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Special Feature

Where are the big reforms for state government?

by David Donaldson

With elections just around the corner in Victoria and NSW, state governments must resist temptations to restrict housing development and promise untested infrastructure projects, says the Grattan Institute. These are just some of the ideas for state reforms contained in its new report.

Special Feature

Simon Birmingham’s intervention in research funding is not unprecedented, but dangerous

by The Conversation

Projects submitted to the Australian Research Council are vetted heavily by panels of experts. Minister Birmingham's decision undermines this process.

Special Feature

One year on for Jacinda Ardern’s coalition government in New Zealand

by The Conversation

The Labour-New Zealand First-Green coalition government led by Ardern celebrated its first birthday last week.

Special Feature

Hierarchy and mystery job applications — public servants reveal their frustrations

by David Donaldson

What are public servants' biggest bugbears? Motivation-destroying hierarchy and performance management come in near the top, alongside confusing recruitment processes.

Special Feature

‘Offer better advice’: overcoming the public service ‘victim mindset’

by David Donaldson

It's a tough time to be a public servant, but one deputy secretary is urging his colleagues to break out of their despondency.

Special Feature

Rural policy needs more than a one-day drought summit

by The Mandarin

A well-informed national policy on drought preparedness is sorely lacking, says Dr Geoff Edwards.

Special Feature

Ethics explainer: what is scepticism?

by The Mandarin

Scepticism, in its best form, has opened up mind-boggling ways of thinking about ourselves and the world around us.

Special Feature

Canberra ‘too remote’ from most Australians, says de Brouwer

by David Donaldson

Government risks becoming separated from the people, warn a group of mandarins, as policy and service functions move apart.

Special Feature

After the royal commission, how will the aged care industry respond?

by The Mandarin

The recently announced Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety will bring into the stark light of day the systemic failures by parts of the sector to provide some of our most vulnerable citizens with even the most basic level of adequate care.

Special Feature

Simon Smith: why we need more options for years 11 and 12

by The Mandarin

A new approach to years 11 and 12 will better serve our economy, filling skills shortages and delivering the skilful workforce we need in a rapidly changing world, says Simon Smith.

Special Feature

Helping farmers in distress doesn’t help them be the best: the drought relief dilemma

by The Conversation

Why we need to make sure well-meaning policy responses to drought don't do more harm than good.

Special Feature

APS review: panel member Glyn Davis senses momentum for a major rethink

by Stephen Easton

Submissions to the ongoing Australian Public Service review indicate enthusiasm for fundamental changes rather than just a few tweaks and adjustments, says panel member Glyn Davis.

Special Feature

Consultants doing core public service work ‘deeply problematic’, says VPS commissioner

by David Donaldson

Consultants were on the agenda at this year's IPAA national conference, with panellists pondering politicians' lack of trust in public servants and the long-term implications of outsourcing strategic functions.

Special Feature

Actions government can take to address thin markets and market gaps in the NDIS

by Gemma Carey

Social researchers Gemma Carey and Eleanor Malbon highlight how the NDIA can detect market deficiencies and what strategies it can use to address them.

Special Feature

The NDIS is delivering ‘reasonable and necessary’ supports for some, but others are missing out

by The Conversation

The NDIS began a full national rollout in July 2016 based on a fundamental principle to give those with a disability choice and control over their daily lives. Two years on, how is the scheme faring?