Minister Hunt, what skills will be critical for a successful public sector career?

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.

One of the questions was asked by Ruo Yan from New South Wales.

Ruo is Risk and Compliance Manager with Western Sydney Airport and Convenor of IPAA NSW Young Professionals Network.

“Minister Hunt, as a young person who’s still early in their professional journey, what skills do you think will be critical for a successful career in the public sector?”

After thanking Rou for her question and welcoming her to the public service, the Minister responded:

“What I think you need … is a bit of excitement. And that is, that you can actually change things …

So you want to believe that your ideas matter — that you’re not processing in the early days, you’re learning skills, and that your ideas matter. So that constant hunger to innovate and to put things forward and not be afraid if they get rejected — that’s part of the process for the most senior people in government, the most senior people in the public service, and those at the beginning of their careers.

So, don’t have a fear of proposing the idea, and do have the belief that your ideas are wanted, and are critical to innovation.”

Ruo Yan, Risk and Compliance, Western Sydney Airport, and Convenor of IPAA NSW Young Professional Committee.

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.