Peter Harris: finding data a 'task for Sherlock Holmes' Features Figuring out what data sets government holds and where they are “is a task for Sherlock Holmes”, says Productivity Commission chairman Peter Harris. What is
'Untapped' Blue Book set to spill secrets on what works and what doesn't May 26, 2016 By Stephen Easton News The nation’s primary public service report card is being upgraded to include information on what improves outcomes in the community, alongside the raw facts and
Private or public resource? Have your say in how big data is used April 18, 2016 By Stephen Easton Health It seems almost everyone in government is either asking how we should use “big data” or being asked how they’re using it. The holy grail
Regulator arms race: battles of principle only hurt the consumer March 9, 2016 By Joe Dimasi & Peter J. Lambert Energy & Environment Generators, retailers and consumers should be able to negotiate deals with energy, telecommunications and water network owners to keep the system honest, new research argues.
Aged care complaints at arms length from department January 4, 2016 By Stephen Easton Jurisdiction Complaints about aged care services will now be entirely handled and investigated by an independent commission, as recommended by the Productivity Commission in its far-reaching
PC inquiry: give agencies more freedom in bargaining December 23, 2015 By Stephen Easton News Governments have more industrial clout than most employers but they should weigh up the net cost of imposing authoritarian restrictions on the ability of agencies
Evaluation 'the key' to traction on hard policy challenges December 11, 2015 By Stephen Easton Community & Social The Productivity Commission has taken a strong stand for policy evaluation to identify programs that work, and why, so governments can stop wasting time and
CEO's lessons from the NDIS: scaling individualised services October 29, 2015 By Stephen Easton Features The seven National Disability Insurance Scheme trial sites have confirmed the accuracy of the Productivity Commission’s financial modelling and are also teaching the public servants
Reform stalled: tax paper reset, PC chair blasts deadlock September 23, 2015 By Harley Dennett Career Advice Treasurer Scott Morrison says the government’s white paper on taxation is not axed and its “already very broad” scope won’t be changed, after it was reported
Profits in public services: Louise Sylvan on social impact bonds September 15, 2015 By Stephen Easton Thought Leadership New ways to invest taxpayers’ money that keep the focus on outcomes can break down government silos and bring innovative approaches to bear on the
Peter Harris: workplace relations without the ideology August 14, 2015 By Peter Harris Career Advice The Workplace Relations Inquiry draft report released last week has surprised a number of commentators — from the left and from the right. The basis
Digital transformation: now is the time for leadership and vision June 30, 2015 By Tom Burton Features The digital era opens up radical new possibilities for the design and delivery of government services to citizens, communities and businesses and responding to this
John Menadue: making health reform possible June 3, 2015 By John Menadue Features I’ve written about the areas in our health sector that need reform, and of the obstacles, particularly those imposed by vested interests in the health
Harper review: choice at the heart of public service delivery April 1, 2015 By Stephen Easton News Consumer choice should be placed at the heart of government service delivery, through policies to encourage diverse and competitive markets populated with innovative and responsive
