Premium Insights and analysis Peter Costello on the independence of the public service 'view', the future of policy advice, and when Treasury secretaries were treated harshly Wednesday August 7, 2019 By Peter Costello Editors' Picks Peter Costello tackles the thorny issue of where, when and how a department of state should be having its own view, and what does that… Read more
Premium Insights and analysis Trust makes the world go round. As a business asset, rebuild it with competence, care and 'a little bit of good each day' Friday July 26, 2019 By Bob McMullan & Sean Innis Community & Social The importance of trust was a focus of the recent ANU Crawford Leadership Forum. The forum brought together 200 thinkers and decision-makers from Australia and… Read more
Bake workers back into Australia's mutuals Wednesday June 12, 2019 By Melina Morrison Economy & Industry Co-operatives play a major role in developed countries. It is time workers were dealt back into Australia economy. The good news is, we have a… Read more
What could go wrong when a top public servant moves to the big end of town? Wednesday February 13, 2019 By Verona Burgess Economy & Industry Ken Henry's fall from pedestal to bed of nails was not even cushioned by the sterling contribution he previously made to the public service, says… Read more
The finance royal commissioner thinks Ken Henry just doesn't seem to get it Tuesday February 5, 2019 By Stephen Easton Economy & Industry The finance royal commission’s final report singles out NAB as the big-four bank that seems least willing to learn its lessons and accept responsibility for… Read more
Ken Henry is wrong, and that has implications for public policy Monday December 3, 2018 By Darryl Carlton Economy & Industry Dr Ken Henry’s statement to the banking royal commission was misguided ‒ he needs to listen to modern business theory and learn from the mistakes of the… Read more
Labor's alternative APS: less efficiency cuts, but stop flying around so much Thursday August 9, 2018 By Stephen Easton Federal As well as removing the Australian Public Service staffing cap, a Labor government would forgo nearly $400 million in planned efficiency dividends, cut travel costs… Read more
When mandarins join the big end of town Wednesday May 2, 2018 By Verona Burgess Editors' Picks You’re leaving a senior position in the Australian Public Service and covet a plush seat in the elite company directors’ club. Be careful what you… Read more
'Urgent': former secretaries assess public service capability Monday February 12, 2018 By David Donaldson Editors' Picks If the public service were a patient "it would be in palliative care", says Terry Moran. Here's what other secretaries have said about Australia's loss… Read more
Upmarket agitprop: Clive James on John Howard on Bob Menzies Wednesday April 26, 2017 By Nicholas Gruen Features Nicholas Gruen reviews a book review by Clive James and ponders the decline of serious debate. He says James joined the culture wars and attacked… Read more
Keane: after years of decline, who'll rescue the public service? Friday February 12, 2016 By Bernard Keane Features OPINION: A former Canberra SES gives a stinging assessment of a "toxic mix of incompetence and politicisation" in the federal public service. Is it… Read more
Bureaucrat in the ministerial office: career risk or boon? Tuesday February 2, 2016 By David Donaldson Features FEATURE: Thinking of a career switch to the other side of the fence? Drew Clarke and Frances Adamson are the latest in a long… Read more
Tingle: Australia's legacy of public service wisdom gutted by politicians Monday November 23, 2015 By The Mandarin Economy & Industry Australia's devaluing of the public service is not just about politicisation — bright young recruits have lost access to the experience of their elders, writes… Read more
Bad boss? Bureaucrats defend 'bully' Rudd Wednesday June 17, 2015 By Harley Dennett News Nicola Roxon, health minister in the Rudd government, says her boss was abusive to public servants and dismissive of their work. Top officials at the… Read more
The Killing Season: rise of the public servant PM Wednesday June 10, 2015 By Harley Dennett News To everyday Australians, Kevin Rudd in 2007 was the prototypical image of a public servant: helpful, polite, across the detail of both policy and implementation. Read more
