Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Sector

• EP#144: Institutional integrity amid uncertainty: Key insights from the ASPA Conference

  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.Key tips: 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.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.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.Show notes:Utrecht University project on Successful Public Governance | Utrecht University, NetherlandsSpeech to the American Society for Public Administration | Crawford School of Public PolicyPathways to Positive Public Administration: An International Perspective | Open source book via Elgar OnlineHas the time arrived for Positive Public Administration | The MandarinAutomated Assistance in Administrative Decision Making [2004] | Administrative Review Council Reports2025 American Society of Public Administration Conference | ASPANet Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• EP#143: Stacking skills: Microcredentials and the future of public sector learning

  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 tipsChoose microcredentials that offer credit – look for courses that meet university standards and contribute to formal qualifications. These are stackable and recognised across institutions.Embed learning into your workplace – apply course content directly to your current role through reflective assessments and practical tasks that reinforce learning outcomes.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 websiteExplore other learning opportunities with the APS Academy learning | APS AcademySubscribe to hear the latest news, events and offerings from the APS Academy | APS Academy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• 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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