Tom Burton: truth to power a victim of political turmoil Tuesday October 25, 2016 By Tom Burton Features If governments want frank advice to avoid the mistakes of projects like the NBN and the pink batts scheme, then ministers need to promote, not…
Solicitor-General Gleeson resigns. Howe to act. Monday October 24, 2016 By Tom Burton News Solicitor-General Justin Gleeson is to resign, citing an irrevocable break down in trust and confidence in his relationship with Attorney-General Senator George Brandis…
The real story behind the new mobile police and emergency network Friday September 23, 2016 By Tom Burton Features A long running regulatory and multinational vendor battle for a dedicated emergency services network in Australia looks to finally have come to an end.
Dubious grants and rubbery criteria keep political tool claims alive Monday September 19, 2016 By Stephen Easton Case studies If your agency's grants program had few quality applications, a surplus of funds, and was largely seen by experts as a pork barrel, what would you…
What is a smart city? Shared vision needed to align 'jumbled mess' Friday August 19, 2016 By Stephen Easton Features A smart city is a cool idea but needs a lot of contributors to be on the same page about the end-state they are trying…
Inquiry puts integrity framework's shortcomings on the record Friday June 3, 2016 By Stephen Easton Career Advice The specific weaknesses of the federal integrity framework mean NSW's ICAC model, although popular, isn't necessarily the best option. Whichever the model, it's likely APS…
Evaluation-free zone: the CCTV program nobody can justify Friday May 13, 2016 By Stephen Easton Features FEATURE: When myths drive policy, whose job it is to set the record straight? New research looks at use of public CCTV as an…
We can't afford stars in the 'team sport' of cybersecurity Friday April 22, 2016 By Stephen Easton Features Public sector pay scales make it difficult to retain sought-after experts in cybersecurity. But agencies hope collaboration is part of the answer. It's not a…
'Federal ICAC' still off the table but inquiry keeps the idea alive Thursday April 21, 2016 By Stephen Easton News While political parties dither, curious public servants have looked around the world at incentives for whistleblowers or co-operating companies to come forward to report bribery…
Tom Burton: why we need a robust digital trust system now Monday March 7, 2016 By Tom Burton Communications & Technology ANALYSIS: Having an agreed digital identity system government and business can use is critical if Australians are to enjoy the benefits of intelligent digital…
Keane: after years of decline, who'll rescue the public service? Friday February 12, 2016 By Bernard Keane Features OPINION: A former Canberra SES gives a stinging assessment of a "toxic mix of incompetence and politicisation" in the federal public service. Is it…
George Brandis continues uncertainty for information commissioner Wednesday January 20, 2016 By Stephen Easton Career Advice Waiting until the last possible moment to act, the Attorney-General kicks the can down the road for a third time on the future of the…
The government agencies that want to access citizen data Monday January 18, 2016 By Josh Taylor News The departments of Health, Human Services, Agriculture and the Environment are among 61 government agencies that have applied to be able to access telecommunications data…
Sovereign risk: first ISDS dispute won, but it won't be the last Wednesday December 23, 2015 By Stephen Easton Economy & Industry Australia has defended its regulatory sovereignty, and its tobacco control laws, in its first investor-state dispute settlement case. But more are likely, and there's genuine…
Two departments, two decisions on releasing 'blue books' Monday December 21, 2015 By Stephen Easton Culture Some public servants need little encouragement to fight FOI tooth and nail — but should they? Two departments handled the release of their "blue books"…
