The Victorian government's response to the pandemic is not the first time issues such as failures in leadership, communication breakdowns between public servants and ministers have surfaced in the wake of botched programs or disasters. Recent history proves illuminating.
Deliberative democracy can boost tough reforms and increase public trust if handled carefully. New research distills the ingredients for success.
Recently, the ADC Forum and Australian National University’s Public Policy and Societal Impact Hub came together to host a roundtable of business, government and academic experts as part of a broader series on Australia’s future. Sean Innis and Matthew Faubel explain what was learned.
Suffering from impostor syndrome in your new job? Consultants' efforts to navigate their permanent outsider status offer some lessons.
The fear of failure holds back too many governments trying new approaches. A new study looks at how to shift workplace cultures to do better.
Decision-making with too much information can be an experience akin to drinking from a firehose. Provide decision makers with the right data at the right time, says Julian Hebden.
Applying the lessons of Black Saturday around communication and coordination helped authorities protect communities during last summer's terrible bushfires.
Change is a constant in public sector work, so ensure you understand how it affects your field, be upfront about risk, and don't ignore the small opportunities. Former secretary Greg Wilson's career tips for adaptation.
The public and private sectors have different cultures, so staff with experience of both is invaluable. Plus the skills early career public servants should be developing.
Journey to Social Inclusion "works to end homelessness, rather than simply managing it". There are now hopes to expand it across Australia.
What is the appropriate level of the use of consultants in the public service? Has it gone too far? Are consultants doing too much core/routine work or are they providing a vital service?
Melbourne's western suburbs suffer persistently high youth unemployment. One program is rethinking the problem through codesign and place-based interventions.
World War II and 9/11 led to permanent social shifts. The coronavirus will too, says the man who led Victoria through Black Saturday.
Many policy wonks believe renationalisation is simply not feasible, but new research shows it's been happening for a long time. How can it be done well?
The NSW Premier's Priorities have led to improvements on difficult social problems and encouraged more collaboration in the public sector, believes William Murphy, who previously oversaw the program.
