Reinventing government starts at the local level Monday April 1, 2019 By Sarah Novak Editors' Picks Terry Moran is a man of firm convictions and has been an outspoken critic of managerialist approaches to policy-making -- particularly of top-down (or centre-out)… Read more
Hierarchy and mystery job applications — public servants reveal their frustrations Friday October 26, 2018 By David Donaldson Features What are public servants' biggest bugbears? Motivation-destroying hierarchy and performance management come in near the top, alongside confusing recruitment processes. Read more
APS executives trail private sector on skills, says Terry Moran Monday October 15, 2018 By David Donaldson Federal Underinvestment in skills development is leaving bureaucrats lagging behind business, argues the former head of the APS. The problem is particularly acute in the senior… Read more
Politics of division set to rock public sector at ground-breaking Melbourne conference Friday July 27, 2018 By IPAA Engagement The growing polarisation of our politics in the age of Trump and Brexit forms the premise for a fascinating – and potentially confronting – series… Read more
Commonwealth 'all thumbs' on social policy, says former top public servant Tuesday July 17, 2018 By David Donaldson Features The APS's diminished ability is such that Terry Moran wouldn't trust the Commonwealth "with organising a collection of funds to build the local church". But… 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
Cracks form in the convention of cabinet confidentiality, PM&C gets the glue Thursday February 1, 2018 By Stephen Easton News “Apart from anything else, you ought to be found and sacked," says former head of the Australian Public Service Terry Moran, to whoever is responsible… Read more
Australians want more democracy, research shows Tuesday December 12, 2017 By David Donaldson Features Three-quarters of Australians want a federal ICAC and a majority want a greater say in what government does. New research has been published just as… Read more
Trust crisis: can a big government still act local and involve citizens? Monday November 27, 2017 By Stephen Easton Features To earn back public trust, perhaps the "policy elite" need to get over themselves. Big government might be back but better solutions may also lie… Read more
Terry Moran: Australians want bold government, not shrinking violets Wednesday November 22, 2017 By Harley Dennett Features Australians are fed up with policymakers too scared of their own shadow to make the bold calls, says new attitude research. One of the nation's… Read more
Refugee settlement governance has 'no centre of gravity' Monday February 20, 2017 By David Donaldson Features The weak link in Australia's refugee settlement program is getting new arrivals into work. Whittling down governance responsibility from three departments to one could help… Read more
Keep the fights in-house: creating a strong executive team Wednesday January 25, 2017 By David Donaldson Features Diversity of background and experience is one of the key features of a strong executive team. Be careful of groupthink, look for team players and… Read more
Digital transformation in the fourth age of public administration Wednesday October 26, 2016 By Terry Moran Features SPEECH: Terry Moran considers the capability of the public sector in this new age — what he calls Public Administration 4 — and whether… Read more
Boost reform case with stronger FoI, transparency: Terry Moran Wednesday October 19, 2016 By David Donaldson Jurisdiction The ex-PM&C boss breaks ranks with his former colleagues to argue more transparency will help the public service. He will today outline five principles for… Read more
Top bureaucrats on tenure: are we short changing secretaries? Tuesday October 11, 2016 By David Donaldson Features Stagnation sets in if the secretary stays too long, but too-frequent turnover harms public policy. Former secretaries reflect on enthusiasm, building up expertise, and whether… Read more
