Banking royal commission: soft enforcement link to regulatory capture
Culture, rather than rules, is the big problem at financial regulator ASIC, says Banking Royal Commission head Kenneth Hayne. Read More
Finance
The finance royal commissioner thinks Ken Henry just doesn’t seem to get it
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
Cutting through waste: taking competitive neutrality seriously
Allowing the Reserve Bank to provide retail services could generate massive savings, argues economist Nicholas Gruen. And why shouldn't all Australians be able to access high-performing public service super funds? Read More
Reform doesn’t take forever: NSW Treasury’s reformist chief resigns after two years
The NSW Budget reporting process has been fundamentally changed to show outcome effectiveness. And it didn't take that long. Read More
Hurry means worry for the NDIS, warns Productivity Commission
The NDIS budget is not in danger of a big blowout but the rollout might need to slow down. The National Disability Insurance Agency is taking steps to fix problems with the support planning process but the Productivity Commission isn't sure it can stick to the schedule at the same time. Read More
Don’t get caught up in the power game, Finance secretary’s fixer advises EAs
Advice for executive assistants from one of the best. Rhana Crago PSM has worked for "amazing women" who ascended to the highest levels of the Australian Public Service since 2001 and has picked up some pearls of wisdom for other EAs along the way. Read More
ASIC registry sell-off scuttled
Despite hopes to reap billions, final bids did not deliver a net financial benefit for the Commonwealth. The big question now is whether open data principles will be extended to make corporate records free to access. Read More
Minister fingers ‘incorrect’ departmental advice after employee defamation settlement
A senior WA public servant now on 'gardening leave' has received a settlement and apology from Cabinet Minister Joe Francis. The minister has retracted the offending comments, but now blames the department's advice. Read More
Embrace your inner bean counter: APSC deputy urges professional tribes to unite
As technological and social change speeds up, leaders need to integrate the expertise of financial and operational teams and loosen their grip on power, says deputy Australian Public Service commissioner Stephanie Foster. Read More
Australia expands Open Government plan, readies for international scrutiny
Australia submits its Open Government action plan in the nick of time, securing membership in the international Open Government Partnership. A last minute addition commits to more work on combating corporate crime. Read More
A revolution in government payments? It’s already here.
Australia's payments landscape is changing faster than ever, with big implications for government agencies as virtual credit card numbers and smart purchasing controls bite into fraud and give managers clearer visibility into who's buying what. Read More
Jane jumps: Finance boss Halton calls it quits
BREAKING: The dean of Commonwealth departmental secretaries, Department of Finance boss Jane Halton, has resigned from the public service saying she wants to give somebody else a chance at the top job. Read More
Climbing the ladder requires smart financial planning
As women climb the public service ladder, financial planning is becoming increasingly important for families. Here's some important advice on tax arrangements, superannuation, loans and (hopefully) salary increases. Read More
SA independent calls for wholesale efficiency reviews and unrestrained audits
Former SA valuer-general turned MP, John Darley, floats bill to require state government’s departments review every one of their functions, and give the auditor-general greater freedom to investigate wasted resources. Read More
Fear of failure can be managed with smart risk understanding: Halton
Joined-up government can't work without a better approach to risk management, says Department of Finance boss Jane Halton. Complaints about risk aversion have fed into APS reforms, but legislation only takes you so far. Read More