Minister Hunt, how will government service delivery change in the future?

The Hon Greg Hunt MP, Minister for Health and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Public Service and Cabinet, was recently asked a number of questions by IPAA members from across the country following his delivery of the 2020 Garran Oration.

The first question was asked by Kadin Arslanoski from Western Australia. Kadin is Principal Consultant, Department of Education WA and a member of IPAA WA’s Young Professional Committee.

“Minister Hunt, considering how public sector agencies have responded and collaborated in response to the impacts of COVID-19, what long term changes does the Minister foresee in how the public sector delivers services to its citizens?”

After thanking Kadin for his question, the Minister responded:

“I think there are two things that really stand out to me.

One — which is the theme of the oration — is innovation. That we actually have a licence to drive things forward.

The country hungers for it, and we’ve been able to do it at state level, and we’ve been able to do it at national level …

… So firstly there’s the innovation and that has saved lives.

The Minister then flagged that:

“Cabinet government matters more than ever before.

That where it has been abandoned, there’s been challenges and gaps — whether it’s in Australia or around the world.

And I think the rigour of that Cabinet process — but a rapid Cabinet process, a contestable fast Cabinet process — has been the hallmark of success in Australia.”

You can read more on the 2020 Garran Oration in the feature: 2020 GARRAN | GREG HUNT HONOURS EXTRAORDINARY PUBLIC SERVANTS IN THE YEAR OF COVID.

You can also download an edited copy of the 2020 Garran Oration, or watch the video of the 2020 Garran Oration from the link below.

The Minister’s question and answer session with IPAA members begins at 33:40 in the recording.