The Westminster Tradition

Thanks for the questions folks!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!

The Australian Public Service Commission's findings on the Robodebt scandal take center stage, revealing misconduct among public servants. Discussions explore the cultural pressures that hinder accountability and the need for ethical leadership. The conversation reflects on individual accountability while emphasizing the vital importance of transparency within organizations. Listeners are urged to consider the tragic implications for victims, advocating for genuine governmental accountability and change. The critics weigh in on the disconnect between bureaucratic interests and real human suffering.

Dan Davies, an author focused on accountability in the Post Office scandal, joins experts Alisdair Cameron, Graham Brander, and Anne Chambers to dissect widespread systemic failures. They discuss the pernicious culture that blamed postmasters and the flawed prosecution processes. The conversation highlights how rigid oversight mechanisms stifled individual intervention, leading to unjust prosecutions. Insights into the impact of technology and the evolution of management relationships provide a comprehensive view of accountability challenges and the need for reform.

Rob Wilson, former head of the Royal Mail Group Criminal Law Team, and Helen Rose, a former auditor for the Post Office, delve into the catastrophic Post Office scandal. They unearth disturbing systemic flaws that led to wrongful prosecutions of sub-postmasters based on a faulty computer system. The conversation highlights the oppressive power dynamics, unfair contract terms, and the struggle for justice in an imbalanced legal framework. They also draw alarming parallels with exploitative practices in other industries, showcasing the urgent need for reform.

Former state Minister for Health and the Arts, The Hon John Hill, discusses the trust between ministers and public servants, the approval process of the RoboDebt policy, dynamics between ministers and department heads, the influence of personal narratives in politics, navigating systemic risks in healthcare, effective governance through stakeholder relationships, and building relationships and maintaining respect in office.

Former Commonwealth Secretary Andrew Podger talks about integrating policy and administration in the public sector, governance in ICT projects, the role of APS Commissioner, challenges in implementing reforms, and potential future conversations on public sector improvement.

Former Commonwealth Secretary and Australian Public Service Commissioner, Andrew Podger AO, discusses the impact of granting tenure, increasing use of labor hire, and senior executives' legislation knowledge in the public service. Topics include managing poor performance, balancing tenure and agility, and the evolution of secretaries in the public sector.

What does the community want more - every last transgressor to be punished, or government to keep out of their business?How can regulators keep pace with changing community expectations about what is ‘appropriate’ - and, indeed, what is a workplace?What is a regulator to do when you’re facing these issues in the full glare of media scrutiny?In this final episode of the Essendon mini-series, we think about what this footy doping scandal can tell us about the challenges of being a modern regulator.Intro grab is then Chief Executive of the AFL, Andrew Demetriou, at the press conference releasing the Australian Crime Commission report on 7 February, 2013.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!

A deep dive into the Essendon Footy Club supplements scandal, exploring ASADA's role, regulatory challenges, and the distinction between anti-doping violations and WHS breaches. The podcast delves into the differences in suspensions between Cronulla and Essendon players, offering insights from investigators and former players.

Former Minister for Finance and President of Essendon Football Club, Lindsay Tanner, discusses the governance lessons from the 2013 Essendon Football Club supplements scandal. Topics include lack of controls and risk management, dangers of new leaders, and the failures within the organization. The episode highlights the importance of governance in addressing player welfare issues and ethical considerations in player health management.