Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Sector

• EP#142: Care, kindness, and respect: A conversation with the Governor-General

  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 tipsChampion civics education. Help build a more informed and engaged society by promoting understanding of Australia’s democratic systems and institutionsCollaborate across sectors. Break down silos between public, private, and community sectors to foster innovation and shared purposeLead with compassion. Embed care and kindness into everyday decision-making – whether in policy, leadership, or community engagement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• EP#141: NAIDOC Week Special: Strength, Vision, and Legacy

  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.Key tips:Consider cultural identity and the importance of connection to Country when engaging with First Nations in the public sectorStorytelling, music, and art play an important role in shaping First Nations leadershipAllies can support First Nations by walking alongside them and genuinely listening to them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• EP#140: Unlocking Behavioural Insights: How the BETA team is transforming public policy

  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:Tailor your approach using behavioural insights to match how people really behave.Use the 4D Framework to embed behavioural science into your team’s policy work.Back your messaging with evidence to build trust and boost public engagement.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 notesBehavioural Economics | BETA websiteThe 4Ds: A framework for managing behavioural insights projects | The BETA 4D Framework summaryBE up-skilled | Behavioural Economics | BETA’s Online learning coursesOnline Survey Software | Qualtrics Survey Solutions | The BETA Behavioural Discovery Tool4 Easy Ways to Apply EAST Framework to Behavioural Insights | BIT website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• EP#139: People-centred and inclusive: The APS Experience Design Principles

  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 everyone2. Focus on outcomes. You don't need to be a design expert to apply these principles effectively3. Use the principles as a guide. They're a practical checklist to evaluate and improve services across government.Show notesAPS Experience Design Principles | agaGet in touch with the Design Experience Team at Services Australia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• EP#138: Regional stewardship in action at the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

  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 tipsTrust doesn’t grow overnight. Investing time upfront will get you better outcomes further down the roadIf you want to be a good steward, you need local knowledge – engage where it matters mostImplement 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 AgeingLocal Network contacts | Department of Health, Disability and Ageing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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