Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Service.

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 Strengths
• Dare to lead the story rumble process | Brené Brown

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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

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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 National

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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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