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The Westminster Tradition

Latest episodes

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Feb 21, 2025 • 34min

REDUX - What the NACC is going on? Updates on Robodebt and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC)

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!
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Feb 17, 2025 • 45min

Oakden aged care scandal part 2 - there’s no $$$ in limbo

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.
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Feb 3, 2025 • 35min

Oakden aged care scandal part 1 - good in a crisis (...bad on the follow through)

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.
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Jan 13, 2025 • 42min

Ask a Secretary! Mike Kaiser (former) head of the Department of Premier and Cabinet (Qld)

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.
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Dec 30, 2024 • 49min

Mike Kaiser, former DG of Department of Premier and Cabinet (Qld)

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.
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Dec 16, 2024 • 34min

The State of the Service - drawing the threads from Coombs to Thodey to where we are now

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.
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Dec 2, 2024 • 33min

What the NACC is going on? Updates on Robodebt and the National Anti-Corruption Commission

Dive into the tangled web of the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the controversial RoboDebt saga. Discover the chaos surrounding halted investigations and the quest for transparency amid conflicts of interest. The conversation dissects the fine line between maladministration and corruption while highlighting unequal accountability in public service. Recent ethical shifts and cultural narratives shape the landscape, raising questions about leadership and the future of public trust in the wake of significant scandals.
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Nov 18, 2024 • 41min

Mr Bates v Post Office part 8 - ‘The One Where The Report is a Slide Deck’

The discussion dives into the challenging investigation of the Horizon system, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right investigators who truly understand retail dynamics. Concerns about bias in consulting reports are raised, highlighting pitfalls of relying on larger firms. The speakers debate the effectiveness of slide decks versus traditional reports, stressing clear communication. They also ponder the complexities of forming actionable recommendations from inquiries, underlining the need for inclusivity and clarity to better engage stakeholders.
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Nov 4, 2024 • 35min

Mr Bates v Post Office part 7 - ‘The One Where The Inquiries Go Nowhere’

The podcast dives into the tangled investigations surrounding the Post Office's Horizon system. Multiple inquiries failed to uncover the truth, showcasing poor review processes and leadership oversight. Key figures discuss the importance of procedural fairness and the challenges faced in initiating meaningful investigations without a government link. The complexities of drafting effective inquiry terms are examined, shedding light on how biases can hinder accountability. Finally, the mental health impacts of past decisions are explored, emphasizing the need for clarity in evaluations.
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Oct 14, 2024 • 31min

TWT Ask Us Anything! Part 2 - culture and integrity agencies

Diversity and inclusion in the public sector face systemic barriers, exposing a gap between commitment and practice. People management surveys may overlook deeper issues, complicating the pursuit of employee wellbeing. An integrity-driven culture is essential, with open communication needed for employee safety. Recruitment policies are scrutinized for their impact on power dynamics and work environments. The podcast emphasizes storytelling as a method for learning from past mistakes and promoting ethical decision-making.

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