on Robodebt, we recommend the work of Rick Morton at the Saturday Paper, Chris Knaus and Luke Henriques-Gomes at the Guardian, Ben Eltham at Crikey, Julian Bajkowski at The Mandarin, and of course, the Robodebt Royal Commission itself.Please feel free to email us corrections, episode suggestions, or anything else, at thewestminstertraditionpod@gmail.com.Thanks to PanPot audio for our intro and outro music. 'Til next time!

Dive into the complexities of the Oakden aged care scandal as the hosts unravel the decade-long indecision over privatization and its toll on residents. They discuss the dire consequences of neglect, underfunding, and high staff turnover in mental health services. There's a compelling exploration of risk management and the importance of strategic decision-making in the sector. Listeners also hear poignant reflections on long service leave and personal accounts that underscore the urgent need for reforms in aged care.

Explore the shocking history of the Oakden aged care facility, where systemic abuse and neglect led to a royal commission in 2017. Discover the critical failures in management and compliance that left residents vulnerable for years. The discussion reveals why crisis responses are often swift, yet long-term changes are resistant to implementation. Insights from past staff highlight a culture that stifled improvement. Tune in for reflections on the struggle to address both immediate needs and deeper systemic issues in aged care.

Mike Kaiser, former Director General of Queensland's Department of Premier and Cabinet, shares his insights on the intricate dynamics of public service. He discusses the challenges junior staff face when seeking guidance from senior leaders and the importance of a supportive culture. The conversation also delves into workplace culture during festive seasons and the necessity of accountability in public service. Kaiser highlights the complexities of navigating partnerships for energy transitions and the critical need for robust whistleblower protections to ensure integrity.

Mike Kaiser, the former Director General of the Department of Premier and Cabinet in Queensland, shares insights from his extensive career in public service. He discusses the complex relationship between political offices and public servants, emphasizing the need for better communication. Kaiser delves into the ethical dilemmas of the RoboDebt scheme and the importance of accountability. He critiques public sector inefficiencies and highlights the significance of effective leadership. The conversation also addresses necessary reforms in leadership competencies to enhance public service delivery.

The discussion dives into the evolution of diversity and recruitment practices in the Australian Public Service. Key historical reports from 1974 and 2019 paint a picture of progress and ongoing challenges in gender equity. First Nations representation is critically examined, highlighting both advancements and barriers faced by Aboriginal professionals. The importance of supportive work environments is stressed, as well as the need for a broader definition of workforce diversity that includes socio-economic status. It's a candid look at inclusivity in public service.