Ministers and the public service: right in The Thick Of It
Special FeatureJust how close do the sitcoms come to the real-life relationship between the media, ministers and the public? Here's one experience on life in the public service.
Features
Glenn Stevens: challenges for economic policy
Special FeatureThe Reserve Bank governor spoke to the Anika Foundation Luncheon in Sydney on July 22 on the challenges still facing a recovering Australian economy.
Risk-based regulation: the right way forward for local government?
Special FeatureA UK model could help inundated regulators with efficiency, resources and costs. For local government, it might be about breaking some of the rules.
When push comes to shove: inside the NSW nudge unit
Special FeatureThe NSW "nudge squad" is recording impressive results. The Mandarin examines the history and future of the psychological approach to public policy.
A new model for building urban and regional growth
Special FeatureThe United Kingdom's radical City Deals approach to development could be just what Australia needs. It's smarter infrastructure investment for better outcomes.
The problems of PPPs: measuring the performance of infrastructure
Special FeatureThere are now 15 toll roads operating in Australian capital cities, and many less visible "government-pays" PPPs in schools and hospitals. But the models will need to adapt to remain competitive.
Peter Shergold: ditch the old public service model
Special FeatureA different type of public service is required, the former top public servant argues. And it can't just be an improved version of what already exists.
Welcome to The Mandarin -- the venue for public sector leaders
Special FeatureWelcome to The Mandarin, Australia's venue for public sector leaders. Our publisher explains what it's all about ...
How two words saved $10m: engagement and change
Special FeatureTax commissioner Chris Jordan and Department of Industry secretary Glenys Beauchamp PSM share thoughts about engagement and change with PwC National Leader - Government, Tony Peake.
Building, not breaking: when hackers are let loose in government
Special FeatureHacking is about building stuff, not breaking into stuff. And with that the nation's best hackers went to work putting government data to good use. The Mandarin joined in.
Partnerships for public good: social benefit bonds in NSW
Special FeatureThere are encouraging signs from pilot programs in NSW that have private firms partnering with the government to deliver social improvement.
Tom Burton: who is the modern mandarin? An ever-evolving profession
Special FeatureThe role of the modern Australian public servant has changed significantly since the 1960s and '70s. And not always for the better, writes The Mandarin's publisher.
Creating the 21st century public servant: emerging from identity crisis
Special FeatureThe sector has changed, but have public servants changed with it? There's new skills to learn as a mandarin of the 21st century ...
Australian aid program 'haemorrhaging skills' after DFAT merger
Special FeatureThe assimilation of AusAID into the Department of Foreign Affairs has seen decades of public service experience walk out the door, insiders tell The Mandarin.
Women in the APS: better than the ASX, still work to do
Special FeatureThe public sector outperforms private enterprise on gender diversity in the workplace. But there are still barriers to keep women employed.