How do public servants make smart decisions when time is short and the stakes are high?

In this episode, host David Pembroke is joined by two leading experts in organisational decision-making: Eric Barends, Managing Director of the Centre for Evidence-Based Management, and Alessandra Capezio, Associate Professor of Organisational Behaviour at the Australian National University. Together, they explore how public servants can make better decisions by combining data, research, stakeholder input, and professional experience.

The conversation delves into the challenges of balancing instinct and evidence in fast-paced environments, the risks of relying on heuristics and cognitive biases, and the importance of cultivating a culture that supports critical thinking and evidence-informed practice.

Key tips: 

1. Use multiple sources of evidence to support decision-making. Avoid relying solely on personal experience; combine organisational data, scientific research, stakeholder perspectives, and expert judgement.
2. Challenge cognitive biases. Recognise common pitfalls like solution fixation and authority bias, and ask critical questions to uncover root causes.
3. Build capability and culture. Equip teams with the skills and shared language to critically appraise evidence, even under time pressure, and foster leadership that values evidence-based practice.

Show notes:

• Evidence-based tools and resources | Center for Evidence-Based Management website
• Online course on evidence-based management | CEBMa
• EBDM support, short courses and bespoke offerings | Associate Professor Alessandra Capezio via ANU

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Have you ever written to a politician? What did you hope to achieve?

In this episode of Work with Purpose, guest host Andrew Metcalfe AO FIPAA explores the power of personal correspondence in shaping Australia's political landscape. With around 150,000 letters and emails received annually by the Prime Minister, new research is shedding light on how these messages influence policy and public discourse.

Dr Daniel Casey and Dr Marija Taflaga from the Australian National University unpack the findings of Daniel's research into letters sent to Prime Minister John Howard between 1996 and 2000, and discuss broader insights from the POLEVPOP project on how politicians evaluate public opinion.

From heartfelt pleas and policy critiques to unexpected administrative revelations, this episode reveals how everyday Australians have helped shape the national agenda – one letter at a time.

• Write to policymakers – letters from the public are a vital democratic tool, offering depth and context beyond the ballot box.
• Tell your story. Personal stories – especially those that tug at the heart – can leave a lasting impression on policymakers
• Opt for handwritten or emailed letters. Despite the rise of social media, private correspondence remains a powerful and personal form of civic engagement.

• How politicians evaluate public opinion (POLEVPOP) | ANU
• Explore one of the featured letters: Jeffrey Funerals letter to the PM (1996) | via Daniel Casey
• Daniel Casey, 'Dear John...': Letters from the public to Prime Minister Howard | UNSW Library

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Hosted by IPAA National President Andrew Metcalfe, AO FIPAA, this episode of Work with Purpose explores how the public sector might manage an increasingly complex global public sector environment, while maintaining a spirit of humility and empathy in serving the community.

Public administration on a global scale is facing challenges from growing hostility influenced by misinformation and political rhetoric, which is impacting public servants’ morale and the perception of government institutions.

In this discussion, Crawford School of Public Policy Director Janine O’Flynn reflects on her address to the 2025 American Society of Public Administration Conference which highlighted these issues alongside efforts to build a positive narrative for public service and the integration of technology like AI in governance.

This podcast delves into the long-running global debate on the value of public service – a conversation that continues to evolve across different national contexts.

1. Lead with empathy – recognise the emotional toll of uncertainty and trauma on public sector employees. Whether you're a leader or a colleague, approach conversations and decisions with compassion and understanding.
2. Champion positivity – actively highlight the value and impact of public sector work. Sharing success stories and meaningful contributions helps counteract public hostility and rebuild trust.
3. Engage thoughtfully with AI – understand that trust in artificial intelligence depends on more than just technology; it requires ethical oversight, sound judgement, and high-quality data. Advocate for systems that challenge, rather than replicate, existing biases.

• Utrecht University project on Successful Public Governance | Utrecht University, Netherlands
• Speech to the American Society for Public Administration | Crawford School of Public Policy
• Pathways to Positive Public Administration: An International Perspective | Open source book via Elgar Online
• Has the time arrived for Positive Public Administration | The Mandarin
• Automated Assistance in Administrative Decision Making [2004] | Administrative Review Council Reports
• 2025 American Society of Public Administration Conference | ASPANet

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How can public sector professionals keep their skills sharp without committing to years of study? Microcredentials may be the answer.

In this episode of Work with Purpose, host David Pembroke speaks with Professor Deborah Blackman from UNSW Canberra and Kristen Risby from the Australian Public Service Commission about how microcredentials are transforming learning in the public sector.

Explore the co-design process behind new postgraduate offerings as our speakers share lessons from recent pilot programs and highlight how these short, credit-bearing courses are helping public sector professionals build relevant skills without committing to long-form study.

Key tips

1. Choose microcredentials that offer credit – look for courses that meet university standards and contribute to formal qualifications. These are stackable and recognised across institutions.
2. Embed learning into your workplace – apply course content directly to your current role through reflective assessments and practical tasks that reinforce learning outcomes.
3. For those wanting to create a course, co-design with practitioners for relevance – when developing or selecting a course, involve subject matter experts and end users to ensure the content is job-ready and aligned with sector.

Show notes 

• Express your interest or find out more about the APS Academy microcredentials | APSC website
• Explore other learning opportunities with the APS Academy learning | APS Academy
• Subscribe to hear the latest news, events and offerings from the APS Academy | APS Academy

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In this landmark episode of Work with Purpose, host David Pembroke sits down with Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Australia’s 28th Governor-General, for a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation recorded at Government House.

Marking one year and one day since her appointment, the Governor-General reflects on her journey from suburban Canberra to one of the nation’s highest offices. She shares insights into her upbringing, career, and the values that guide her leadership – care, kindness, and respect.

Listeners will gain a rare glimpse into the evolving role of civic institutions, the importance of inclusive public service, and the power of storytelling in shaping national identity. From her early volunteerism to her work in law, sport, climate, and social justice, the Governor-General’s story is one of curiosity, courage, and commitment to community.

In this episode, you’ll hear about her path to Governor-General, why care, kindness, and respect are central to her vision for modern leadership and public service, and how her diverse career shaped a holistic view of Australia’s institutions and the people who power them.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about Australia’s future, the role of public service, and the values that bind us together.

Key tips

• Champion civics education. Help build a more informed and engaged society by promoting understanding of Australia’s democratic systems and institutions
• Collaborate across sectors. Break down silos between public, private, and community sectors to foster innovation and shared purpose
• Lead with compassion. Embed care and kindness into everyday decision-making – whether in policy, leadership, or community engagement.

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In this special NAIDOC Week edition of Work with Purpose, guest host Kate Driver, CEO of IPPA ACT, leads a powerful and heartfelt conversation celebrating the theme of NAIDOC Week 2025: The Next Generation – Strength, Vision, and Legacy.

Kate is joined by two inspiring young First Nations leaders – Luke Stevens, a proud Gimuy Waluburra Yidinji and Kuku-Yalanji man working at the Department of Home Affairs, and Tianie Scott-Knight, a proud Yankunytjatjara, Pitjantjatjara, Anmatyerre, Kamilaroi and Wiradjuri woman and First Nations lead at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

This episode is a tribute to the strength of First Nations peoples and a call to action for deeper understanding, curiosity, and reconciliation within the public sector and beyond.

• Consider cultural identity and the importance of connection to Country when engaging with First Nations in the public sector
• Storytelling, music, and art play an important role in shaping First Nations leadership
• Allies can support First Nations by walking alongside them and genuinely listening to them.

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In this episode of Work With Purpose, host David Pembroke sits down with Madelaine Magi-Prowse and Dr. Loren Willis from the Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government (BETA), Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, to explore how behavioural science is reshaping policymaking across the Australian Public Service.

Take a behind-the-scenes look at BETA’s multidisciplinary approach – blending psychology, economics, data analysis, and policy expertise – to tackle complex challenges like financial regulation, health decisions, and social policy. This episode highlights the evolution of behavioural insights from simple interventions to sophisticated, evidence-based strategies that drive real-world impact.

A standout case study features BETA’s partnership with the Organ and Tissue Authority, where a refreshed DonateLife campaign, including some behaviourally informed messaging, contributed to a 95% increase in organ donor registrations. The discussion also introduces the 4D Framework – Discover, Diagnose, Design and Deliver – a practical tool developed by BETA to help public servants apply behavioural insights in their daily work.

Key tips:

1. Tailor your approach using behavioural insights to match how people really behave.
2. Use the 4D Framework to embed behavioural science into your team’s policy work.
3. Back your messaging with evidence to build trust and boost public engagement.
4. Tap into BETA’s online modules to grow your behavioural science skills.

Whether you're new to behavioural science or looking to deepen your expertise, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration to help you put people at the centre of policy.

Show notes

• Behavioural Economics | BETA website
• The 4Ds: A framework for managing behavioural insights projects | The BETA 4D Framework summary
• BE up-skilled | Behavioural Economics | BETA’s Online learning courses
• Online Survey Software | Qualtrics Survey Solutions | The BETA Behavioural Discovery Tool
• 4 Easy Ways to Apply EAST Framework to Behavioural Insights | BIT website  

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On the fifth episode of our APS Reform in Action series, we hear from Laure Yassine and Lisa Jansen from Services Australia, and Carly Harrison from the Australian Public Service Commission, on the development of Services Australia's APS Experience Design Principles – and how you can apply them, even if you're not a design expert.

These seven principles – simple, inclusive, tailored, connected, transparent, safe, and trustworthy – help the APS design and deliver people-centred, inclusive services across all channels. Developed through extensive consultation and research, they offer practical guidance for improving both policy and service delivery.

Laure Yassine, acting national manager, Business and Customer Architecture Branch, Services Australia, Lisa Jansen, national manager, Digital Product Design Branch, Services Australia, and Carly Harrison, assistant director, Partnership and Engagement, APS Commission, join host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, to explore how these principles are being embedded across the APS to improve outcomes for all Australians.

Key tips:

1.       Start with simplicity – clear communication and plain language make services more accessible for everyone

2.       Focus on outcomes. You don't need to be a design expert to apply these principles effectively

3.       Use the principles as a guide. They're a practical checklist to evaluate and improve services across government.

Show notes

APS Experience Design Principles | aga

Get in touch with the Design Experience Team at Services Australia

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Our APS Reform in Action series returns with a deep dive into bringing stewardship to life in aged care across Australia’s regions.

In response to the Aged Care Royal Commission, the Australian Government invested over $13 million to tackle local challenges and service gaps in aged care through a local network of Department of Health, Disability and Ageing staff. Today, the network has an office in each capital city around Australia and nine regional offices, representing the department ‘on the ground’ to support the implementation of aged care reforms.

On this episode, host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, is joined by Elsy Brammesan PSM, state manager, NSW/ACT branch and Rebecca McIlroy, acting state manager, WA/SA team at Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, to shine a light on the work of the local network as an extraordinary example of regional stewardship in practice. Together, they canvas the initial pilot project across 8 primary healthcare networks in Australia, and how it has changed aged care policy, service delivery, and local engagement.

Key tips

1. Trust doesn’t grow overnight. Investing time upfront will get you better outcomes further down the road
2. If you want to be a good steward, you need local knowledge – engage where it matters most
3. Implement weekly conversations and regular training with your staff about the challenges they face in embodying stewardship.\

This series is delivered in partnership with the Australian Public Service Commission.

Show notes

• $13 million to drive aged care innovation | Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
• Local Network contacts | Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

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On today’s episode of Work with Purpose, Danielle Wood, Chair of the Productivity Commission, reflects on how the Commission’s role has evolved—from her early days as a graduate to leading its national reform agenda.

As Australia faces slower growth and rising complexity, how can public policy adapt to deliver long-term productivity and social progress?

Danielle joins host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, to discuss how the commission continues to provide rigorous, independent advice in the public interest while expanding its focus to the care economy, First Nations policy, and Closing the Gap. She also explores the challenges of lifting productivity in the service sector, the slower impact of new technologies, the importance of diversity in economic leadership, and how to deliver frank advice that drives long-term reform.

Key tips:

1. Embed Closing the Gap priorities into your policy and program design to help drive meaningful, long-term change
2. Champion diversity in economics to ensure a broader range of perspectives and better policy outcomes
3. Value independent advice as a cornerstone of good governance, even when it challenges the status quo.

Show notes

• Quarterly productivity bulletin – March 2025 | Productivity Commission
• Closing the Gap Review | Productivity Commission

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