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.
--------
37:08
EP#137: Purposeful productivity with Danielle Wood
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:Embed Closing the Gap priorities into your policy and program design to help drive meaningful, long-term changeChampion diversity in economics to ensure a broader range of perspectives and better policy outcomesValue independent advice as a cornerstone of good governance, even when it challenges the status quo.Show notesQuarterly productivity bulletin – March 2025 | Productivity CommissionClosing the Gap Review | Productivity Commission Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
36:17
EP#136: ‘Of(f) Course Minister’ with Sean Innis
On this episode of Work with Purpose, Sean Innis, author of ‘Of(f) Course Minister’, talks about the principle of responsible government – how it has evolved, drifted and, at times, been corrupted.As the dust settles from the 2025 Australian Federal Election, we take a deep dive into the ins and outs of the relationships between public servants, ministers, and parliament. These relationships may be complex, but at their core, they should be rooted in the principle of responsible government. But what does that actually mean?This time, guest host Kate Driver, CEO of IPAA ACT, talks with Sean Innis about the shifts and changes of public administration and Australia’s parliamentary system based on his new book ‘Of(f) Course Minister’. They discuss how transparency, accountability, and responsible government continue to underpin the work of public servants but also face their fair share of challenges. This includes how the two major parties interpret the public service’s role, the balance between personal and institutional relationships, and the tension between short-term fixes and long-term solutions.Key tips:To build rapport with a minister, watch others and learn from one anotherIf you work with ministers, listen closely to see if there is more opportunity to slow things down and focus on more long-term and deep thinking over quick fixesPrioritise continuity of the public service and how it builds relationships with stakeholders and customers, and drives knowledge and understanding.Show notesOf(f) Course Minister | BooktopiaNorthcote-Trevelyan Report | CivilServant.org.auRoyal Commission on Australian Government Administration: report | Analysis & Policy Observatory Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
40:52
EP#135: Giving better: holistic community engagement with Michelle Steele
On this episode, Michelle Steele from the Paul Ramsay Foundation talks us through community engagement from a philanthropic and public sector perspective, highlighting the value of listening instead of coming with solutions.When governments engage with communities, it’s usually about a specific program or policy – but what if the first goal was to genuinely listen to the community’s broader needs?On this episode of Work with Purpose, led by host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, Michelle Steele, Chief First Nations Officer at the Paul Ramsey Foundation, draws on her experience working in the public service and philanthropy to explore what the sectors can learn from each other. Michelle also uncovers the power imbalance between funders and communities, and why positive dissent can be crucial to having genuine conversations and slowing down when it’s most needed.Key tips:The philanthropic sector can derisk and scale ideas – make sure to learn from their case studiesFrank and fearless advice applies in community engagement, too. When you engage, make sure you’re open and allow others to be open as wellWhen you try to build consensus, pausing and slowing down isn’t always a bad thing. Make sure you stop to listen. Show notes:First Nations targeted grant round | Paul Ramsay Foundation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
31:20
EP#134: In caretaker mode
On today’s episode of Work with Purpose, Andrew Walter from the Department of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and Professor Anne Tiernan from the McKinnon Institute for Political Leadership unpack the caretaker conventions.The Australian federal election campaign is well underway – this means the Australian Public Service is now in caretaker mode. But what does this mean for the day-to-day work of public servants?Host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, speaks with Andrew Walter, first assistant secretary of the Government Division at PM&C, and Anne Tiernan head of research and Professor of Political Leadership at the McKinnon Institute for Political Leadership, walk us through the basics, and talk about how to navigate political and administrative pitfalls. They also clarify when caretaker mode starts and ends, and how you can handle requests for information from ministers.Key tips:Get in touch your portfolio agency’s caretaker team if you have questions on caretaker conventionsIf you’ve never been through caretaker, familiarise yourself with the guidance and speak to team members who have experienced it beforeIf a minister asks for factual information during caretaker period, you can provide it. However, be careful if it’s not the type of information you ordinarily provide, requires significant resources, or is likely to be used for campaign purposes. When in doubt, seek advice.Show notes:Guidance on caretaker conventions | Department of the Prime Minister & CabinetCaretaker Conventions in Australasia | Jennifer Menzies & Anne Tiernan | ANU PressCaretaker conventions | APS Academy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
About Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Sector
Work with Purpose is the must-listen podcast for those working Australia’s public sector, covering best practice, leadership conversations, research, and critical issues. Three times a month, we speak to current public servants, leading academics, and other public sector experts about how to best serve Australia’s communities, from essentials such as policymaking to building inclusive leadership practices. Work with Purpose is produced in a partnership between contentgroup and IPAA ACT. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Listen to Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Sector, The National Security Podcast and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
Australia