Episodes
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Today, Dr Antonio Di Dio from the Professional Services Review talks about how to identify burnout and support yourself and your team members when they struggle with mental health challenges.
The end of the year is inching closer, but for many working in the public sector, the next time-hungry project is just around the corner, increasing pressure on their mental health and wellbeing. In 2023, 1 in 3 respondents to the APS Census reported feeling burnt out by their work – so, how can organisations and individuals stem the tide?
On this episode of Work with Purpose, host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup speaks with Dr Antonio Di Dio, long-term GP and director of the Professional Services Review, about the state of burnout in the sector, and why caring for your work can be both a blessing and a curse. Antonio highlights the need for education about what causes burnout and offers some practical strategies to help support yourself and those around you, from setting boundaries to self-care and regular breaks.
Key tips
1. Support people in getting the right diagnosis so they can get treatment.
2. Whilst you can’t always do much about the workflow, ensure you have clear expectations and give recognition to your staff for their work.
3. Watch out for: perfectionism, pessimism, overachieving and strong need for control – people with these qualities are at the highest risk of burnout.
Show notes
The 2023 APS Employee Census Overall results | Australian Public Service CommissionPublic Sector Neurodiversity Community of Practice | Australian Public Service CommissionProfessional Services ReviewBurnout diagnosis one step closer with new clinical checklist and predictor of which personalities are most at risk | Black Dog InstituteHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sam Jeffries from the Australian Public Service Commission, Julie Hansen from the Department of Defence, and Stella Renagi from the Australian Taxation Office join us on this episode to discuss the Collaboration Circle, a new model centering First Nations experiences in the APS.
Effective engagement with First Nations peoples to ensure better recruitment, retention and advancement is a priority under the Australian Public Service Reform pillar ‘The APS as a model employer’. Collaboration Circle is a recent initiative under this pillar in line with Closing the Gap Priority Reform 3, designed to ensure that the experience of First Nations public servants is understood by the senior leaders of the APS.
On this episode, First Nations APS leaders Sam Jeffries, first assistant commissioner First Nations Systems Lead at the Australian Public Service Commission, Julie Hansen, Training Force WHS advisor at the Department of Defence and Stella Renagi, business strategy manager at the Australian Taxation Office, join host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, to talk about the how the Collaboration Circle initiative has evolved from pilot to a permanent mechanism in 2025.
Key tips
Trust is the currency – it is the only thing that will help you build relationships to drive genuine change.Embrace the findings of the Collaboration Circle to support recruitment and retention of First Nations staff in your organisation. Bring it into senior leadership meetings.Recognise your privilege and bias, and that people’s lives can be very different.Show notes
APS Consultative Committee communique | Australian Public Service Commission
Closing the Gap Priority Reform 3 | Closing the Gap
COO Committee communique: 25 June 2024 | Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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On this episode, Colonel Jennifer Harris from the Australian Army gives us a masterclass in managing change in complex organisations, based on her experience with the Army’s Digital Twin.
Change can be difficult – as individuals, we prefer stability and predictability. Particularly when working in large organisations, it can be both an opportunity and a great challenge to align everyone to achieve a common change goal. But the Australian Army’s ongoing Digital Twin project showcases how it can be done successfully.
On this episode of Work with Purpose, Colonel Jennifer Harris explores how the Army, in response to the Defence Strategic Review, established a system that would enable the organisation to rapidly identify risks to warfighting and future capability – the Army’s Digital Twin. Together with host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, Jen talks about the intricacies of managing change at this scale and what theories and frameworks helped her keep people at the centre of transformation.
Key tips:
Working on big projects requires you to iterate all the time – it is a live activity.Whilst tools and applications are important for any transformation to succeed, you need to focus on the people who will use them. People don’t maliciously resist change – they’re just invested in the current system. Shifting mental models can take time but is worth the investment.Show notes:
The case for a military Spatial Digital Twin | Australian Army Research CentreNational Defence: Defence Strategic Review 2023 | Australian Government: DefenceBerkana Two Loops model | Innovation UnitSystems change | Observatory of Public Sector InnovationHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jim Betts, Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, talks about shaping his role as APS CALD Champion and why he wants leaders to take action to achieve equality.
Our recent episode on CALD representation in the senior executive left many of us and our listeners humbled. Australia’s public service is diverse, yet there is still some way to go to achieve true equality for CALD employees in its senior ranks.
This time, Jim Betts joins host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, to talk about the Secretaries Board’s CALD compact to support inclusion and equality at the leadership level. Jim talks about his role as an advocate, encouraging other secretaries to champion the cause of CALD employees.
Jim also talks about his love for creating environments where others can thrive and bring their authentic selves to work and shaking up people’s pre-conceptions of what a senior public servant looks like.
Key tips:
As a leader, you don’t need to speak in management jargon to succeed, if that’s not who you are. You can be your authentic self.CALD employees shouldn’t have to drive change alone – be a champion for their cause.To create a sense of belonging, support your CALD employees in telling their stories and empathise with them.Show notes:
Secretaries Board communique: 9 October 2024 | Department of the Prime Minister and CabinetWhy cultural and linguistic diversity matters | Work with PurposeHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Adam Fennessy PSM, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, shares tips for having difficult conversations and an insight into the department’s recent Growing Australia Together strategy on this episode of Work with Purpose.
Where is the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry headed under its recent Growing Australia Together strategy? And what are Secretary Adam Fennessy’s priorities based on the department’s capability review?
Host David Pembroke and Adam discuss how ‘Growing Australia Together’ aims to increase the value of agriculture production and expand trade markets, protect the country’s food and fibre from diseases, and make agriculture more sustainable. Adam also talks about managing avian flu outbreaks in Australia, and the government’s $100 million investment in preparedness for new variants.
In this episode, also learn about Adam’s focus on enhancing the department’s digital systems, staying connected with staff spread across Australia, and getting the most out of flexible working arrangements.
Lastly, hear some key tips on how to have difficult conversations – whether it’s with your staff or stakeholders.
Key tips:
Go out and connect with community directly to have difficult debates even if it’s hard to hear. You will get better outcomes.In difficult conversations, make it about the issue and be prepared to step into an uncomfortable space.If you’re keen to optimise your flexible working arrangements, look into what the data tells you about how your workplace functions most effectively – don’t rely on anecdotes.Show notes:
Fierce Conversations | Susan ScottGrowing Australia together | Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and ForestryFlexible working in the ACT Public Service | UNSWHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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On this episode, Dr Suzanne Akila, Jo Talbot, and Radi Kovacevic talk us through CALD representation in the public service, and what it will take for more culturally and linguistically diverse employees to succeed in the senior executive.
Australia is a truly multicultural nation, with over 21 percent of the country's population born overseas. As this demographic has grown over the years, so has the number of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) employees in the public service. However, this isn’t broadly reflected in the senior executive level. Earlier this year, the public service launched its CALD Employment Strategy to address this gap.
On this episode of Work with Purpose, host David Pembroke speaks with Dr Suzanne Akila from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Radi Kovacevic from the Department of Home Affairs about their experience as CALD leaders in the public service. Leading the implementation of the CALD Employment Strategy, Jo Talbot from the Australian Public Service Commission also joins the discussion, focusing on how to create workplaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
Discussed in this episode:
· why cultural and linguistic diversity matters in the workplace
· championing CALD employees in the APS
· being curious about people’s stories
· the effects of othering
· key initiatives under the CALD Employment Strategy
· building cultural understanding
· removing bias from recruitment processes
· challenging what a good leader looks like
· learning critical self-reflection
· tips for aspiring CALD leaders.
Show notes:
· APS Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Employment Strategy and Action Plan | Australian Government
· CALD network | Australian Public Service Commission
· MOSAIC multicultural awareness digital magazine | APS Academy
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP joins us on the episode of Work with Purpose to highlight how evaluation can help create better policies and programs.
On a recent episode of Work with Purpose on the art of policymaking, our experts agreed that evaluation should be baked into the development process from the get-go – but how do you make it work when the pressure is high?
The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, and Assistant Minister for Employment, joins presenter David Pembroke to talk about why evaluation shouldn’t be an afterthought. Assistant Minister Leigh reflects the year past since the establishment of the Australian Centre of Evaluation, and how it aims to raise the quality and quantity of evaluation across the Australian Public Service.
Discussed in this episode:
· Assistant Minister Leigh’s story from growing up as the child of two aid workers to working in politics
· his role as Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury and Assistant Minister for Employment
· the role of the Australian Centre of Evaluation one year in
· lessons from medicine for randomised evaluation
· why there is a strong appetite from politicians to pursue randomised trials
· overcoming thought barriers to randomised trials
· why solely relying on observational data can be misleading, and
· building an experimenting society.
Show notes:
Fair game: lessons from sport for a fairer society & a stronger economy | Andrew LeighAPS builds skills for the future | Department of the Prime Minister & CabinetAustralian Centre for EvaluationEducation Endowment FoundationThe Magenta Book | UK GovernmentHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Lydia Milosavljevic from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and Zoe Scanlon from the Attorney-General’s Department give us a masterclass in executive support on this episode of Work with Purpose.
What does it take to build a superstar executive support team?
Hear from Lydia Milosavljevic, executive assistant to Deputy Secretary Simon Duggan at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and Zoe Scanlon, chief of staff to Katherine Jones PSM, Secretary of the Attorney-General’s Department, about how to grow collaboration, prioritise appropriately, and build trust and respect for each other.
Lydia and Zoe chat with presenter David Pembroke about why it’s important that everyone on the executive support team knows each other’s worth and unique contribution, and why you shouldn’t leave developing a good relationship to chance.
Discussed in this episode:
· core tasks of EAs and chiefs of staff
· how to prioritise effectively
· collaboration between EAs, EOs and COSs
· sharing information between roles and keeping each other in the loop
· respecting and valuing each other’s expertise
· recommendations for EAs and chiefs-of-staff to build a strong relationship
· how to work effectively with the executive support team, no matter where you are in an organisation
· testing ideas with each other.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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If your team is grappling with an increasingly busy workload, today’s episode of Work with Purpose with Martin Hehir PSM and Kathy Hilyard will give you some useful tips on how better collaboration can become part of the solution.
With a busy work program following the pandemic, Martin Hehir PSM, deputy secretary, Governance and Corporate and chief operating officer, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and his team faced this exact challenge while working at the Attorney-General’s Department. At the time, Martin had an inkling that expanding collaboration might be the key to meeting these increasing demands, whilst also maintaining a sense of happiness and resilience in the team. But how could he bring them along for this change amidst persistently high workloads?
On this episode, Martin shares the story of how his team made it happen with the help of Kathy Hilyard, co-founder of the Centre for Collective Leadership. Martin and Kathy tell presenter David Pembroke about the “aha” moments and challenges, from experimenting with new ways of working across groups and professions to addressing fears around authenticity and vulnerability. Along the way, their efforts profoundly changed how leaders interacted with their teams and each other, fostering a more connected and resilient work environment.
Discussed in this episode:
· how people’s workstyle changes under pressure
· creating a more collaborative culture
· opening up and being vulnerable as a leader
· learning through discomfort
· working across teams and professions
· growing relationship intelligence
· why professionals with specific expertise can often struggle to collaborate
· finding and empowering influential leaders in an organisation
· why leadership isn’t about position
· practicing how to disagree with grace
· honest, save, and respectful engagement
Show notes:
Strength deployment inventory | Core StrengthsDare to lead the story rumble process | Brené BrownHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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A stronger emphasis on merit now will be crucial to ensure a thriving public service in the future, former APS Commissioner Andrew Podger AO tells us on this episode of Work with Purpose.
APS Reform is in full swing, but what else could be added to the agenda? On this episode, we hear the perspective of former senior public servant, now commentor and researcher, Andrew Podger AO on the value of merit, where stewardship is appropriate, and what has affected capability within Australia’s public sector.
In discussion with IPAA National President Andrew Metcalfe AO, Andrew Podger talks us through his views of how APS values could better highlight the public service’s commitment to the public. He also discusses his idea of bringing back tenure for secretaries with a stronger focus on merit assessments, and why the Public Service Commissioner should act as the professional head of the public service.
In future discussions, we’ll also hear from others in our sector, who are grappling with this same question. Keep an eye out for future episodes which will highlight other academic and practitioner perspectives and research on some of Australia’s public sector’s most pressing challenges.
Contributions to the public sector reform debate on:
· why merit should be given more weight in the public service and other statutory appointments
· a code of conduct that is a statutory requirement for ministerial staff and their relationship with the public service
· suggestions about what stewardship should mean for secretaries
· clarifying the public service’s commitment to the public
· rewards and penalties for secretaries
· the APS Commissioner as the professional head of the public service
· the role of merit in appointments for positions such as high commissioners or ambassadors
· improving the way the public services hires contractors
· rebuilding expertise in the public service
· conflict of interest and post-separation employment provisions.
Shownotes
Discussion paper: Further reform of the Australian Public Service | ANU Centre for Social Research & Methods
2024 IPAA ACT Conference: Ready to Rethink
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Dr Wendy Craik AM FTSE joins us for this episode reflecting on a career of curiosity and collaboration in service of Australia’s marine environment.
Dr Wendy Craik AM FTSE has had a long and distinguished career across science, not-for-profits and the public sector. What has she learned along the way, from her time as a PhD candidate in Canada researching fish to working on the first management plans for the Great Barrier Reef?
Find out on this episode of Work with Purpose as David Pembroke sits down with Wendy to discuss her golden rules for effective collaboration and trust in complex environments. Drawing on her experience at the reef and her time at the National Farmers Federation, Wendy encourages everyone not to let fear get in the way of a great opportunity.
Wendy also explores how social media is affecting growing cynicism and distrust in science and why everyone has a role to play in providing solid evidence to challenge misinformation.
Discussed in this episode:
· Being curious about people and opportunities
· The development of the first management plans of the Great Barrier Reef
· Building collaboration and trust, even if parties have different goals
· How to be open and honest about the things you don’t know
· The root cause of distrust in science
· What everyone can do to promote evidence
· Why she is optimistic about progress
· Advice on communicating science effectively and transparently
· Why any good relationship takes time to develop.
Shownotes:
2024 Frances Adamson Oration | IPAA NationalHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In a first for Work with Purpose, we welcome The Hon Patrick Gorman MP to talk about his journey into politics, supporting the Prime Minister, and his vision for the use of artificial intelligence in the public service.
From Assistant Minister to the Public Service, to Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, to – more recently – Assistant Minister to the Attorney-General, the Hon Patrick Gorman MP covers an extensive portfolio of work. On this episode of Work with Purpose, he tells us how he keeps up with his responsibilities, and why he enjoys working to support Australia’s communities.
In conversation with host David Pembroke, Assistant Minister Gorman reflects on what his time as an adviser to former prime minister Kevin Rudd has taught him about reconciliation and how Australians are seen on the international stage. Minister Gorman also discusses what robodebt meant for Australians and the public service, and the way forward through integrity and stewardship. Lastly, he talks through embracing technological shifts in the public service and why AI should be used to create value for taxpayers.
Discussed in this episode:
· Minister Gorman’s way into politics
· Connecting with constituents
· What he learned in his time as adviser to former prime minister Kevin Rudd
· His role as Assistant Minister for the Public Service, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Assistant Minister to the Attorney-General
· How assistant ministers support ministers
· Digitisation and smart ways of working
· Putting people and businesses at the centre of government
· Reflections on robodebt
· How the public service can ensure artificial intelligence delivers value for Australia’s communities.
Shownotes
· The Hon Patrick Gorman MP | Parliament of Australia
· IPAA ACT Express Summit: AI in the public sector | Department of the Prime Minister & Cabinet
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Dr Trish Mercer, Andrew Tongue PSM and Fiona Barbaro PSM return to complete your policy essentials class with a focus on the mystical policy window, the art of foresight, and the power of evaluation.
In today’s complex and fast-moving environment, opportunities to introduce a policy can be tricky to identify. Dr Trish Mercer from the Australian National University, experienced former public servant Andrew Tongue PSM, and Fiona Barbaro PSM from the ACT Government tell us how to ensure you’re ready when the policy window opens.
The panel also dives into why foresight is a crucial, yet underused skill, and how to get it right to create policies and bureaucracies that are made to last. We’ll also get into why evaluation needs to be more than an afterthought, and our guests recommend their best resources for aspiring policy experts.
Discussed in this episode:
· tuning into ministers’ values and priorities
· keeping on top of ‘hot’ issues
· partnering with communities
· how to grow professional relationships
· the importance of foresight to build policy narratives
· upgrading delivery systems to match communities’ needs
· building policy evaluation into policy design
· why policymakers should draw on successes from across local, state and federal levels.
Shownotes
· The policy window | APS Academy
· Rationality and Modernity | Max Weber
· Publications, resources, FAQs | Commonwealth Ombudsman
· Publications | ACT Ombudsman
· The Mandarin
· Grattan Institute
· James Martin Institute for Public Policy
· Australian Government Consulting
· Muddling through | APS Academy
· The Bridge | ANZSOG
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Dr Trish Mercer, Andrew Tongue PSM and Fiona Barbaro PSM take us back to the essentials of policy-making – from understanding the political environment to creating a convincing narrative.
What do you need to know about the political environment to make good policy? And how do you create a narrative that gets people on board with your proposal?
In this first Work with Purpose episode in our two-part series on policymaking, host David Pembroke gets back to the basics of policy development, advice, and evaluation with Dr Trish Mercer from the Australian National University, experienced former public servant Andrew Tongue PSM, and Fiona Barbaro PSM from the ACT Government.
Together, they discuss how to get to know the government and minister you’re working for, why you need diversity of thought to create meaningful policies, the magic of a well-crafted narrative, and the crucial final tool that every policymaker needs: patience.
Discussed in this episode:
· Understanding a minister and the political environment
· Resilience and patience
· Using political theory as a guide
· Why diversity equals robustness
· Engaging your stakeholders to build trust and confidence
· Creating a convincing narrative
· Crafting concise advice for a minister
· Why making good policy takes time.
Shownotes
· The policy window | APS Academy
· Why policy narrative matters | ANZSOG
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Matt Yannopoulos PSM, Associate Secretary of the Department of Defence, maps out a unified approach for the public service to defend Australia’s interests.
In a world with increasing geopolitical tension, collaboration across the public service remains key to protecting Australia’s security and prosperity. On this episode, David Pembroke sits down with Matt Yannopoulos PSM, Associate Secretary of Defence, to explore what it takes to do this well.
They delve into the importance of a whole-of-government approach, emphasising the need for speed, focus, and coordination across various government agencies to enhance national security and preparedness.
Matt also shares his perspectives on the current geopolitical landscape, the transformation within the Department of Defence, and the strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating defence capabilities.
Discussed in this episode:
· a cross-agency approach to defence
· strategic priorities in the 2024 National Defence Strategy
· challenges and opportunities in defence transformation
· the role of the public service in national security and economic prosperity
· strategies for effective collaboration and innovation in the Department of Defence.
Shownotes
2024 National Defence Strategy
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In celebration of NAIDOC Week, Corey Tutt OAM from DeadlyScience and artist Ben Williams share the spirit of pride in their heritage and work. They invite you to listen closely to create true connections with First Nations peoples.
How can all Australians join in celebrating First Nations peoples’ contributions? And what will it take for the public sector to become a genuine partner for Indigenous-led organisations?
On this Work with Purpose episode in celebration of NAIDOC Week, Corey Tutt OAM and Ben Williams share their journey of connection and partnership that culminated in their new book ‘Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles’. Connecting with this year’s theme ‘Blak, Loud and Proud’, Ben and Corey speak from the heart about how pride in heritage and family can be a way to reclaim what First Nations peoples have lost through colonisation.
In conversation with guest presenter Kate Driver, CEO of IPAA ACT, Corey and Ben encourage public sector professionals to become true allies, leave aside any bias and celebrate the important contributions First Nations peoples make to Australia every day.
Discussed in this episode:
· how the public sector can effectively connect with indigenous-led organisations
· the story behind Corey and Ben’s new book
· the importance of good relationships in creating great work
· vulnerability and safety when creating art
· pride in heritage as a way to defy the impact of colonisation
· ways to self-determination
· removing stigma, status and bias
· how to become a better ally to First Nations peoples.
During NAIDOC Week, First Nations peoples are often asked to contribute and volunteer their time to educate others about their culture and knowledge. contentgroup and IPAA ACT want to ensure that we recognise the cultural load that Ben and Corey have generously taken on for this episode by financially recognising their expertise. We encourage you to show your support for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander speakers at your events in the same way. If you would like to support either Corey or Ben, consider purchasing their book, one of Ben’s artworks, or making a donation to DeadlyScience.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Dr Amaly Khalaf and Dr Steven Munns from the Australian Public Service Commission explore psychological safety in public sector workplaces – from the desk to the frontlines.
Creating workplaces which are both mentally and physically safe is a mission close to Dr Amaly Khalaf’s and Dr Steven Munn’s hearts. On this episode of Work with Purpose, they talk us through how the public sector is working towards this – from exemplary and trustful leadership to processes grounded in evidence.
Amaly, principal psychologist and lead of the APS Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Unit, shines a light on the new ADDRESS program, designed to support public sector agencies and staff in building mentally healthy workplaces. Steven, assistant commissioner, Diversity & Inclusion Branch, then connects this to how psychosocial hazards play out at the frontlines – for example at Centrelink or veteran’s services – and what can be done to support staff exposed to aggressive or abusive behaviour.
Discussed in this episode:
· the difference between psychosocial and psychological safety
· types of psychosocial hazards
· the ADDRESS program
· service-user violence and aggression
· reporting psychosocial hazards
· embedding honest reporting processes.
If you feel distressed during the episode, there is support available to you. Please call Lifeline’s 24/7 support line on 13 11 14 if you need someone to talk to.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Secretary of the Department of Health and Aged Care Blair Comley PSM tells the story of his public service career, and highlights how devolving leadership in the public sector can reduce risk, increase work quality and staff satisfaction.
Blair Comley PSM looks back at an outstanding career across the public and private sectors, from designing the GST to driving the Department of Health and Aged Care’s recent capability review.
On this episode of Work with Purpose, he revisits some of the milestones of his career and how they have shaped his approach to devolution – where mid-level staff in the public sector are empowered to make decisions and build closer relationships important stakeholders. He discusses the three key ingredients to make it happen at your organisation: skills, culture, and capability.
In conversation with podcast host David Pembroke, Blair also explores uplifting policy capability at the Department of Health and Aged Care, communicating with success, and what role consultants can play in public sector work.
Discussed in this episode:
· Devolution and its benefits for the public sector
· The Department of Health and Aged Care’s capability review
· Uplifting policy-making capability
· Key writing and communications skills for policymakers
· Lessons from consulting work
· The role of consulting in the public service
· The importance of optimism for driving innovation.
Shownotes
Capability review | Department of Health and Aged Care
Daniel Goleman | Emotional intelligence
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As the UN Climate Change Conference wraps up in Bonn, our Work with Purpose guests Dr Mara Hammerle and Andrew Hudson discuss the link between climate change and wellbeing and share some innovative ideas for greening government procurement.
Climate change remains one of the world’s most complex and systemic challenges. With a profound effect on human wellbeing, experts across the world are looking for ways to reduce its impact and embed better policy solutions.
On this episode of Work with Purpose, Dr Mara Hammerle and Andrew Hudson from the Centre for Policy Development talk about embedding wellbeing in decision-making, understanding communities’ adaptive capacity when it comes to a shift away from fossil fuels, and why locally-led approaches are key to creating responses that work.
Together with host David Pembroke, they also discuss the opportunities in greening government procurement to reach Australia’s emissions reduction goals.
Discussed in this episode:
· Embedding wellbeing metrics organisations and policies
· The importance of locally-led approaches
· Adaptive capacity and what it means for communities
· The role of the Net Zero Economy Agency
· Decarbonisation procurement rules and incentives
· Balancing up-front and life-cycle costs
· Shifting to long-term thinking over short-term solutions
· Andrew’s recipe for unreasonable optimism.
Shownotes
Measuring what matters | The Treasury
Wellbeing government initiative | Centre for Policy Development
Greening government report | Centre for Policy Development
2024 Purpose of government pulse | Centre for Policy Development
2023 intergenerational report | The Treasury
Early intervention investment framework | Victoria State Government
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On today’s Work with Purpose episode, Director General of IP Australia, Michael Schwager tells IP Australia’s innovation success story, and how the broader public sector can follow in its steps.
Did you know that 57 per cent of IP Australia's staff rate their culture as positively supporting innovation, 18 per cent higher than the APS average? Today, we hear from with Michael Schwager, Director General of IP Australia, about pioneering innovation in the public sector in conversation with host David Pembroke.
Michael shares how IP Australia balances risk and innovation to create a culture where new ideas thrive, and failures are learning opportunities. He also offers practical advice and examples from his experiences on how public sector bodies and individuals can drive forward-thinking initiatives.
Show notes:
· TM checker tool | An example of innovation
· Observatory of Public Sector Innovation | OECD
· Behaviourial economics | Innovative practice
· ATO Cyber Program | Innovation in digital solutions | OECD
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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