Work With Purpose: A Podcast About The Australian Public Sector podcast

31:20

On this episode, Michelle Steele from the Paul Ramsay Foundation talks us through community engagement from a philanthropic and public sector perspective, highlighting the value of listening instead of coming with solutions. When governments engage with communities, it’s usually about a specific program or policy – but what if the first goal was to genuinely listen to the community’s broader needs? On this episode of Work with Purpose, led by host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, Michelle Steele , Chief First Nations Officer at the Paul Ramsey Foundation, draws on her experience working in the public service and philanthropy to explore what the sectors can learn from each other. Michelle also uncovers the power imbalance between funders and communities, and why positive dissent can be crucial to having genuine conversations and slowing down when it’s most needed. Key tips: The philanthropic sector can derisk and scale ideas – make sure to learn from their case studies Frank and fearless advice applies in community engagement, too. When you engage, make sure you’re open and allow others to be open as well When you try to build consensus, pausing and slowing down isn’t always a bad thing. Make sure you stop to listen. Show notes: First Nations targeted grant round | Paul Ramsay Foundation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Sector

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EP#134: In caretaker mode 33:58

25 days ago33:58

33:58

On today’s episode of Work with Purpose, Andrew Walter from the Department of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and Professor Anne Tiernan from the McKinnon Institute for Political Leadership unpack the caretaker conventions. The Australian federal election campaign is well underway – this means the Australian Public Service is now in caretaker mode. But what does this mean for the day-to-day work of public servants? Host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, speaks with Andrew Walter , first assistant secretary of the Government Division at PM&C, and Anne Tiernan head of research and Professor of Political Leadership at the McKinnon Institute for Political Leadership, walk us through the basics, and talk about how to navigate political and administrative pitfalls. They also clarify when caretaker mode starts and ends, and how you can handle requests for information from ministers. Key tips: Get in touch your portfolio agency’s caretaker team if you have questions on caretaker conventions If you’ve never been through caretaker, familiarise yourself with the guidance and speak to team members who have experienced it before If a minister asks for factual information during caretaker period, you can provide it. However, be careful if it’s not the type of information you ordinarily provide, requires significant resources, or is likely to be used for campaign purposes. When in doubt, seek advice. Show notes: Guidance on caretaker conventions | Department of the Prime Minister & Cabinet Caretaker Conventions in Australasia | Jennifer Menzies & Anne Tiernan | ANU Press Caretaker conventions | APS Academy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Sector

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EP#133: The road to the top is paved with difficult conversations: A leadership chat with Ray Griggs AO CSC 47:55

5 weeks ago47:55

47:55

On this episode of Work with Purpose, we hear from Ray Griggs AO CSC about what working in the navy has taught him about taking and giving feedback, and why difficult conversations are part and parcel of becoming a better leader. Ray Griggs AO CSC looks back at a long and distinguished career in the public sector – from Australia’s Defence Force to most recently the Department of Social Services. Along the way, he navigated many difficult conversations, had his views contested, and at times, had to manage failure. In this conversation with host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, he tells us how these challenges contribute to growing as a leader – and as a human. They also discuss managing large-scale change in complex environments, why you should always do your own fact-checking, and how solutions through new technologies need to be co-designed with Australia’s communities. Key tips: How you respond to people’s views and ideas is crucial. Respond the way you’d like your own leaders to respond to you. Never neglect doing your own fact checking. Once you launch into the process, your credibility can be at risk. Work out how real a timeline is. Sometimes we impose unrealistic timelines on ourselves. Shownotes Valedictory: Ray Griggs AO CSC | IPAA ACT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Sector

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EP#132: ‘Own it’: Empowering neuro-affirming workstyles and environments with Joey Ballantyne 50:53

7 weeks ago50:53

50:53

Trigger warning: themes of mental health/sexual assault Robin Edmonds from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts and Joey Ballantyne of Grit n Grace Collective talk about neurodiversity, developing a strong sense of self, and supporting people to learn and work in a way that helps them thrive. When Joey Ballantyne , founder of Grit n Grace Collective, speaks about breaking the survive/burnout cycle, and her late autism diagnosis, it comes from the heart. Driven by her own experience, she started her own neuro-affirming professional development program, built to empower atypical women in the workplace. In this special Work with Purpose conversation, Joey and guest host Robin Edmonds , co-chair and co-founder of the Australian Public Sector Neurodiversity Community of Practice and assistant director, Media Reform at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts, shed light on the experiences of neurodivergent women in the workplace, and the specific challenges they face. They also talk about ways to get to know yourself, and how managers can build inclusive team cultures that benefit everyone. Key tips: Develop a strong sense of self and what you need in a work environment to succeed As a leader, give agency to your staff to show you how the work best. For example, ask people how they want to receive feedback Be clear about meeting purposes, take notes, and give people time to process. Shownotes Grit n Grace Collective Public Sector Neurodiversity Community of Practice | Australian Public Service Commission 2024 APS Census | Australian Public Service Commission Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Sector

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EP#131: Mapping the nation: The Digital Atlas of Australia 40:29

9 weeks ago40:29

40:29

On our second episode of our APS Reform in Action series, we hear from Lisa Bush and Maree Wilson from Geoscience Australia about the power of geospatial data for better decision-making in the public sector. If you want to make better decisions, you need to have quality, trusted data. Unfortunately, critical data can often sit in siloes or be scattered across spreadsheets. Geoscience Australia’s Digital Atlas of Australia steps up to this challenge, providing a unified and accessible data set that can help you build better policies – or decide where you want to build your new home. Lisa Bush , head of Geoscience Australia's National Location Information Branch, and Maree Wilson , Chief of Place and Communities Division, join host David Pembroke , CEO of contentgroup, to talk about making geospatial data more accessible through the Atlas. They also shine a light on how it can improve functions such as social services or emergency management, and enhance data capabilities in the public sector. This series is delivered in partnership with the Australian Public Service Commission. The Digital Atlas of Australia, a collaborative project between Geoscience Australia, the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Department of Social Services was a finalist for the 2024 IPAA ACT Spirit of Service Awards . Key tips: 1. Geospatial data can help you make decisions in minutes - make the best use of it 2. Don't be afraid to try, you won't need to be a geospatial data expert to use the Atlas 3. If you’re creating or using national data, in your role, reach out to the Digital Atlas team. Show notes: The Digital Atlas of Australia | Geoscience Australia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Sector

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EP#130: On a journey of continuous reform with Dr Rachel Bacon and Professor Janine O’Flynn – part 2 34:08

9 weeks ago34:08

34:08

Returning for part 2 of our new ‘APS Reform in Action’ series, Dr Rachel Bacon and Professor Janine O’Flynn discuss how Australia is learning from other countries’ public service best practice – and vice versa. Wanting to do things better doesn’t always mean you have to re-invent the wheel. In this episode, Dr Rachel Bacon from the Australian Public Service Commission and Professor Janine O’Flynn from ANU Crawford School reveal lessons from overseas and introduce the concept of ‘radical incrementalism’ – making small improvements to achieve a larger goal. Host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, also speaks to our guests about why effective collaboration will remain a key tool to responding to increasingly complex challenges. This series is produced in partnership with the Australian Public Service Commission. Key tips: Instead of aiming for radical change, look for small changes over time. If you want people to collaborate, you need to make it part of their performance assessment. Foster purpose and pride by looking at what works well. Show notes APS Reform | Australian Government The Cult of Collaboration in Public Policy | AJPA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Sector

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EP#129: On a journey of continuous reform with Dr Rachel Bacon and Professor Janine O’Flynn – part 1 31:43

10 weeks ago31:43

31:43

Launching our new ‘APS Reform in Action’ series, we hear from Dr Rachel Bacon and Professor Janine O’Flynn about enduring APS Reform and why public trust shouldn’t be taken for granted. The APS Reform Agenda has been a major project for the Australian Public Service over the past years – so, where is it at and where will it go in the future? Dr Rachel Bacon , deputy commissioner, Integrity, Reform and Enabling Services at the Australian Public Service Commission, and Professor Janine O’Flynn , director of the ANU Crawford School of Public Policy, reflect on changes to the Public Service Act, the impact of capability reviews and long-term Insights Briefings, and the value of stewardship. Together with David Pembroke , CEO of contentgroup, they also talk about protecting the APS as an ongoing institution and maintaining trust with the public, as discourse about the value of public services grows globally. This series is produced in partnership with the Australian Public Service Commission. Key tips: To make change stick, you need a shift in culture, a fresh mindset, capability uplift, and patience. Public trust is not a given – it takes continuous effort to maintain. Stewardship sets the public service apart from the private sector – be an active steward for the service. Show notes APS Reform | Australian Government Public Service Amendment Bill | Parliament of Australia Long-term Insights Briefings | Australian Public Service Commission Pathways to Positive Public Administration | Edward Elgar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Sector

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EP#128: Tune into empathy for public sector work with Dr Claire Yorke 39:27

12 weeks ago39:27

39:27

On the first episode of Work with Purpose of the year, Dr Claire Yorke lifts the lid on empathy and why it matters for policy and programs. Critics might say that empathy is a ‘soft skill’, yet it is absolutely critical to understanding people’s experiences and circumstances – and how they feel about them. It is also a key tool for better policy, programs, strategies, and leadership. Dr Claire Yorke , senior lecturer at the Centre for Future Defence and National Security at Deakin University and host David Pembroke , CEO of contentgroup, explore why being empathetic from the start will lead to a more trusting relationship with your audience, and how it can help you identify blind spots and avoid unwelcome surprises. They also dive into how populist leaders are using empathy to their advantage, and why public sector leaders should actively tune into societal moods to create better outcomes for Australia’s communities. Key tips: Use empathy to identify blind spots in your strategy early on Step out of your silo – work with your audience, for your audience Don’t assume that everyone speaks the same language as you. Show notes: Claire Yorke | Forthcoming books Work with Purpose APS | LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Sector

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EP#107/127: Revisiting ‘In defence of Australia with Matt Yannopoulos PSM’ 44:06

14 weeks ago44:06

44:06

In our last re-run for this season, Matt Yannopoulos PSM, Associate Secretary of the Department of Defence, maps out a unified approach for the public service to defend Australia’s interests. In a world with increasing geopolitical tension, collaboration across the public service remains key to protecting Australia’s security and prosperity. On this episode, David Pembroke , CEO of contentgroup sits down with Matt Yannopoulos PSM , Associate Secretary of Defence, to explore what it takes to do this well. They delve into the importance of a whole-of-government approach, emphasising the need for speed, focus, and coordination across various government agencies to enhance national security and preparedness. Matt also shares his perspectives on the current geopolitical landscape, the transformation within the Department of Defence, and the strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating defence capabilities. Key tips: The APS has always worked well in a crisis. Let’s make this not the exception, but the norm. Give your project managers clarity and set clear expectations. Defending Australia’s interests is important beyond the Department of Defence – think about how your agency or department can contribute. Show notes: 2024 National Defence Strategy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Sector

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EP#105/126: Revisiting ‘ADDRESSing psychosocial hazards at work’ 38:48

16 weeks ago38:48

38:48

Trigger warning: themes of mental and physical abuse Amaly Khalaf and Dr Steven Munns from the Australian Public Service Commission explore psychological safety in public sector workplaces – from the desk to the frontlines – on our third best-of episode of Work with Purpose 2024. Creating workplaces which are both mentally and physically safe is a mission close to Amaly Khalaf’s and Dr Steven Munn’s hearts. On this episode of Work with Purpose, they talk to host David Pembroke , CEO of contentgroup, about how the public sector is working towards this – from exemplary and trustful leadership to processes grounded in evidence. Amaly, principal psychologist and lead of the APS Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Unit, shines a light on the new ADDRESS program, designed to support public sector agencies and staff in building mentally healthy workplaces. Steven, assistant commissioner, Diversity & Inclusion Branch, then connects this to how psychosocial hazards play out at the frontlines – for example at Centrelink or veteran’s services – and what can be done to support staff exposed to aggressive or abusive behaviour. Key tips: Depending on what your staff are exposed to, you need to consider their different emotional well-being requirements. Have protocols in place. Create a team environment where people can safely express their thoughts and concerns. The ADDRESS model is there to support organisations – make sure to tap into the resources available to you. Show notes: Compassionate Foundations | Australian Public Service Commission ADDRESS model | Australian Public Service Commission APS Census | Australian Public Service Commission Violence at Work: Reducing Assault and Abuse Experienced by Frontline Staff in Public Service Roles | Dr Steven Munns Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Sector

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EP#104/125: Revisiting ‘The power of leadership devolution with Blair Comley PSM' 46:39

18 weeks ago46:39

46:39

Today, we listen back to a 2024 Work with Purpose episode with Secretary of the Department of Health and Aged Care Blair Comley PSM. Blair tells the story of his public service career and highlights how devolving leadership in the public sector can reduce risk, increase work quality and staff satisfaction. Blair Comley PSM looks back at an outstanding career across the public and private sectors, from designing the GST to driving the Department of Health and Aged Care’s recent capability review. On this episode from June last year, he revisits some of the milestones of his career and how they have shaped his approach to devolution – where mid-level staff in the public sector are empowered to make decisions and build closer relationships with important stakeholders. He discusses the three key ingredients to make it happen at your organisation: skills, culture, and capability. In conversation with podcast host David Pembroke , CEO of contentgroup, Blair also explores uplifting policy capability at the Department of Health and Aged Care, communicating with success, and what role consultants can play in public sector work. Key tips: Put your hand up for challenging tasks – look at opportunities where you can go further without exhausting yourself. Devolve where feasible – it reduces risks and increases quality and level of staff satisfaction. If you want to make things happen, you should look to always preserve a sense of optimism. Show notes: Capability review | Department of Health and Aged Care Daniel Goleman | Emotional intelligence Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Sector

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EP#101/124: Revisiting ‘A masterclass in human-centred design in the public sector' 48:15

20 weeks ago48:15

48:15

In this re-run of our most popular Work with Purpose episode of 2024, Dr Nina Terrey, Bec Bodel and Professor Brenton Prosser help you learn the ropes of human-centred design. In today’s complex world, how can the public sector effectively ensure that its policies and programs are centred on the needs of the people they serve? This episode explores human-centered design as one piece to solving this puzzle. In our first re-run of 2024’s best Work with Purpose episodes, host David Pembroke , CEO of contentgroup, convenes class with three leading experts in the design space: Bec Bodel from the Australian Taxation Office, Professor Brenton Prosser from UNSW Canberra, and Dr Nina Terrey from ThinkPlace. Together, they walk through the most important parts of the design process and discuss how empathy, creativity, and strategic thinking can truly make a difference to policy and service delivery for Australia’s communities. Our guests also share practical tips and resources, so you can hit the books and start your own design journey. Key tips: You don’t have to always do every prescribed step of the design process. Decide what works best for your situation, and keep in mind that discovery itself is important. Work with a mixed team of people with different areas of expertise. Join a design community with like-minded individuals to keep learning about best practice and new approaches. Show notes: How to empathy map | Nielsen Norman Group Expand: Stretching the Future By Design | Book by Christian Bason and Jens Martin Skibsted Community-led project | Just Reinvest Policy-making through design | The Policy Lab Intro to human-centred design | Government of Victoria International Design in Government Community Don’t Make Me Think | Book by Steve Krug Human-centred design program | An outline of National Standards for Out‐of‐home Care Government centred design, future-led | NESTA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Sector

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EP#123: Work with Purpose 2024: (un)wrapped 30:51

22 weeks ago30:51

30:51

Join us in unpacking the best conversations of Work with Purpose in 2024 – from tips for human-centred design to understanding how the public sector can join hands in defence of Australia. As the year comes to a close, we listen back to some of our fantastic 2024 Work with Purpose guests, reflecting on the sector’s most pressing challenges, innovative ideas, and inspiring stories. Presented by David Pembroke , CEO of contentgroup, our guests give us many gifts – tips on reimagining leadership and collaboration, navigating workplace safety, ethical governance, and innovation, and designing better programs and policies with humans at the centre. We also return to learning about the most important tools for effective policymaking and the critical role of national security and defence. And finally, of course, we celebrate the stories of passion for public service past and present. Key tips 1. Engage in diversity of thinking – involving them will be beneficial for you and the programs you’re designing. 2. To combat burnout, set boundaries around your workloads and encourage your team to do the same. 3. For the best results in policymaking, you need to understand the policy window – the right time and political will need to combine. 4. If you want to see change, you need to have uncomfortable conversations about your and others’ biases. Show notes Work with Purpose APS | LinkedIn IPAA ACT | LinkedIn Work with Purpose | Newsletter Work with Purpose | Blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Sector

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EP#122: Work with Purpose live: Lifting the stigma around men’s mental health at work 55:20

23 weeks ago55:20

55:20

TW: mental health and suicide On our first ever Work with Purpose live episode, we shine a light on men’s mental health – from the numbers to the stories behind them – with Matthew Short from the Department of Health, Matthew Breen from Running for Resilience, and Lachlan Vivian-Taylor from Comcare. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, about 42 per cent of men will experience a mental health disorder in their lives; they are our partners, family, friends, and colleagues. So, how can everyone contribute to lifting the stigma around men’s mental health, and build workplaces and communities where they feel safe to talk about it if they so choose? Hosted by David Pembroke , CEO of contentgroup, our Work with Purpose live panel – Matthew Short , assistant secretary of the Child, Youth and Priority Populations, Matthew Breen , co-founder of Running for Resilience, and Lachlan Vivian-Taylor , general manager, Claims Management Group at Comcare – highlight the stories behind the numbers, including their own. They also talk about how you can look after yourself and those around you, and why it matters how you respond, not what happens to you. Key tips: Exercise and community can help you take your mind of whatever you’re feeling in that moment. As part of government, work hand-in-hand with communities to prevent mental health challenges and support those who are struggling. Check in with your friends, colleagues and family and be prepared to listen. If this episode raises concerns for you, help is available. Please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 1300 22 4636. Show notes: National phone service | Head to Health National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing | Australian Bureau of Statistics Psychosocial hazards | Comcare Running for Resilience Tough Guy Book Club Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Sector

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EP#121: Running on empty? Burnout in the public sector with Dr Antonio Di Dio 37:27

24 weeks ago37:27