Public sector innovation: why it’s so difficult, why it’s so important
Here is Peter Shergold’s full speech delivered at the Public Sector Innovation Show in Canberra on 26th March 2019. As an enthusiast and occasional spruiker… Read More
risk aversion
Lessons from the hill: Steven Kennedy’s ‘secret list’ of questions to ask yourself during a briefing
Dr Steven Kennedy, one of Australia's most senior public servants, has twice been seconded to the Prime Minister's Office -- picking up a few tricks on the hill that have come in handy in his new role as departmental secretary. Read More
DIRDC secretary Steven Kennedy’s thoughts on the role of the APS
Dr Steven Kennedy is the secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities. This is the second half of a speech hosted… Read More
Conference catch-up: data integration in the public sector
Public servants flocked to Friday's short conference about the potential and the barriers to "unlocking the value of Australia's public data" but anyone who didn't make it can now view the whole event at their leisure on video. Read More
Parkinson: public service isn’t as risk averse as everyone thinks
Despite recent data security incidents, the APS is forging ahead with releasing more data. "I’m not sure we’re actually less innovative," says the PM&C boss. Dealing with failure is still an area for improvement. Read More
Risk aversion rejects government’s greatest responsibility
OPINION: Could the blame game become a thing of the past if the community became more involved in deliberative policymaking? Why risk aversion hurts the community, turning people towards anger and disinterest. Read More
Shergold’s failure forum: rethink risk, create plan for success
Martin Parkinson calls it the quintessential mark of leadership. A right stuff-up or two shouldn't stop public servants rethinking risk -- just as the Department of the Environment has begun to do -- to enable more blue-sky thinking. 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