Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Sector

In this episode of Work with Purpose, we discuss how a widening gap between external change and internal capability in the public sector is becoming a major threat to both public trust and effective government.As governments navigate social media distortion, geopolitical instability, cognitive warfare and rapid advances in AI, many public institutions are still operating in rigid, slow-moving ways better suited to an earlier era.Guest host Michelle Ainsworth, former ABC politics editor and Churchill Fellow, speaks with Sir Geoff Mulgan, Professor of Collective Intelligence, Public Policy and Social Innovation at University College London alongside IPAA National Secretary Samantha Palmer, about why trust in government now depends on more than competence alone.Australia’s public service stands out internationally for its relative stability, integrity and institutional strength. Our panel discuss how Australia can use this advantage more ambitiously: to test new ideas, design better institutions and build models other democracies can learn from. The conversation explores how governments can respond to ethical failures more effectively, why public services need to become more transparent and conversational, and what it will take to avoid a new wave of AI-related public sector scandals.Key tipsTrust is built through both competence and integrity. Public confidence depends not just on delivering results, but on being seen as honest, accountable, and guided by clear moral purpose.Governments need to innovate more systematically. Public institutions cannot afford to remain rigid while technology and public expectations move quickly around them.AI should be tested, staged, and governed carefully. Strong procurement, user testing, ethical oversight, and in-house capability are essential to avoid costly failures.Work with Purpose is produced by contentgroup in partnership with IPAA ACT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, speaks with APS CALD Champion Jim Betts, Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Art, and Nu Nu Win, assistant secretary at the Department of the Treasury, about cultural diversity in the Australian Public Service and the work underway to create a more inclusive and representative senior leadership pipeline. Together, they explore how to challenge assumptions and why the APS still has a long way to go in turning commitment into meaningful change. The episode highlights emerging initiatives across the APS, including sponsorship, stronger staff networks and clearer institutional signals to support fairness, inclusion and better outcomes for the community the APS serves.Key tips:Start with evidence, then act on it. Strong data helps move the conversation beyond assumptions and shows where barriers are real and where action is needed most.Leadership signals shape outcomes. When leaders show a visible commitment to fostering inclusion, it positively influences who feels encouraged to apply, grow and see a future in the Australian public service. Inclusion happens in everyday decisions. Look closely at small moments where choices are made about who is invited in, supported, encouraged or sponsored. These actions can shape long-term career outcomes.The APS has an opportunity to lead. APS leaders have the unique ability to coordinate, act deliberately, and build a workforce that better reflects the community it serves. Show notes:APS Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Employment Strategy and Action Plan | Australian Public Service CommissionModelling Australian Public Service Careers | Tax and Transfer Policy Institute, Crawford School of Public Policy, ANUCross-agency diversity networks (including CALD CONNECT) | Australian Public Service CommissionAPSC CALD Action Plan (2025–2028) | Australian Public Service Commission Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics offer free, walk-in care for urgent but non-life-threatening health issues. In this episode, we explore how the Department of Health and Aged Care turned a good idea into a service that’s taking pressure off busy emergency departments across Australia.Since opening in June 2023, Urgent Care Clinics have cared for over 2 million people and grown rapidly from an initial 50-clinic commitment to more than 90, with 137 expected by the end of 2025–26. It’s an impressive example of delivery at pace in the public sector, earning the Urgent Care Clinics team the 2025 Spirit of Service People’s Choice Award.Led by Adam Nettheim, Chief Customer Officer at Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation, Sarah Sinclair, Assistant Secretary, Urgent Care Branch and Sarah El-Sabagh, Director, Urgent Care Policy and Evaluation from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, this episode unpacks the practical decisions and partnerships behind this scale-up, with lessons you can apply in any service or program. They dive into what it takes to stand up quickly, build confidence with partners and providers, and make access easier for communities.*The People’s Choice Award is proudly sponsored by Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation.Key TipsDesign around the user: build services to fit real lives, remove friction, make access simple, and focus on what people need in the moment.Move at pace by partnering well: strong relationships across the system are the engine room of delivery.Keep listening after launch: build feedback loops early so you can improve in real time, not “set and forget”.Stay anchored to outcomes: success is a better experience for people and less pressure on frontline services. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 TipsDevelop a strong sense of self and what you need in a work environment to succeedAs a leader, give agency to your staff to show you how the work best. For example, ask people how they want to receive feedbackBe clear about meeting purposes, take notes, and give people time to process.Show NotesGrit n Grace Collective Public Sector Neurodiversity Community of Practice | Australian Public Service Commission2024 APS Census | Australian Public Service Commission Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this landmark episode of Work with Purpose, host David Pembroke sits down with Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Australia’s 28th Governor-General, for a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation recorded at Government House.Marking one year and one day since her appointment, the Governor-General reflects on her journey from suburban Canberra to one of the nation’s highest offices. She shares insights into her upbringing, career, and the values that guide her leadership – care, kindness, and respect.Listeners will gain a rare glimpse into the evolving role of civic institutions, the importance of inclusive public service, and the power of storytelling in shaping national identity. From her early volunteerism to her work in law, sport, climate, and social justice, the Governor-General’s story is one of curiosity, courage, and commitment to community.In this episode, you’ll hear about her path to Governor-General, why care, kindness, and respect are central to her vision for modern leadership and public service, and how her diverse career shaped a holistic view of Australia’s institutions and the people who power them.This episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about Australia’s future, the role of public service, and the values that bind us together.Key tipsChampion civics education. Help build a more informed and engaged society by promoting understanding of Australia’s democratic systems and institutionsCollaborate across sectors. Break down silos between public, private, and community sectors to foster innovation and shared purposeLead with compassion. Embed care and kindness into everyday decision-making – whether in policy, leadership, or community engagement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special International Men’s Day episode, Work with Purpose host David Pembroke, Founder and CEO of contentgroup, brings together two senior public sector leaders to explore what male role modelling looks like in practice, not in theory.Deputy Secretary David Mackay (Regions, Cities and Territories, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts) and Michael Pohl (National Manager for Smart Centres across Regional NSW and the ACT at Services Australia) share candid reflections on leadership, identity, caregiving, cultural background, and the real pressures of balancing demanding roles with busy family lives.Listeners will hear lived experience, practical behaviours, First Nations perspectives, and personal stories that illuminate the difference male leaders can make in shaping respectful, healthy public sector workplaces.Key TipsPeople remember how leaders make them feel: small moments of validation or dismissal shape workplace culture more powerfully than formal feedbackLead with questions, not answers: curiosity and humility help unlock team insight, build trust, and create stronger decisionsNormalise shared caregiving: taking parental leave and protecting family time strengthens leaders and helps shift outdated gender normsBe honest about the chaos: vulnerability creates psychological safety and helps teams feel understood and supported Show Notes Coro Canberra (David Mackay’s choir)Hartley Cycle Challenge (Michael’s charity ride) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really take to lead people well in a world of constant change? In this episode of Work with Purpose, host David Pembroke sits down with Jacqui Curtis, Chief Operating Officer at the ATO and Head of the APS HR Profession, and Eliza Kirkby, Managing Director at Hays, to explore how human resources in the Australian Public Service is being redefined.From the power of trust and genuine connection to the growing impact of AI and technology, Curtis and Kirkby share honest insights about what it means to be a people-focused leader today. They reveal how curiosity, courage and empathy can build stronger teams, shape culture and help leaders navigate complexity with confidence.Listeners will also hear how HR professionals are helping the APS evolve by embracing innovation, driving inclusion and belonging, and preparing for the workforce of the future. It’s an inspiring conversation about keeping people at the heart of transformation and leading with purpose when it matters most.Key tipsLead with curiosity and connection. Build trust through open communication, empathy and genuine listening. Be straightforward, approachable and real.Use technology wisely. Let AI and digital tools enhance people’s work rather than replace it.Create a sense of belonging. Inclusion and psychological safety are essential for high-performing teams.Stay open and ask for help. Strong leaders grow through curiosity and collaboration, not by having all the answers.Show notes Successful Public Governance | Utrecht UniversitySpeech to the American Society for Public Administration | Crawford School of Public PolicyPathways to Positive Public Administration An International Perspective | BookHas the time arrived for Positive Public Administration | The Mandarin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Work with Purpose, David Pembroke speaks with Dr David Gruen AO Australian Statistician and the inaugural head of the APS Data Profession about the transformative role data plays in the public sector.The APS Data Profession, launched in 2020, it has grown from a pilot into a thriving community of 13,500 members across Commonwealth, state and territory governments. The profession is about more than technical skills. It’s building a culture of evidence-based decision making, giving leaders confidence in using data, and opening career pathways through graduate streams and cadet programs.Dr Gruen reflects on how communities of practice, the Data Capability Framework, and initiatives like the Data Awards are shaping a smarter, more collaborative public service ready for challenges like AI and machine learning.Key takeaways:Why data matters in government – the APS Data profession is building skills and a culture that supports evidence-based decisions.How the data profession is growing - from graduate programs to communities of practice, creating a strong pipeline of talent and collaborationWhat leaders need to know – why senior executives and decision makers must understand data to better shape outcomes for Australian citizens Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever written to a politician? What did you hope to achieve?In this episode of Work with Purpose, guest host Andrew Metcalfe AO FIPAA explores the power of personal correspondence in shaping Australia's political landscape. With around 150,000 letters and emails received annually by the Prime Minister, new research is shedding light on how these messages influence policy and public discourse.Dr Daniel Casey and Dr Marija Taflaga from the Australian National University unpack the findings of Daniel's research into letters sent to Prime Minister John Howard between 1996 and 2000, and discuss broader insights from the POLEVPOP project on how politicians evaluate public opinion.From heartfelt pleas and policy critiques to unexpected administrative revelations, this episode reveals how everyday Australians have helped shape the national agenda – one letter at a time.Key tips:Write to policymakers – letters from the public are a vital democratic tool, offering depth and context beyond the ballot box.Tell your story. Personal stories – especially those that tug at the heart – can leave a lasting impression on policymakersOpt for handwritten or emailed letters. Despite the rise of social media, private correspondence remains a powerful and personal form of civic engagement.Show notes:How politicians evaluate public opinion (POLEVPOP) | ANUExplore one of the featured letters: Jeffrey Funerals letter to the PM (1996) | via Daniel CaseyDaniel Casey, 'Dear John...': Letters from the public to Prime Minister Howard | UNSW Library Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can public sector professionals keep their skills sharp without committing to years of study? Microcredentials may be the answer.In this episode of Work with Purpose, host David Pembroke speaks with Professor Deborah Blackman from UNSW Canberra and Kristen Risby from the Australian Public Service Commission about how microcredentials are transforming learning in the public sector.Explore the co-design process behind new postgraduate offerings as our speakers share lessons from recent pilot programs and highlight how these short, credit-bearing courses are helping public sector professionals build relevant skills without committing to long-form study.Key tipsChoose microcredentials that offer credit – look for courses that meet university standards and contribute to formal qualifications. These are stackable and recognised across institutions.Embed learning into your workplace – apply course content directly to your current role through reflective assessments and practical tasks that reinforce learning outcomes.For those wanting to create a course, co-design with practitioners for relevance – when developing or selecting a course, involve subject matter experts and end users to ensure the content is job-ready and aligned with sector.Show notes Express your interest or find out more about the APS Academy microcredentials | APSC websiteExplore other learning opportunities with the APS Academy learning | APS AcademySubscribe to hear the latest news, events and offerings from the APS Academy | APS Academy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special NAIDOC Week edition of Work with Purpose, guest host Kate Driver, CEO of IPPA ACT, leads a powerful and heartfelt conversation celebrating the theme of NAIDOC Week 2025: The Next Generation – Strength, Vision, and Legacy.Kate is joined by two inspiring young First Nations leaders – Luke Stevens, a proud Gimuy Waluburra Yidinji and Kuku-Yalanji man working at the Department of Home Affairs, and Tianie Scott-Knight, a proud Yankunytjatjara, Pitjantjatjara, Anmatyerre, Kamilaroi and Wiradjuri woman and First Nations lead at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.This episode is a tribute to the strength of First Nations peoples and a call to action for deeper understanding, curiosity, and reconciliation within the public sector and beyond.Key tips:Consider cultural identity and the importance of connection to Country when engaging with First Nations in the public sectorStorytelling, music, and art play an important role in shaping First Nations leadershipAllies can support First Nations by walking alongside them and genuinely listening to them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the fifth episode of our APS Reform in Action series, we hear from Laure Yassine and Lisa Jansen from Services Australia, and Carly Harrison from the Australian Public Service Commission, on the development of Services Australia's APS Experience Design Principles – and how you can apply them, even if you're not a design expert.These seven principles – simple, inclusive, tailored, connected, transparent, safe, and trustworthy – help the APS design and deliver people-centred, inclusive services across all channels. Developed through extensive consultation and research, they offer practical guidance for improving both policy and service delivery.Laure Yassine, acting national manager, Business and Customer Architecture Branch, Services Australia, Lisa Jansen, national manager, Digital Product Design Branch, Services Australia, and Carly Harrison, assistant director, Partnership and Engagement, APS Commission, join host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, to explore how these principles are being embedded across the APS to improve outcomes for all Australians.Key tips:1.       Start with simplicity – clear communication and plain language make services more accessible for everyone2.       Focus on outcomes. You don't need to be a design expert to apply these principles effectively3.       Use the principles as a guide. They're a practical checklist to evaluate and improve services across government.Show notesAPS Experience Design Principles | agaGet in touch with the Design Experience Team at Services Australia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode of Work with Purpose, Danielle Wood, Chair of the Productivity Commission, reflects on how the Commission’s role has evolved—from her early days as a graduate to leading its national reform agenda.As Australia faces slower growth and rising complexity, how can public policy adapt to deliver long-term productivity and social progress?Danielle joins host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, to discuss how the commission continues to provide rigorous, independent advice in the public interest while expanding its focus to the care economy, First Nations policy, and Closing the Gap. She also explores the challenges of lifting productivity in the service sector, the slower impact of new technologies, the importance of diversity in economic leadership, and how to deliver frank advice that drives long-term reform.Key tips:Embed Closing the Gap priorities into your policy and program design to help drive meaningful, long-term changeChampion diversity in economics to ensure a broader range of perspectives and better policy outcomesValue independent advice as a cornerstone of good governance, even when it challenges the status quo.Show notesQuarterly productivity bulletin – March 2025 | Productivity CommissionClosing the Gap Review | Productivity Commission Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.