Eight lessons on innovation from Obama's administrative head Communications & Technology Not everything went according to plan in a push towards innovation, online platforms and administrative efficiency during the Obama administration, but progress was made and
Verona Burgess: how baser practices took hold when good intentions failed March 22, 2018 By Verona Burgess Editors' Picks When parliamentary efforts to codify the use of “reasonable force” against people in Australia’s immigration detention centres failed, it left a vacuum that has the Ombudsman
Learning the art of saying nothing: moving between politics and the public service March 21, 2018 By David Donaldson Editors' Picks Victorian MP Julian Hill reflects on his time in the public service, ministers interfering, and not being scared of talking to journalists. One of the
How national governments collaborate to improve migrant health and well-being March 20, 2018 By The Mandarin Editors' Picks Pre-migration health assessments help Australia manage disease and improve lives. Greater collaboration between countries could boost public health, write Belinda Martin and Paul Douglas. Australia
Has outsourcing run its course, or is it the secret to the 'ideal' worker? March 19, 2018 By Stephen Easton Editors' Picks As Finance Minister Mathias Cormann again confirms the government will not contemplate a cap on external workforce spending, others find justification for concern as the
We don't need to accept mediocrity: Torres mayor Vonda Malone's leadership journey March 16, 2018 By David Donaldson Editors' Picks Winner of the inaugural McKinnon Prize for Emerging Political Leader of the Year Vonda Malone hopes that her victory will encourage both women and Indigenous representatives
Welcome to Targetworld, where goals can undermine performance March 15, 2018 By David Donaldson Career Advice Increasing the use of performance targets in government is an appealing idea, but one that should be approached cautiously. Experience shows people can be very
Verona Burgess: bursting the Canberra public service bubble easier said than done March 14, 2018 By Verona Burgess Career Advice Overcoming the barriers to working in the APS outside the capital cities is proving harder than many realise. Other than the ongoing saga of the
Servant or partner? The role of expertise and knowledge in democracy March 9, 2018 By Darrin Durant Editors' Picks Between extremes of populism and technocracy, democracies must find a place for experts that fits the Goldilocks principle of “just enough” expertise, writes Darrin Durant. Should expert knowledge
Verona Burgess: as a talent showcase, estimates sadly lacking March 7, 2018 By Verona Burgess Editors' Picks A clip of Queensland LNP senator Barry O’Sullivan at Senate additional estimates went viral last week, and not in a good way. He is not
Indigenous dilemma: words are not enough March 7, 2018 By Fred Cheney & Bill Gray Editors' Picks Fred Chaney and Bill Gray believe the government’s promises to work with Aboriginal people will remain undeliverable rhetoric without changes to delegation and accountability frameworks. In
Burgess: Quaedvlieg lost on the tortuous road of administrative law February 28, 2018 By Verona Burgess Career Advice Verona Burgess explains why it’s rarely simply to get rid of a statutory officer. The Barnaby Joyce steam train might have run out of all
Loopholes and lies: the real scandal of Barnaby Joyce February 16, 2018 By Simon Longstaff Editors' Picks When principles matter no more – that’s the real scandal, says Simon Longstaff. If there is public scandal in connection with Barnaby Joyce, then it
Verona Burgess: Joyce affair could never happen in the public service… could it? February 14, 2018 By Verona Burgess Career Advice They’re corrosive to the wellbeing of every workplace, yet affairs between married bosses and subordinates can’t feasibly be prevented. Sorting it out swiftly with no
