IPAA National President Andrew Metcalfe AO delivered the 2024 David Hawkes Oration. His speech tackled the complexities faced by public servants, emphasising the importance of navigating these ‘interesting times’ with integrity and purpose.
Eight public sector leaders from across Australia have officially been awarded IPAA National fellowships, recognising their outstanding contributions to public service and IPAA.
The Institute of Public Administration Australia’s (IPAA) Sam Richardson Award for the most influential paper published in the Australian Journal of Public Administration in 2022 goes to Dr Meraiah Foley, Professor Rae Cooper, Dr Linda Colley, and Associate Professor Sue Williamson.
Former Secretary of the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Director of Biosecurity Andrew Metcalfe AO FIPAA has taken up the role of Institute of Public Administration (IPAA) president after Professor Renée Leon PSM FIPAA stepped down.
The Institute of Public Administration Australia’s National Summit brought together state and federal perspectives on crucial issues affecting today’s public service.
Mark Webb, president of IPAA NSW and chief executive of the Department of Parliamentary Services NSW talks relationship building, ethical inoculation, and putting trust at the heart of all public service work ahead of our IPAA National Summit on 26 September.
Ahead of the IPAA National Summit, Victorian Public Sector Commissioner Brigid Monagle talks about the essence of integrity, feeling pride in public service, and what to look forward to at the summit panel discussion on 26 September.
Ahead of our Garran Oration on 18 August, this year’s speaker Margaret Crawford PSM talks about how past work has shaped her, acting with integrity, and more.
From making governments fit for the future to the struggle to improve regulation, this year’s 2022 Sam Richardson Award contenders bring new insights and in-depth analysis of public sector issues.
The Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) ACT is mourning the loss of Damian West PSM, who passed away on 24 July 2023.
Acknowledging the impact of the robodebt scheme, the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) will continue to work with the public sector to strengthen integrity and rebuild trust.
The Institute of Public Administration Australia’s (IPAA) Sam Richardson Award for the most influential paper published in the Australian Journal of Public Administration in 2021 goes to Professor Richard Mulgan from ANU Crawford School of Public Policy for his paper ‘Regulating the post-employment of public officials: Australian experience in an international context’.
The Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) is pleased to announce the shortlisted articles for the 2021 Sam Richardson Award.
The Editors of the Australian Journal of Public Administration (AJPA) have provided the six papers they believe to have been the most influential papers published in 2021.
YOUR IPAA Catherine McGregor AMOn Courage On Leadership On Diversity A video of Catherine's...
IPAA Northern Territory recently hosted the 2022 Hawkes Oration, “Indigenous co-design: opportunities, challenges and risks”, which was delivered by Professor Ruth Wallace, Dean of the College of Indigenous Futures, Education & the Arts and Director of the Northern Institute at Charles Darwin University.
The Hawkes Oration is named after and honours long-serving IPAA NT President, David Hawkes, who made a significant contribution to the work of the IPAA NT, and also played a major role in the development of public administration in the Territory.
IPAA is delighted to announce Professor Renée Leon PSM FIPAA, Vice-Chancellor and President of Charles Sturt University has taken on the role of IPAA National President effective 1 July 2022. Her expertise in leadership, extensive experience in Commonwealth and State public administration and ongoing commitment to IPAA positions her to assume this important role.
On Thursday 23 June 2022, IPAA hosted the inaugural Frances Adamson Oration, to mark United Nations Public Service Day. The Oration, supported by Boston Consulting Group, was delivered by Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, who reflected on and celebrated the critical role played by the public service and the institutional and individual integrity, resilience, and challenges in the service.
Having accepted the role of Secretary for Public Sector Reform, I will be stepping down as National President of IPAA on 30 June 2022. I have been honoured to serve as President, speaking as a voice for the public sector across Australia and promoting the value of public service. It has been a pleasure to work with IPAA Divisions and staff on initiatives that have strengthened the focus and professionalism of the organisation.
Congratulations to Dr Damian West, the ACT Government’s Deputy Director-General, Workforce Capability and Governance, IPAA ACT Councillor and IPAA National Secretary, for being awarded a Public Service Medal (PSM) in the Queen’s Birthday 2022 Honours List.
Australia is mourning the loss of John ‘JR’ Nethercote, who passed away in early May 2022 at the age of 74.
A renowned political historian, public servant and expert on government administration and parliament, John was known amongst his many friends and colleagues as an outgoing, exuberant character, who was generous with his time and expertise. John had an unquenchable desire to learn and to be better informed.
IPAA is delighted to announce a new annual oration to be named after Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia and delivered on the United Nations Public Service Day.
Kenneth Norman Jones AO CBE passed away on 19 January, aged 97. A Commonwealth public servant for 44 years, he was instrumental in guiding and implementing the policies of successive governments that led to Commonwealth involvement at all levels of Australia’s education system.
The vast majority of public servants behave respectfully and civilly to their colleagues. But the surveys show bullying is significantly more widespread than codes of conduct or workers’ compensation claims suggest. Dr Gordon de Brouwer explores bullying and harassment in public sector workplaces across Australia.
Emeritus Professor Roger Wettenhall AM passed away on 20 January 2022. An academic with a fervent passion for the study and practice of public administration in Australia, Roger was integral to the formation of a national IPAA body, and the administration of IPAA’s activities. His commitment to the growth of IPAA as a vibrant and valuable institution that serves its members and the wider public sector will not be forgotten.
We’re pleased to announce the selection of the new AJPA Editorial Team for 2022-24, who will continue to lift the AJPA readership and increase its accessibility and visibility amongst researchers, practitioners and students.
IPAA has released its National Strategic Plan 2021-2025. Developed by IPAA’s National Council in consultation with IPAA’s eight Divisions, the plan provides a framework to realise our vision of enriching our offerings at a national level, building stronger connections and increasing membership across each jurisdiction.
Nominations for IPAA Victoria’s 2021 Top 50 Public Sector Women are now open! Now is the time to acknowledge and celebrate exceptional women across the public sector who exemplify leadership, commitment and strength in these challenging times.
The Australia Statistician, Dr David Gruen, will join Australia Post’s Fiona da Silva in a conversation on connection and collaboration for service transformation as part of the 2021 IPAA National Conference in Brisbane and live streamed on 14–15 October 2021.
The Institute of Public Administration Australia is pleased to announce that funding has been awarded to three new research projects that will examine the ethical application of artificial intelligence, the career pathways of Federal ministerial staff once they leave a minister’s office, and the capabilities associated with the implementation of social procurement.
A new report produced by the University of Canberra’s News and Media Research Centre has found that only half of Australians feel attached to their local community.
Dr Alex Antic — one of Australia’s Top 5 Analytics Leaders — will speak at the 2021 IPAA National Conference, Riding the Wave of Service Transformation, being held in Brisbane on 14–15 October 2021.
Dr David Rock, the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the NeuroLeadership Institute, will deliver a keynote address at the 2021 IPAA National Conference, Riding the Wave of Service Transformation, being held in Brisbane on 14–15 October 2021.
The Institute of Public Administration Australia is pleased to announce that the 2020 Sam Richardson Award — for the most influential paper published in the Australian Journal of Public Administration in 2019 — has been awarded to Associate Professor Jeannette Taylor from the University of Western Australia.
Lumachain CEO and Founder Jamila Gordon will deliver the opening keynote address at the 2021 IPAA National Conference, Riding the Wave of Service Transformation, being held in Brisbane on 14–15 October 2021.
Distinguished Professor Genevieve Bell AO will deliver the Garran Oration at the 2021 IPAA National Conference, Riding the Wave of Service Transformation, being held in Brisbane on 14–15 October 2021. Early bird tickets on sale now.
Ray Griggs AO CSC and Letitia Hope from the National Indigenous Australians Agency, were joined by Justine O’Brien SCMP, IABC Canberra President, and contentgroup Founder and CEO, David Pembroke, for a recent Work With Purpose podcast on authentic and effective communications with Indigenous Australians.
The Institute of Public Administration Australia is seeking expressions of interest from qualified public administration academics to take on the editorship of the Australian Journal of Public Administration from 1 January 2022.
Atlassian’s resident Work Futurist, Dominic Price, recently gave a fascinating interview involving Megan Aponte-Payne and Isabelle Franklin — two of IPAA ACT’s Future Leaders Committee Members — for the WORK WITH PURPOSE podcast.
IPAA and the University of Canberra are pleased to announce that the 2021 round for grant funding from the Public Administration Research Trust Fund is now open.
The Australian Government is inviting feedback on proposals for the Indigenous Voice. The proposals were the focus of a recent discussion between Professor Tom Calma AO and Letitia Hope at a webinar on Indigenous Voice hosted by IPAA ACT.
Researchers from Melbourne’s Monash University have been surprised by some of their findings on the policy influence of successful royal commissions, recently published in the Australian Journal of Public Administration.
Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM, IPAA’s National President, was unequivocal in where he believes responsibility lies for integrity and accountability in the public service when he spoke at an IPAA Western Australia webinar on the subject.
Trust, fairness, influence and reform are just some of the themes explored by a diverse range of Australian and international authors in the March issue of the Australian Journal of Public Administration.
A new animation explaining the membership and role of the proposed National Voice was played to attendees at an Indigenous Voice webinar hosted recently by the Centre for Social Impact.
In a recent video released to celebrate International Women’s Day 2021, senior women from every Australian public service shared their advice to young women who want to become public sector leaders.
IPAA will be calling for expressions of interest in June from interested parties to take over the editorship of the Australian Journal of Public Administration from 1 January 2022, with the current editors stepping down after two terms.
Aunty Rose Elu is a Torres Strait Islander Elder and the 2021 Queensland Senior Australian of the Year. Aunty Rose shared stories of her ancient culture and her spiritual and cultural connection to country, as part of a live digital event for NAIDOC Week 2020.
The outstanding service and contribution of Erma Ranieri, Commissioner for Public Sector Employment with the South Australian Government, has been recognised in the Australia Day 2021 Honours list with a Public Service Medal.
New Curtin University research has found a dramatic increase in people’s trust in government in Australia and New Zealand as a result of the COVID pandemic.
The latest issue of Public Sector | Rāngai Tūmatanui — produced by the Institute of Public Administration New Zealand — is now available.
The latest estimates of public sector employment and earnings in Australia were released last month by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Change, reform and transparency are themes explored by a diverse range of Australian and international authors in the latest issue of the Australian Journal of Public Administration.
Jodie Ryan, Chief Executive with the Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet, Northern Territory Government, was recently interviewed for the WORK WITH PURPOSE — National Perspectives podcast series by IPAA’s National President, Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM.
Dr John Brayley and Luke Broomhall were recently interviewed on the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and what people can do to manage their wellbeing through these challenging times.
The Fair Work Ombudsman, Sandra Parker PSM, and Comcare’s Chief Executive Officer, Sue Weston PSM, were recently interviewed for the Work with Purpose podcast and spoke about how their compliance and enforcement policies adjusted to respond to the challenges of COVID-19.
Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC will launch ‘Lead the Way’, the new Defence Transformation Strategy, at a live streamed online event hosted by IPAA ACT on 27 November 2020, beginning at 9.30 am. Registration to attend the event are now open.
IPAA National President, Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM FIPAA, has used his President’s Message in the IPAA National Annual Report 2019–2020 to acknowledge public administration and service across Australia.
NAIDOC Week 2020 is a celebration of history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The things that motivates researchers to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and the opportunities their research brings to communities, were the focus of a series of interviews recently undertaken by publishing company Wiley.
Liz Cosson AM CSC, Secretary, Department of Veterans’ Affairs, was recently interviewed for the Work with Purpose podcast. As a decorated former Major General with more than 30 years of service in the Australian Army, Liz is determined to find solutions that better support the veteran community and spoke about the transformation her Department has been undergoing to do just that.
Bonnie Cavanagh is a proud Taungurung woman and a Program Manager in the Media and Corporate Communication Unit with Victoria Police. In a recent interview for IPAA Victoria’s Public Sector Perspectives podcast, she provided her insights on how the public sector can better reflect the community it serves and attract young people with new ideas and perspectives.
Canberra-based Government communication agency, contentgroup, will host the world’s first virtual government communications conference, the GovComms Festival, on 17 November 2020. This latest initiative by contentgroup — IPAA ACT’s digital content partner — will examine the impact on communications of the COVID-19 pandemic and is part of a collaboration supported by the OECD and the European Commission.
The Hon Greg Hunt MP, Minister for Health and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Public Service and Cabinet, was recently asked why trust in the public service had risen, and whether that trust could be retained. His answer focused on two things: the public partnership between expert public servants and elected leaders, and innovation.
The Hon Greg Hunt MP, Minister for Health and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Public Service and Cabinet, recently shared his perspectives on the federation, National Cabinet, and how you lock in change, with Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM, IPAA’s National President.
The Hon Greg Hunt MP, Minister for Health and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Public Service and Cabinet, was recently asked what skills will be critical for a successful public sector career. He said you can change things, that ideas matter, and that believing that your ideas are wanted are critical to innovation.
The Hon Greg Hunt MP, Minister for Health and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Public Service and Cabinet, was recently asked how government service delivery would change in the future. His answer spoke to innovation and a rapid, contestable Cabinet process.
The Hon Greg Hunt MP, Minister for Health and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Public Service and Cabinet, recently shared his perspectives on risk taking in the public sector with Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM, IPAA’s National President.
Telstra CEO Andy Penn was recently interviewed for the Work with Purpose podcast and was expansive in sharing his insights into the future of work, the adoption of emerging technologies, and the way industry is working together with government to accelerate the post-pandemic recovery.
Rodney Harrex, Chief Executive, South Australian Tourism Commission, was recently interviewed for IPAA SA’s ‘On the Virtual Couch’ video series. He explained how South Australia’s visitor economy had been impacted by fires and COVID-19, and outlined the initiatives and projects supporting the industry during the recovery period.
Nine new National Fellows of the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) have been announced by National President, Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM. The award is made annually to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to public service and to IPAA, a tradition dating back to 1983.
The Hon Greg Hunt MP, Minister for Health and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service and Cabinet, will deliver the 2020 Garran Oration on 21 October 2020. Register now to watch online.
Caroline Walsh, a career public servant, recently joined IPAA ACT as its new CEO, taking the wheel from outgoing CEO Drew Baker.
A new research report has found that the working from home experience of APS employees, compelled by the COVID019 pandemic, has been overwhelmingly positive, realising benefits and dispelling some long-held concerns.
Christine Morgan, CEO of the National Mental Health Commission and National Suicide Prevention Adviser to the Prime Minister, recently spoke on the eternally fascinating subject of leadership, about leadership in the mental health sector, and shared her thoughts on the qualities of leadership needed to shape reform of the sector.
Michelle Edge, the Chief Executive for Primary Industries and Regions South Australia was interviewed recently for IPAA’s Virtual on the Couch Series. During the interview she reflected on her experience in stepping into the role during the peak of the state’s COVID-19 crisis.
New findings on the effects of ethical culture and ethical leadership on innovation as reported in the public sector will be of great interest to public administration professionals.
Dr Steven Kennedy PSM, Secretary of the Treasury, and Matt Comyn, CEO of the Commonwealth Bank, recently spoke about JobKeeper with Jessica Irvine, The Sydney Morning Herald’s Senior Economics Writer, for the WORK WITH PURPOSE podcast.
IPAA Queensland, in partnership with McKinsey & Co, is hosting a live webinar on Tuesday 22 September, 3.00–4.00 pm (AEST) which will explore the development, manufacture, supply chain and delivery challenge in effectively vaccinating Australians against COVID-19.
Erma Ranieri, Commissioner for Public Sector Employment with the Government of South Australia, was interviewed recently by Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM, IPAA National President for the WORK WITH PURPOSE — A NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE podcast.
Steve Worrall, Managing Director with Microsoft Australia, and Dr Larry Marshall, the Chief Executive with CSIRO, were interviewed recently for the WORK WITH PURPOSE podcast and discussed just what they’ve found at the intersection of science and technology.
Dave Stewart, Director-General, Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Queensland Government, was interviewed recently for the WORK WITH PURPOSE — A NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE podcast, by the IPAA National President, Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM.
The first digital Australian Government Style Manual promises to make government communication a whole lot clearer. Your feedback is sought to make the beta version even better before the Style Manual goes live later in 2020.
Chris Jordan AO, Commissioner, Australian Taxation Office, was recently interviewed for the WORK WITH PURPOSE podcast. Reinvention and adaptability have served the ATO well in supporting the government response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jennifer Menzies from the Policy Innovation Hub at Griffith University will be facilitating a free webinar next week on caretaker conventions in Westminster Systems as part of IPAA Queensland and Griffith University’s Challenger Seminar Series.
The 2020 Public Sector Innovation Awards were announced last week in Canberra by David Fredericks PSM, Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, at a ceremony which was live streamed from Questacon.
Sharyn O’Neill, Public Sector Commissioner and State Recovery Coordinator for the Western Australian Government, was recently interviewed for the WORK WITH PURPOSE — A NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE podcast by Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM, National IPAA President.
Michael Pezzullo, Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, was recently interviewed for the WORK WITH PURPOSE podcast. He spoke about his strong belief in the Westminster system of government, Home Affairs response to COVID-19, and why the APS should look to embrace disruption.
Professor Nicola Spurrier, the Chief Public Health Officer with SA Health, was IPAA South Australia’s guest on the couch earlier this month. During the interview she shared her insights on South Australia’s rapid response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jane Halton AO PSM, Commissioner of the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission, was recently interviewed for the WORK WITH PURPOSE podcast. She spoke about how the Commission was established, its priorities, and how problems have been solved that have frustrated people for years.
Dr Jo Cribb — one of the youngest people ever appointed as a chief executive in the New Zealand public service — will be presenting a new three-part ANZSOG webinar series, ‘Leading People Through Disruption’, starting 25 August 2020.
Catherine Althaus has written an excellent paper on the contribution that Indigenous evidence and knowledges can make to public administration in the fields of engagement, sustainability, and policy innovation.
Late last month Luke Broomhall was interviewed as part of the COVID-19 Mental Wellbeing Interview Series. A Forensic Psychologist, Luke spoke about the mental health impacts of COVID-19, working from home, and work-life balance.
Rebecca Skinner, CEO of Services Australia was interviewed recently for the WORK WITH PURPOSE podcast. She spoke about her experience as the executive agency’s new CEO, just as COVID-19 was biting hard into the Australian economy and Australians’ employment.
IPAA will partner with the ANU College of Law in the delivery of a free webinar on ‘Free speech at work: Folau, Banerji and beyond?’ to be held on Wednesday 22 July 2020. An impressive panel will explore the issue and consider how it might be possible to reconcile employees’ speech rights with the interests of employers.
The July issue of Public Sector (Rāngai Tūmatanui), the journal of the Institute of Public Administration New Zealand, is now available.
Professor Brendan Murphy, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, and Caroline Edwards, acting Secretary of the Department of Health, were recently interviewed for the WORK WITH PURPOSE podcast. They spoke about their shared experience at the centre of Australia’s health response to COVID-19.
Caroline Mealor, Chief Executive of the South Australian Attorney-General’s Department, was interviewed last week on the challenges presented by COVID-19 to the work of the central agency, as well as to her leadership with more than 70% of staff working from home.
South Australia’s Chief Psychiatrist, Dr John Brayley, was interviewed earlier this week on the mental health impacts of COVID-19 and the government support available to South Australians.
Mike Burgess, the Director-General of Security with the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation was the guest on this week’s WORK WITH PURPOSE podcast and spoke about the current threat environment under COVID-19, as well as the many issues that ASIO deals with to protects Australians and Australia from serious security threats.
Lois Boswell, Acting Chief Executive of the Department of Human Services was IPAA South’s Australia’s guest in conversation earlier this month. A video of the interview she gave on the COVID-19 situation and her thoughts on leadership in crisis is now available.
The Commissioners of the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Border Force recently gave an interview for the WORK WITH PURPOSE podcast which spanned the COVID-19 responses of Government, the travelling public and industry, to border management, and the very real threat of crime on the dark web.