EP#149: Leading with Curiosity: The Future of HR in the Australian Public Service
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.
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EP#148: Integrity, fairness and the role of the Merit Protection Commissioner
In this episode of Work with Purpose, host David Pembroke speaks with Jamie Lowe, the Merit Protection Commissioner for the Australian Public Service and the Parliamentary Service, about how fairness, transparency and integrity are upheld across the APS.Described as the Commonwealth’s “workplace umpire,” Jamie and her office review promotion decisions, Code of Conduct inquiries and other workplace matters to make sure they’re not only lawful, but fair and correct. She explains how her team provides impartial review, carefully manages conflicts of interest, and works with agencies to lift capability and strengthen decision-making.Jamie also shares her career journey as a long-serving public servant, the lessons the APS can take from Robodebt, and why procedural fairness is essential in maintaining trust and confidence across the APS.Key tips:Document decisions clearly – thorough records ensure fairness and allow meaningful feedback in recruitment and promotions.Empower staff through reviews: Code of Conduct processes give people the confidence to raise concerns and strengthen workplace culture.Own-motion audits, shared case studies and communities of practice improve decision-making and integrity across the APS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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EP#147: Building a data-driven Public Service
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.
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EP#146: Thinking smarter: Evidence, bias and better public decisions
How do public servants make smart decisions when time is short and the stakes are high?In this episode, host David Pembroke is joined by two leading experts in organisational decision-making: Eric Barends, Managing Director of the Centre for Evidence-Based Management, and Alessandra Capezio, Associate Professor of Organisational Behaviour at the Australian National University. Together, they explore how public servants can make better decisions by combining data, research, stakeholder input, and professional experience.The conversation delves into the challenges of balancing instinct and evidence in fast-paced environments, the risks of relying on heuristics and cognitive biases, and the importance of cultivating a culture that supports critical thinking and evidence-informed practice.Key tips: Use multiple sources of evidence to support decision-making. Avoid relying solely on personal experience; combine organisational data, scientific research, stakeholder perspectives, and expert judgement.Challenge cognitive biases. Recognise common pitfalls like solution fixation and authority bias, and ask critical questions to uncover root causes.Build capability and culture. Equip teams with the skills and shared language to critically appraise evidence, even under time pressure, and foster leadership that values evidence-based practice.Show notes:Evidence-based tools and resources | Center for Evidence-Based Management websiteOnline course on evidence-based management | CEBMaEBDM support, short courses and bespoke offerings | Associate Professor Alessandra Capezio via ANU Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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EP#145: Voices beyond the ballot: How letters shape Australian politics
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.
Über Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Sector
Work with Purpose is the must-listen podcast for those working Australia’s public sector, covering best practice, leadership conversations, research, and critical issues. Three times a month, we speak to current public servants, leading academics, and other public sector experts about how to best serve Australia’s communities, from essentials such as policymaking to building inclusive leadership practices. Work with Purpose is produced in a partnership between contentgroup and IPAA ACT. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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