Why NSW needs a new public advocate to protect vulnerable adults from their families
New South Wales needs a new public advocate for vulnerable adults in place by next July, ombudsman Michael Barnes has warned, after compiling over 200… Read More
Author: Stephen Easton
APS Review update: panel leaning towards a small list of big ideas
The APS Review panel is planning to craft a concise set of big ideas for public service reform rather than a highly prescriptive blueprint, according to its chair. Read More
Ontario ombudsman offers masterclass in public impact: ‘Our power is in our voice’
Shining a light often galvanises political support for changes public servants already wish were in place, says visiting ombudsman Paul Dubé. "Most public servants want to do a good job." Read More
Prisons ‘at a critical point’ in WA after years of decline, corruption watchdog warns
Serious reform in the Western Australian correctional system is now well overdue, according to the Corruption and Crime Commission, which has criticised the newly created Department of Justice for a “disturbing failure to respond to recommendations” going back as far as 2012. Read More
First look at the new myGovID in action as Tax File Number trial begins
Everything is in place for Australians to start establishing myGovID digital identity credentials, and the first of eight pilot programs is now underway to test and demonstrate the new product. Read More
Michael Pezzullo: know thy place, public servants, and focus on the facts
Home Affairs secretary Michael Pezzullo worries that some of his colleagues know too little of the origins and principles that underpin the Westminster system, and their role within it. Read More
No ETA on crucial evaluation report: Indigenous affairs under scrutiny in estimates
Indigenous affairs was the subject of closer scrutiny than usual in supplementary estimates hearings on Friday, with a new secretary in the lead role, governance… Read More
Federal ICAC back on the agenda in federal parliament
With the Morrison government losing its lower-house majority, Attorney-General Christian Porter is ready to discuss ways to strengthen the Commonwealth public sector integrity system. Read More
NSW takes the lead on national broadband for emergency services, after years of debate
The New South Wales Telco Authority is taking steps toward the development of a long-discussed nationwide public safety mobile broadband network for the exclusive use… Read More
New DTA chief aims to prove a ‘start-up’ can be effective inside the public service
The Digital Transformation Agency’s third permanent chief executive wants it to be “a start-up that operates effectively in government” and acknowledges it still has to… Read More
Parliamentary Librarian ‘did not feel pressured’ to revise My Health Record post
Dr Dianne Heriot, the head of the parliamentary library, is adamant that she independently decided to revise a blog post about how law enforcement agencies could access My Health Record data following complaints from Health. Read More
APS review: panel member Glyn Davis senses momentum for a major rethink
Submissions to the ongoing Australian Public Service review indicate enthusiasm for fundamental changes rather than just a few tweaks and adjustments, says panel member Glyn Davis. Read More
Commonwealth public sector boards make headway towards gender parity
"It is fantastic to see six Commonwealth portfolios have reached or exceeded the 50 per cent target, up from two portfolios in 30 June 2017, and a further four portfolios are within only five percentage points of meeting the target," said the Minister for Women. Read More
Not mad, disappointed: DTA hits back after ASPI attacks federal digital identity plays
The Digital Transformation Agency has defended its work on digital identity from claims it is a political landmine waiting to go off due to latent fear of government surveillance, which came from an unlikely source: the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. Read More
John McMillan bats away claims of apprehended bias against John Lloyd
The experienced jurist responds to the former APS commissioner's claims that he exceeded his brief and that he should have been excluded due to apprehended bias -- a concept McMillan understands quite well -- and notes that he mostly found in Lloyd's favour, dismissing all but one of nine allegations. Read More