EP#112: A conversation about rethinking reform with Andrew Podger AO

Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Sector

A stronger emphasis on merit now will be crucial to ensure a thriving public service in the future, former APS Commissioner Andrew Podger AO tells us on this episode of Work with Purpose.

APS Reform is in full swing, but what else could be added to the agenda? On this episode, we hear the perspective of former senior public servant, now commentor and researcher, Andrew Podger AO on the value of merit, where stewardship is appropriate, and what has affected capability within Australia’s public sector.

In discussion with IPAA National President Andrew Metcalfe AO, Andrew Podger talks us through his views of how APS values could better highlight the public service’s commitment to the public. He also discusses his idea of bringing back tenure for secretaries with a stronger focus on merit assessments, and why the Public Service Commissioner should act as the professional head of the public service.

In future discussions, we’ll also hear from others in our sector, who are grappling with this same question. Keep an eye out for future episodes which will highlight other academic and practitioner perspectives and research on some of Australia’s public sector’s most pressing challenges.

Contributions to the public sector reform debate on:

· why merit should be given more weight in the public service and other statutory appointments

· a code of conduct that is a statutory requirement for ministerial staff and their relationship with the public service

· suggestions about what stewardship should mean for secretaries

· clarifying the public service’s commitment to the public

· rewards and penalties for secretaries

· the APS Commissioner as the professional head of the public service

· the role of merit in appointments for positions such as high commissioners or ambassadors

· improving the way the public services hires contractors

· rebuilding expertise in the public service

· conflict of interest and post-separation employment provisions.

Shownotes

Discussion paper: Further reform of the Australian Public Service | ANU Centre for Social Research & Methods

2024 IPAA ACT Conference: Ready to Rethink

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