No matter who wins the up-coming federal and state elections, new governments will try to put their stamp on the regulatory world they oversee. Mark Pearson shares important factors to consider when contemplating regulatory change. Read More
Australia’s ability to form a new and deeper relationship with India has long been marred by limited political and cultural understanding. Read More
While the federal government's policy goal of stronger English language skills among migrants has been controversial, its main service delivery department is proud of its ability to speak to people in their first language. As a way to mark Harmony Week, the Department of Human Services highlights the role of its 540 multilingual staff. Read More
Australia’s leading institutions, including government, business, NGOs and media, are among the least-trusted in the world at a time when the Australian economy has experienced 25 years of economic growth. What can the Australian Public Service do to help bridge the trust divide? Read More
There’s a growing sense that core aspects of the governmental mindset that have underpinned housing policy since the 1980s are long overdue for a rethink. And not just in Australia. Federal and state elections in coming weeks provide a timely moment for Australians to reflect on the increasingly obvious failure of governments to manage the triple crises of inflated property prices, lack of affordable housing for people on low to moderate incomes, and property market volatility. Read More
The reworked industrial relations system — and the social, cultural, economic and labour market context in which it sits — has reshaped power at work. Wave after wave of change has had the end result of shifting power to employers. And it is that change in power that, more than anything, explains the stalling of wages growth. Read More
Is a critical ingredient to the success of the National Disability Insurance Scheme being neglected? Laura Davy and Ariella Meltzer argue that under current policy settings, the answer is yes. Read More
Decision-makers often rely on specialists to translate their understanding of the issue to paper. Without clear writing, the problem solving process collapses. Read More
New research shows almost two-thirds of Australian organisations say their current systems and processes aren’t clear and consistent or are a “patchwork of tools”. Read More
While some may argue to uncap the number of home care places, and replicate parts of the health system by providing free care for all, it’s not that simple. Governments will keep increasing the number of subsidised home care services in response to needs, but costs will also keep rising. Read More
Hosted by Harley Dennett, Editor of The Mandarin, our panel includes Facebook’s Associate General Counsel on Data Protection, a privacy lawyer and a global business consultant. Read More
The rules for use and sharing of data by federal agencies has a new complication, with new principles released today by the Morrison government that will join existing privacy legislation and operate as interim guidance without the force of law. Read More
Here in Australia, it’s currently illegal to buy e-cigarettes that contain nicotine without a prescription. That’s not the case in countries like the UK, USA, Canada or New Zealand. And there’s a lot of debate about the issue. Read More
The public service is not immune to the pressures that exist for all businesses and organisations as we enter into an increasingly complex and digital world. We can’t deny that the future is digital and we need to be ready for that. Read More
It is time for the Federal Indigenous Protected Areas and Indigenous Rangers programs to be moved back to the Department of Environment, otherwise we risk their ongoing success. Read More
