Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Sector

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 one of this special episode of Work with Purpose, we sit down with Dr Rachel Bacon, deputy secretary at the APS Reform Office, and Dr Subho Banerjee, head of APS Academy and Capability, to explore the nuances of capability within the public service. They discuss the role of the Secretaries’ Board and the capability committee in setting strategic priorities, including attracting talent, embracing technological advancements, and fortifying leadership integrity. Tune in to discover how the APS is taking a decentralised, outward-facing approach to drive continuous improvement in public service.Discussed in this episode:The meaning of ’building capability’ in a workforce contextChallenges relating to the APS Workforce Strategy's three focus areas for capability upliftRole of the Reform Office in building capabilityCollaboration between the Reform Office and Australian Public Service Commission.Show notes:APS Reform priorities | APS ReformAhead of the Game: Blueprint for the Reform of Australian Government Administration | Advisory Group on Reform of Australian Government Administration APS Workforce Strategy 2025 | Australian Public Service Commission Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.