Where is the trust? Census DDoS claim faces early scepticism News Chief statistician David Kalisch faces the media to explain #CensusFail. "Not an attack, nor a hack" says the Assistant Treasurer, so what was it?…
Frances Adamson tipped to lead DFAT if government is returned Tuesday June 21, 2016 By Stephen Easton News Foreign Minister Julie Bishop tried to side-step the latest campaign leak, but noted that appointing the first female secretary of her department would be the…
Quit if you think a policy is immoral, and other advice from Peter Varghese Friday June 17, 2016 By Stephen Easton Career Advice What does radical incrementalism really mean? Whose job is it to defend the public service? What can you do if you have an ethical crisis…
Watch: Peter Varghese's IPAA Secretary Series address Friday June 10, 2016 By The Mandarin Features VIDEO: The public service needs to "move away from the tyranny of the current", the DFAT boss emphasised in his valedictory address. Watch the…
Peter Varghese: reflections on a most fortunate public life Thursday June 9, 2016 By Peter Varghese Features SPEECH: Outgoing DFAT secretary Peter Varghese shared his reflections on more than 38 years as a public servant at the latest IPAA secretaries series…
Martin Parkinson: joined-up government and the rise of China Thursday February 4, 2016 By Martin Parkinson Features OPINION: Global dynamics are shifting rapidly, the secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet argues. And both the United States and…
Charlie Shandil: Frank, fearless ... and replaceable Tuesday January 5, 2016 By Charlie Shandil Features While politicians get "captain's picks" in selecting departmental heads, is the role of the Australian public service to provide impartial advice being undermined? The lack…
The mandarin shuffle: orderly departure more than dramatic purge Wednesday November 25, 2015 By Stephen Easton Career Advice Stable government is here again, as the sensible handling by Drew Clarke's PMO made three major departures seem perfectly ordinary. There'll be one more chance…
Peter Varghese's gender equity legacy Wednesday November 25, 2015 By Stephen Easton Career Advice Peter Varghese is leaving the public service after a stellar career culminating at the top of DFAT, but the news didn't overshadow his push for…
Thawley quits, still no confirmation on Martin Parkinson Tuesday November 24, 2015 By The Mandarin News Michael Thawley will resign in January, and Peter Varghese in July, as part of a reshuffle of top Canberra mandarins. Will Martin Parkinson be brought…
DFAT's women in leadership target 'ultimately about productivity' Monday November 23, 2015 By Stephen Easton Career Advice No interrupting, rotating chair responsibilities, and ensuring women are invited on speaking panels are some of the strategies DFAT hopes will help correct its executive…
Peter Varghese: Australia-Indonesia partnership lacks 'genuine resilience' Sunday August 2, 2015 By Peter Varghese Features Officials in more than 20 federal agencies partnering with Indonesia have failed to bring the Australian public with them, says DFAT secretary Peter Varghese. Cooperation…
Cloud passports and 'hot topics': ideas challenge for collaboration Wednesday June 17, 2015 By David Donaldson Jurisdiction DFAT's first ideas challenge has led to a proposal for document-free travel to New Zealand. Similar digital collaboration initiatives taking place in jurisdictions around Australia…
DFAT will reach 500 job cut target, secretary tells Estimates Thursday February 26, 2015 By David Donaldson News DFAT is on track to cull 500 staff from its ranks following the merger with AusAID. Secretary Peter Varghese discussed job cuts, economic diplomacy and…
