EDITION 42 APR-JUN 15

THE INTERNATIONAL EDITION PARTNERING WITH

GovERNmENT Debra Tippett

Michael Brennan

They have deep Our multi-disciplinary Government team of 300 lawyers, drawn understanding of the David Crane from all of our practice areas, delivers leading business and industry edge solutions to Commonwealth, regulatory framework, as well as State and as well as attention to Territory governments. detail and the ability to work seamlessly as a team across a variety of disciplines. They also Neal Parkinson Amanda Story have a strong focus on budget control and value for money.

GOVERNMENT CATEGORY, AusTRAliA Andrew Gill Nevin Agnew ChAMbERs AsiA PACifiC 2015

15 0014 Mark Treffers Alice McCormick EDITOR Ron Dent CONTENTS EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION AND COVER: BADGING Australia’s place in the world Public Administration Today is ADVERTISING MANAGER Sally Woolford ©iStockphoto.com @pagadesign published by IPAA ACT Division DESIGN EnvyUs Design, Suzanne Green EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT Faceworks Marketing Solutions PRINTER Finsbury Green 06 35 46

This edition saved 1,389kgs of greenhouse (CO2) emissions compared to a non-green printer PUBLISHER (COPYRIGHT) Copyright for published articles (including digital) resides with Public Administration Today and its publisher, IPAA ACT Division, CEO Drew Baker. After publication, authors may reproduce their articles in other forms with appropriate acknowledgement. STATE EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS ACT & COMMONWEALTH Amanda Anderson, [email protected] NATIONAL Jo Rose, [email protected] NSW Megan Scardilli 03 EDITOR’S NOTES VIC MAKES IP FREE [email protected] FROM THE EDGE 34 Richard Vinciullo, Department of NT Kevin Thomas, [email protected] Freedom … is not ‘just Treasury and Finance, Victoria QLD Christine Flynn, [email protected] another word’ Ray Lane, [email protected] 35 BUILDING ENGAGEMENT SA Tony Lawson, [email protected] PRESIDENT’S COLUMN WITH CHINA Renae Haese, [email protected] 05 Embodying the Spirit Warwick Smith, Chair TAS Rebecca Moles, Australia-China Council [email protected] 06 SLIPPERY SLOPE? Summa McIntyre, [email protected] Darryl Gobbett SHARED EXPERIENCES VIC Robin Astley, [email protected] 38 Professor David Gilchrist, Nick Bastow, [email protected] 10 COMPETITIVENESS AND Curtin University, WA WA Yohan Fernando, [email protected] PRODUCTIVITY David Gilchrist, [email protected] Productivity Commission MAKE MORE OF OUR EDITORIAL DEADLINES 40 GLOBAL PROFESSION July-September 2015 – 15 May 2015 INNOVATE TO COMPETE Nick Chiam, Victorian Theme: Productivity 13 INTERNATIONALLY Department of Education and October-December 2015 – 14 August 2015 Daniel Quinn and Mike Lawson, Theme: Professionalism Early Childhood Development Department of Industry and Science January-March 2016 – 6 November 2015 Theme: The Indigenous Issue – Closing the Gap 42 TASMANIA’S GLOBAL INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT CHALLENGE The ACT Division of the Institute of Public 17 MEANS SAFER WORLD Jan Davis, CEO, Tasmanian Administration Australia (IPAA) publishes Public Administration Today, with the support of National Mike Mrdak, Department of Farmers and Graziers Association Council. The magazine is primarily a national Infrastructure and Regional communications medium for all IPAA members. Development 46 EDUCATING THE WORLD It aims to report IPAA activities, promote and Anne Baly, Department of celebrate achievements in Australian public sector FRUITFUL REGIONAL HARVEST management, disseminate information about major 20 Education and Training trends and developments, and facilitate discussion Department of Foreign Affairs and debate. Articles are published on editorial and Trade AUDIT ON WORLD STAGE relevance and merit. Views expressed are those 50 Australian National Audit Office of individual authors and do not necessarily reflect 22 G20 FOCUS ON the views of the Institute or the editorial team. FEMALE WORKERS 52 AROUND THE WORLD WITH Today is available on the web – full editions only to William La and Nick Mowbray, OPEN GOVERNMENT IPAA members and subscribers – via a password. Sample pages from each edition are freely available Department of Employment Elizabeth Tydd, Information as are covers and contents lists from past issues. Commissioner, NSW Information CONTRIBUTIONS Proposed articles, media 26 NARRATIVES AND POWER and Privacy Commission releases, letters to the editor and constructive NETWORKS IN WASHINGTON feedback are welcome – via email only to Lex Drennan, NSW Ministry of 56 REVIEW – AROUND [email protected]. Please read the Police and Emergency Services THE NATION Contributors’ Guide at the IPAA ACT website. ADVERTISING For details, including BECOMING COMPLACENT COMING ATTRACTIONS rates and material specifications, email 29 70 [email protected] Julie Sloan SUBSCRIPTIONS Annual subscription is $104 AUS. International subscription 30 SAME BUT DIFFERENT $160 (AUS inc GST). Quarterly editions posted John Doyle, Auditor-General, Victoria to your nominated address. Also available as Get in first. part of IPAA individual or corporate membership, BEST PRACTICE – Stay in front. Australia-wide. Ask your local divisional office. 32 INTERNATIONAL REGULATION To find out how to haveToday delivered Visit IPAA ACT at www.act.ipaa.org.au reports with Grant Pink Today to you visit www.act.ipaa.org.au GOLD SPONSORS IPAA ACT acknowledges and Matt Marshall, Department the generous assistance of its Gold Sponsors: and follow the prompts. Centre for Public Management, Hays Recruiting, of the Environment KPMG, Telstra and Minter Ellison. ISSN 1832-0066 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 01 REINVENTING THE POSTAL SERVICE FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

Australia Post and its Managing Director and CEO, Ahmed Fahour, are revolutionising mail as you know it. They’ve introduced the Digital MailBox to offer Australians online transactions and instant delivery, alongside stamps and physical mail. It’s the future of post. And Telstra’s secure Cloud is the foundation of Australia Post’s vision.

For more on this and other Telstra solutions, visit telstra.com/enterprise/auspost NOTES FROM THE EDGE

Freedom …

is not ‘just DIGGER SPIRIT An Australian bringing in a wounded comrade to hospital. Notwithstanding the unhappy situation, they joked as they made their way down from the front (Australian War Memorial: 1915, Ottoman Empire: another word’ Turkey, Dardanelles, Gallipoli)

Five score and women, living and dead, who have devotion – that they shall not have died years ago, come struggled and sacrificed to keep alight the in vain – and that government of the November, our torch of freedom, including those brave people, by the people, for the people, forefathers sailed souls at Charlie Hebdo whose lives shall not perish from the earth. forth from this were stolen for daring to speak This edition of Today is continent to freely by murderous fanatics dedicated to freedom and defend the liberty posing as men of piety. especially to the men and on which this The world will little note, nor 272 women who, internationally, newest of nations was founded. long remember what is said WORDS work for those elected Now we are engaged in a great global battle, here, but it can never forget officials who are charged testing whether this nation, or any other so what they did in the name of with protecting it. freedom. It is for us the living, rather, conceived and dedicated, can long endure. Ron Dent to be dedicated here to the unfinished Our way of life is being threatened by terror Editor work, which they fought to protect that aims to cow us into submission to those [email protected] and have thus far so nobly advanced – who would dictate their own twisted views @mrrondent dedicated to the great task remaining on morality and how we should live. before us – that from their honor we Inspired by recent events, the ANZAC It is altogether fitting and proper we take increased devotion to that cause for Centenary and *Abraham Lincoln’s immortal should resist. We owe it to the brave men which they gave the last full measure of Gettysburg Address.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Today is the premier national members’ magazine of the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA). It promotes IPAA activities, events and people; is a platform for member communication; and supports the IPAA brand across Australia. Today reports, promotes and celebrates achievements in the wider public sector; disseminates information and provides thoughtful insight on trends, developments and projects. It facilitates discussion and debate about public policy, its development and implementation.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 03 IPAA 2015 NATIONAL CONFERENCE SYDNEY 14 & 15 OCT THE HILTON, SYDNEY – 488 GEORGE ST, SYDNEY

JOIN US to connect with some of the best public sector thinkers, speakers and facilitators and participate in a range of new and innovative Conference sessions.

To learn more or register your interest: WWW.IPAA2015.ORG.AU IPAA 2015 NATIONAL PRESIDENT Embodying the spirit NATIONAL of public service

What does ‘public service’ mean to you? IPAA national president Terry Moran recently presented the CONFERENCE Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop Asialink Lecture. It gave him ‘pause to reflect’. Weary Dunlop was an Australian Strikingly, the public sector – among the My final observation is about the need for SYDNEY 14 & 15 OCT surgeon renowned for his leadership in largest employers in Australia – has been better political leadership. There has been Australia Asia relations. An extraordinary largely absent from that discussion. The a growing trend for Australian political THE HILTON, SYDNEY – 488 GEORGE ST, SYDNEY individual, his suffering, strength and capabilities for Asia engagement need to leaders, on both sides of politics, to bravery in Japanese prisoner of war be spread far wider than the important portray themselves as effective managers. camps during the Second World War, his but relatively narrow confines of the In doing so – they do themselves and post-war work with returned POWs and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. the nation a disservice. Much of the in reconciliation with Japan, is almost dysfunction in the relationship between inconceivable in its scale. ministers and their departments comes from quite a few ministers seeing their role Weary Dunlop embodies the ideal of as micro-managing their departments. Not public service. An aspect of the malaise surprisingly, given their usual pre-political currently afflicting our nation reflects the backgrounds, most ministers are lousy CEO’s. willingness of some to relegate this ideal of public service to less prominence – One example of the problems emerging despite community attitudes. is a tendency for balanced professional advice from public servants to be We know from surveys that citizens interrupted in transmission before it is admire and trust, above all other groups, properly considered. The short term near those at the front line who live a life sightedness of governments and the lack of of public service – nurses, teachers, EXTRAORDINARY LEADER Sir Edward ‘Weary’ a credible strategic approach to reform is doctors, fire fighters, police and others Dunlop embodies the ideal of public service one consequence. It is becoming apparent like them. The problem is our broad My third suggestion is we could rebuild the the public recognises this and does not senior leadership group is losing sight of concept of public service by re-thinking reward governments that operate in this something Australians see clearly. the way our public services interact with way, as evidenced by opinion polls and the So the challenge for those who occupy – Indigenous Australia. As Noel Pearson has so trend for average time in office to decline. or seek to occupy – those senior positions eloquently described – formal recognition The real focus of our political leaders is to explore how they might recapture in the Constitution is one way to begin that should be, and in the case of the good the spirit of public service in many of re-thinking. But it also means recognising ones is, on their ability to touch the our institutions. that – since the arrival of that 18th century ground and build coalitions of support How could we rebuild that sense of public servant Arthur Phillip – my profession for new ideas and reforms. By this means public service in Australia? Service on the has singularly failed to respond to the needs the public can be taken on a journey as heroic scale of Weary Dunlop is probably of Indigenous Australians and at times in support for reform is built. to some extent a product of nature – as the past has been complicit in their murder, None of these suggestions would be much as nurture. But here are four that dispossession and criminal neglect. Tragically, easy or risk free, for our public sector, could ensure the ground for public this has happened despite a series of prime political leadership, private sector and service is made more fertile. ministers, most particularly from Harold Holt onwards, wishing to achieve major the community because they challenge JOIN US to connect with some of the best public sector First, we could act to bridge the gulf that reforms and rapid improvement. The success self-interest, complacency and tradition. thinkers, speakers and facilitators and participate in a range seems to be growing between the public of the reforms on Cape York suggests Noel In essence they demand courage and an and private sectors. We should welcome Pearson’s diagnosis of the need to radically ability to overcome what Edmund Burke of new and innovative Conference sessions. the head of the Business Council of reshape the way public administration and called ‘false, reptile prudence, the result Australia Catherine Livingstone’s plan to governments work with Indigenous Australia not of caution but of fear’. ‘close the gap between what government is correct. And given the challenges of welfare It is surely a chance worth taking. None of To learn more or register your interest: thinks and what business knows’. reform in the broader community, the it will be easy but if we ignore the value Secondly, we could develop closer work in Cape York may also point to the of public service it will expand the hole WWW.IPAA2015.ORG.AU public sector engagement with Asia. future of wider welfare reform. that currently sits in our national heart.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 05 OPINION

Slippery slope? Leading economist and investment adviser Darryl Gobbett, left, ponders our slide in the changing world order, where to for public administrators and whether Australia really could become ‘the white trash of Asia’. It is a cliché that Growth differentials On another measure of GDP that adjusts Australia punches for the different price relationships across Measures of economic size are nowhere above its weight different countries, Australia’s ranking near the full picture of where a country is in global political, falls faster. positioned globally but they are generally military, economic, a good indicator of capability to do These growth differentials reflect the social, education and administrative affairs. various things. combined impact of generally faster That’s illustrated across a broad range population growth in the other countries PwC in the United Kingdom has just of issues from being a major participant with stronger productivity growth per released The World in 2050: Will the Shift in helping set up the United Nations person. Whereas Australia’s real growth in Global Economic Power Continue. and International Monetary Fund; per capita is forecast to average 1.6 per www.pwc.co.uk/economics in peace keeping roles; multilateral cent a year to 2050, real growth per capita trade institutional developments and PwC uses a number of methods for in Indonesia and Malaysia is forecast at 2.8 agreements; global parliamentary measuring Gross Domestic Product and 3.6 per cent a year. We’ve discussed committees; 2014’s chairing of the G20 for comparison purposes. Using local in earlier articles Australia’s productivity Summit; and the last two years of chairing prices for production and market foreign performance and this PwC study puts the UN Security Council. currency exchange rates (MERs), Australia another edge to it. (See also page 10 The questions now include was this a declines from 12th in the global rankings ‘Competitiveness and productivity’ and ‘golden age’, a post WW2 belle epoch? to 17th in 2030 and 19th in 2050. page 13 ‘Innovate to compete internationally’.) Are we now on a path to global PwC also forecasts the faster-growth irrelevance? Could Australia’s relative Does it matter? economies will generally see their decline in many international sports over Do we really care? currencies rise against the US dollar – the last two decades be a pointer to our which adds to the value of their incomes. positions in other global areas as once In contrast, the Aussie dollar is forecast to poor but much more populous countries By 2030, China is forecast to be at edge lower. (See separate panel, page 8.) push past us economically; and, what does number one, with India third. Mexico, that increased income and wealth allow Indonesia, South Korea and Saudi Arabia Likely slide them to do in other fields? all move ahead of Australia. By 2050, Such forecasts have to be treated with More fundamentally, if the West is losing Turkey and Nigeria are forecast to move care. But it seems likely that Australia its leadership on values, including on the well ahead. Egypt is not far behind and by will progressively slide out of the top 20 idea of representative liberal democracies then the combined sizes of the Chinese from currently being one of the middle and market economies, what role and and Indian economies are about double ranking global economies. Importantly, in position do we have as an outpost of the that of the USA’s. Asia we could go from being the fourth West? And the question is much more Indonesia’s economy is forecast to rise largest, behind China, Japan and India, than one of geography. For example, are from currently 58 per cent of the size of to around sixth, being passed by 2050 by our views of parliamentary democracy and Australia’s to 32 per cent bigger by 2030 Indonesia and South Korea. As well, by administrative meritocracy as wellsprings and 200 per cent larger in 2050. India’s 2050, the Philippines, Pakistan, Malaysia, of economic and social development just economy is forecast to rise from 38 per Thailand, Vietnam and Bangladesh would outmoded conceits on our part? cent larger than Australia’s to 2.6 times its then have economies only 15 per cent What does each of those mean for policy size by 2030 and 9.6 times larger by 2050. smaller than Australia’s. makers and administrators? Does it China’s economy is forecast to be 18 Australia will likely still be a significantly matter? Do we really care? times larger than Australia’s by then. richer country in terms of income and

06 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION OPINION

©iStockphoto.com @PashaIgnatov

assets per head than most globally and much of the last several decades to offset and those that remain recipients, while in Asia but the gap will have markedly the population differences. I doubt we they get wealthier, may be less inclined reduced and Singapore and South Korea have either the capacity or political will to accept the terms and conditions we could be on par with us. to substantially increase our defence may wish to apply, including the areas of As countries grow their economies, spending or employment. institution building and human rights. both absolutely and per capita, their But these issues prompt the question of Increased interest perceptions of their place in the world what impact does our declining relative On trade and investment, we are seeing and what they wish to spend on also economic position have on the long term increased interest from businesses out of changes, both private and public. willingness of the USA to see us as a China, India and Indonesia in owning and We are already being impacted by China’s prime ally in Asia. developing rural land and food processing to and India’s increasing capacity and desire serve both their home markets and exports. to increase their military spending to It is probable we will see Most of this is about meeting already rapidly be more in line with their desired place a decline in our influence rising demands for better quality and more in the region and world, despite there western style foods, not about meeting arguably being no increase in the actual in trade and other basic food shortages. Concern about this military threats to either. In turn, however, international affairs. foreign ownership, which seems often to this is stimulating other countries in the be racially driven, has resulted in political region to increase both the level of arms The military issue is just one facet of this and administrative action on land value spending and the sophistication of the relative economic decline. test thresholds for investment. technologies. Japan is reviewing its overall It also is probable we will see a decline in our That demand for increased quality and military positioning. influence in trade and other international overseas ownership of these industries, For Australia, the increased wealth, affairs. Our overseas aid will likely give us less supply chains, etc, will increase growth industrial and education capacities in influence. The incidence of absolute poverty opportunities in Australia but also the our region suggest we will soon not and hunger in our region will decline; perception that ‘best quality’ – such as be able to rely upon the technological countries that were, or are, aid recipients now for seafood and fruit – will be too and skill advantages we have had for will likely become competitive donors; expensive for locals. Continued.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 07 OPINION

Increasingly we will then be importing China and India as they increase their This, as other countries grow their formal the lower cost, lower quality goods. It share of global investment and trade? and informal power and influence with also is likely, as has already happened (See also pages 38 & 40 ‘Shared experiences’ increasing absolute and relative economic in Singapore with pig production, that and ‘Make more of our global profession’.) size. As they increasingly have the cash conditions such as increased wealth, and staffing resources these multilateral urbanisation, water shortages and agencies need to stay solvent and relevant, pollution will see some countries wanting Some will say ‘who cares it is likely their agendas will get more to shift some types of production overseas. about global rankings?’ attention. Australia has been a major participant in, Education and beneficiary of, the liberalisation of These agendas may well mean increasing Education is another area likely to international trade and capital markets pressure on issues over which we feel the need the increasing attention of policy since World War 2. This has largely right to retain control. These are likely makers and administrators as regional been driven by the Western capitalist to include employment conditions and competition and demand increases. democracies and impacted and influenced overseas workers, tax rates, animal welfare, by their value systems. (See also page 20 conditions of land and water use, food safety Rightly, there is debate at all levels – ‘Fruitful regional harvest’.) standards, intellectual property and company preschool, primary, secondary, tertiary and vocational – about whether in absolute terms Where will our policy makers and law and regulation. There also may be Australia has the necessary standards and administrators sit if the international trade issues about our access to overseas markets. and capital agendas are increasingly driven For policy makers and administrators capacities and is getting the right outcomes. by the production and capital investment these pressures will likely come bilaterally Education is important in its own right demands of businesses and public sector but also increasingly from multilateral across domestic needs for the welfare organisations from countries such as policy institutions. of our people, for a well functioning Economic comparison This article uses PwC estimates converted to $US at the forecast countries in our region, so our of the value of economic output in market exchange rate of each local economy grows slower in $A 2014, 2030 and 2050 in $US. The currency to the $US. terms than does output valued 2014 estimates were collated by PwC explains in detail how in many of the other countries’ the International Monetary Fund these future exchange rates are currencies. And, because the $A in local currency terms from each forecast. Most interesting from the is forecast to fall against many of country’s statistical organisation, perspectives of Australia’s changing the other currencies, the growth then converted to $US at end of relative position in the world and in $US purchasing power of 2014 exchange rates. regional orders is that the $A is our output versus these other For 2030 and 2050, PwC has forecast to fall relative to the $US, countries would lag even further. forecast the local currency value which also is expected to fall against That is of more than academic of output for each country using the currencies of many of the faster interest as a weakening currency its own forecasts of productivity growing countries. and a relative decline in global growth and United Nations So Australia faces two headwinds. spending power are hardly population estimates. The local Our growth in output per head is conducive to increasing economic, currency values have then been forecast to be slower than most political and military influence.

08 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION OPINION

democracy and to meet the needs of the private and public sectors. It also is one of our major export industries. (See page 46 ‘Educating the world’.) The quality of our educational institutions Some of that spending will undoubtedly both an important factor of where we relative to that of most countries in Asia, flow to Australian universities. We should rate overall now in Asia and the ‘canary in and particularly the top Universities, also expect, however, a growing focus the mineshaft’ as to how we will meet the has also contributed to Australia’s sense of these countries on increasing the broader challenges we face. of position and influence. The 2014 size, number and quality of their own As the Australian economy declines QS World University Rankings (see universities as part of meeting local quantitatively relative to our more rapidly table above) show Australia has eight of aspirations and lifting their national status. growing regional neighbours, it will be the the top 100 Universities, a remarkable That will likely in part be judged on quality of how we plan and implement third highest behind the USA and UK, where their universities rank globally. the necessary changes in our international followed by Japan with five, China, Hong Kong and South Korea each with three, relations, industries, workforces, social Singapore with two and New Zealand Becoming ‘the white trash support, tax systems and public administration with one. www.topuniversities.com.au that will determine our future. Quality needs of Asia’? Our choice! to lift relative to our competition and that Education is one of those ‘income seems unlikely without our universities at elastic’ services, along with health Australian policy makers and least maintaining their rankings. care, on which people and countries administrators already need to solve Or, do we again face the fate – as spend proportionately more as income the human and financial challenges of and wealth rises. Self and community described in 1980 by one of the world’s meeting the increasing local concerns great leaders, Singapore PM Lee Kwan advancement along with status are about education at the pre-tertiary levels. important drivers. So we should expect Yew – of becoming ‘the white trash of At the same time, the regional economic Asia’. Our choice! the faster growing countries in Asia outlook suggests policy makers and public to spend an increasing proportion of administrators will face an escalating Darryl Gobbett is a freelance economist and their national income on education challenge at a number of levels, including investment adviser and a Visiting Fellow at overall and – for reasons of demography, financially, in at least maintaining the the University of Adelaide’s SA Centre for industrial development and international global status of our universities. Economic Studies. He has held senior advisory competitiveness and status – on higher and executive management roles in the Federal education. They will want to increase the Who cares? Departments of the Treasury and Prime proportions of their populations with Some will say ‘who cares about global Minister and Cabinet and in private banking tertiary qualifications. rankings?’ I believe those rankings are and financial services companies.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 09 REPORT

Competitiveness and productivity Today asked the Productivity Commission to report on where Australia fits internationally.

Australia has experienced 23 years For that reason, several quantitative and about ‘value’ differences or consumer of uninterrupted economic growth, qualitative indicators can be used to tastes. Rather they seek to measure propelling it to the fourth most prosperous measure international competitiveness. improvements in the production process, OECD economy, in terms of real per Most commonly, international such as through the application of new capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The competitiveness refers to a country’s technologies or better organisational drivers of growth have shifted over time. productivity performance - how efficient structures resulting in output growing During the 1980s and 1990s, the source its industries are at producing goods and faster than inputs. of Australia’s economic wealth was driven services from a given set of inputs. An economy that can apply technological by sustained productivity growth. More developments to produce more output recently, significant demand for Australia’s with fewer capital or labour resources mineral and energy resources have driven Over the last decade will be in a better position to compete investment growth and a record terms of Australia’s productivity in the global marketplace. Moreover, an trade boom, which has increased Australia’s performance has slipped economy that can enhance its productive real purchasing power. dramatically compared to capacity will benefit from increasing living standards, the prospect of future growth in However, Australia’s international other OECD economies. comparative position will be tested in real incomes, as well as the nation’s capacity the future (see ‘Slippery slope’, page 6), to address challenges such as ageing as declining terms of trade and an For example, the World Economic Forum’s population and adverse global influences. ageing population drag down income The Global Competitiveness Report 2014-2015 Where Australia is at, growth and add further to the fiscal measures competitiveness as the ‘set of internationally pressures from increasing public spending institutions, policies, and factors that Real per capita GDP is a crude measure of expectations. To sustain continued income determine the level of productivity productivity in the total economy. In 2013, growth, Australia will need to strengthen of a country.’ According to the World Australia was ranked fourth amongst the international competitiveness and use its Economic Forum, productivity ‘sets the top economic performers in the OECD – resources more efficiently in producing level of prosperity that can be reached by behind Luxemburg, the United States and goods and services, which according to an economy’… and… ‘also determines Norway. That was a considerable rise in recent productivity estimates, is lagging the rates of return obtained by investments fortunes – by 1983 Australia’s ranking had behind developed economies, including in an economy, which in turn are the slipped to 14 out of 34 OECD economies some of our major trading partners. fundamental drivers of its growth rates.’ (See Figure 1, page 12). Productivity as a measure While alternative measures of Australia’s improvement is likely the of competitiveness competitiveness, such as the relative result of a period of sustained economic Measures of international competitiveness input and output prices of production reforms during the 1980s and 1990s, of different industries or economies are or exchange rates, can affect a short- which included, among other things, the influenced by various environmental term country’s competitiveness, price opening up of trade and capital markets factors, including differences in resource competition is unlikely to determine to competition, partial deregulation and endowments; production costs; the use longer-term economic performance. commercialisation of key state-owned of technologies; and institutional and Unlike measures of relative prices, enterprises, labour market reforms of regulatory arrangements. productivity measures are less concerned centralised wage fixing systems and

10 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REPORT © iStockphoto.com @Gaj Rudolf

national competition policy. These This rate of growth places Australia in Other countries improving their reforms not only directly provided 30th place relative to OECD economies. performance on various measures while productivity gains by better utilising the However, this growth is comparable to Australia’s results have remained relatively economy’s existing labour and capital other resource rich economies, such as stable over time mainly drove that fall. resources, they also enabled firms to access Norway at 32 and Canada, ranked 27th. Future challenges productivity gains from the innovations Australia cannot be complacent about generated by the use of information and Australia faces communications technologies (Australia’s its current level of economic wealth, Productivity Growth Slump: Sign of Crisis, some pressing future especially as it faces some pressing future Adjustment or Both, PC Visiting Research economic challenges economic challenges and opportunities. Paper, Dean Parham 2012). and opportunities. A record boom in terms of trade has According to Dean Parham in 2013 – propped up Australia’s national income ‘Australia’s Productivity: Past, Present and Despite Australia’s poor productivity growth over the last decade but is now Future’, The Australian Economic Review – performance strong levels of investment, declining. Meanwhile, a fall in the total factor productivity (TFP) growth, which driven by significant demand for proportion of the population in the specifically measures how efficiently labour Australia’s mineral and energy resources, workforce, resulting from population and capital resources are used in production, have helped sustain its level of economic ageing, is also expected to detract from was around 1.8 per cent a year over Australia’s wealth over the last decade (see Figure 1, future income growth. Both these surge period of productivity growth – 1993- page 12) – with the terms of trade effect, effects will hurt Australia’s future living 94 to 2003-04 – a better, albeit imperfect, generated by strong foreign investment, standards, especially as we deal with indicator of the effect of technological contributing around a third of per capita the fiscal challenges of caring for an change and efficiency improvements. national income growth in the period ageing population – including greater expenditure on health, aged care and age Over the last decade however, Australia’s from 2000 to 2013. pensions – meeting future infrastructure productivity performance has slipped The decline in Australia’s comparative dramatically compared to other OECD productivity standing is also reflected in other needs and dealing with the effects of economies. According to the Conference measures. According to the World Economic climate change. Board Total Economy Database at www. Forum’s competitiveness indicator, Australia A return to stronger productivity growth conference-board.org/data/economydatabase/, fell from 16th to 22nd most competitive will assist Australia in meeting these TFP growth averaged around minus 1.1 economy in the period from 2006-07 to challenges by sustaining current levels of per cent in the decade to 2013. 2014-15. (See Table 1, page 12). national income and wealth. Continued.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 11 REPORT

Figure 1: Australia’s economic ranking Real GDP per capita in 1990 US$ (converted at Geary Khamis PPPs), OECD countries

The Commission’s work over the last year has highlighted the importance of developing effective processes for assessing and developing public infrastructure (Public Infrastructure inquiry); the ways in which we can support greater workforce participation and address children’s learning needs (see the Childcare and Early Childhood Learning inquiry); and the regulatory and economic impediments raising business costs (see the Costs of Doing

SOURCE The Conference Board Total Economy Database™, January 2014, Business inquiries in the retail trade and dairy www.conference-board.org/data/economydatabase/ manufacturing industry). Current Commission enquiries into Recent research conducted by the organisations to perform well exist within the Workplace relations framework Productivity Commission has identified free and competitive markets; creating and Barriers to setting up, transferring specific factors impacting the productivity regulatory frameworks that enhance and closing a business, will further growth of several industries over recent flexibility for firms to make changes to identify options for reducing barriers years, which are likely to diminish over respond effectively to market pressures; to innovation and productivity growth, time. That includes the impact of drought and increasing capabilities, including the where appropriate. on certain industries, evolving policy and human and knowledge capital, as well as The Productivity Commission is the regulatory frameworks – especially to infrastructure and institutions, that are Australian Government’s independent deal with environmental issues – record needed to support productivity growth. research advisory body on economic, social capital investment in mining, and the and environmental issues affecting the welfare high exchange rate. (See also Productivity Government has a of Australians. Besides enquiries focusing on Commission research working papers on critical role in boosting the specific topics, it has a role in contributing measurement and interpretation of productivity to public debate and encouraging informed in the mining, electricity, gas and water and productivity performance policy discussion – by analysing Australia’s manufacturing industries). of firms through productivity performance and disseminating What can we do about it? ensuring incentives. information about trends and developments Incentives, flexibility and that may affect the wellbeing of Australians. increasing capabilities. Table 1: WEF Global Competitiveness Index 2014-15 Top 30 economies The key to future income growth will be in the joint efforts, creativity and innovation undertaken by businesses, investors and workers to produce new and better goods and services and more efficient ways of doing things to enhance wealth, jobs and opportunities. Government policies and decisions also have a critical role in boosting the productivity performance of firms through ensuring incentives – the external pressures and disciplines on SOURCE www.weforum.org/reports/global-competitiveness-report-2014-2015

12 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION OPINION

Innovate to compete internationally Industry innovation and competitiveness remains a challenge for Australian business, say Daniel Quinn, far left and Mike Lawson, left.

increases in capital and labour inputs cent more likely to increase income, – has essentially been flat since 2003. 46 per cent more likely to report Production costs are among the world’s increased profitability, twice as likely to highest and overall jobs growth is outside export, five times more likely to increase publicly-funded sectors. In increasingly the number of export markets targeted, globalised and digitised competitive twice as likely to increase productivity, markets Australia has low levels of trade employment and training, three times To stay ahead of competitors – even survive to GDP and low participation in global more likely to increase investment – Australia’s companies must find ways to value chains. Exports show a lack of in information and communications become more efficient and innovative. diversity and complexity. technology and three times more likely to increase their range of goods and services. Around the world, competitive markets are the primary drivers of industry competitiveness Rather than leading However, just 42 per cent of Australian and the global economy is increasingly through innovation, employing businesses reported any competitive for Australian business. too many Australian innovative activity in 2012-13. In that year the innovative businesses had a 70 While we are part of Asia – the world’s businesses are per cent share of employment (see Chart 2 fastest growing region – with access ‘playing catch up’. on page 14). That means 58 per cent of to billions of potential new customers, employing businesses – accounting for increasingly sophisticated competitors also Australia has entered an era where its 30 per cent of all jobs – are ‘missing in have them in their sights. economic strength will be measured by action’ when it comes to innovation. The Australia Government’s vision is for a the competitiveness of its knowledge- The situation may even be worse – nimble economy, capitalising on Australia’s based industries and its businesses must 39 per cent of businesses who report commercial and scientific strengths. Central adopt new approaches. They must innovative activity, do not spend any to that is the need for strong, self-reliant innovate to improve their efficiency money on it and much of the innovation and innovative businesses. It is essential and ensure the high productivity that is not new to the world, or even to scientists and businesses work together maintains international competitiveness. Australia. Rather than leading through effectively. Facilitating that connection is a Local data clearly shows the importance innovation, too many Australian businesses key focus of the Department of Industry of innovation in driving competitiveness. are ‘playing catch up’. and Science (DIS). Innovative Australian businesses are 31 per Continued. A number of indicators signal Australia’s international competitiveness is in decline CHART 1 Average increases in business performance and activities compared to the — an issue discussed in the recently previous year, by innovation status, 2006-07 to 2011-12 released Australian Industry Report (www. industry.gov.au/industry/Office-of-the-Chief- Economist/Publications/Pages/Australian- Industry-Report.aspx) and Australian Innovation Systems Report (www.industry.gov. au/innovationreport). Challenges Australia faces challenges. After growing by an average of around two per cent a year across the 1990s, ‘total factor SOURCE Australian Innovation System Report 2014, p. 43 www.industry.gov.au/innovationreport productivity’ – after accounting for NOTE Averages and standard errors are generated from year on year variation in each indicator

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 13 OPINION

CHART 2 Total estimated number of employing businesses that are innovation-active and Australia can do better. their contribution to employment, income and capital investment, 2011-12 This nation already has in place many of the components for more innovative businesses but needs to do more to connect them. Australia possesses strong scientific capabilities and highly developed scientific institutions. On a per capita basis it ranks near the top for articles published in highly influential journals. In 2010, the CSIRO ranked in the top one per cent of world scientific institutions in 14 of 22 research fields. Scientific activities are particularly important in delivering productivity improvements SOURCE Australian Innovation System Report 2014, p. 38 www.industry.gov.au/innovationreport through ‘new to the world’ innovations. International evidence indicates as much as half of the total factor productivity CHART 3 Country comparison of innovation novelty, 2010 growth in manufacturing between 1953 and 1980 can be attributed to increases in scientific knowledge. But Australia will not capture these productivity improvements until our scientists and business work together more closely. As reflected across a number of indicators, Australia is not effectively translating the Federal Government’s annual $9.2 billion investment in research and development into enough commercial products and benefits. Our levels of ‘new to the world’ innovation are low by international standards, despite our strong science base. (See Chart 3.) Among OECD countries, Australia has one of the weakest levels of networking, collaborative innovation and business capacity to absorb and exploit external knowledge. Collaboration between scientific researchers and business is the worst in the OECD. Australia’s low level of scientifically driven innovation is reflected in low intangible capital investment – increasingly important in modern, knowledge-based economies – such as data, software, designs, new organisational processes, management quality, research and development, patented technology, reputation (brand strength) and SOURCE Australian Innovation System Report 2014, p.51 www.industry.gov.au/innovationreport firm-specific skills.

14 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION OPINION

The ratio of intangible to physical capital The centres will foster collaboration to commercialisation advisers and facilitators investment – at 42 per cent in Australia in increase knowledge transfer between drawn from industry – offers small and 2010 – compares poorly with the United researchers and business and identify medium enterprises from the five growth States at 200 per cent and the OECD industry’s knowledge priorities to inform sectors and their enabling sectors – easy- average of 82 per cent in the same year. national research priorities. to-access advice, assistance and tailored (See Chart 4.) Centres will also enhance management support, to help them become more self- reliant, competitive and focused on growth. Increased competitiveness and workforce skills; identify opportunities to reduce regulatory burden; and improve The Department of Industry and Science’s Improving innovation performance will lead capabilities to engage with international ‘Single Business Service’ also aims to to increased competitiveness, which ensures markets and global supply chains. make it easier for businesses to find productivity improvements that benefit Culture to blame? the information and services they need consumers as businesses are forced to pass through streamlined access to essential on cost reductions and improved quality. Poor business innovation culture is often information at an improved business.gov. The Australian Government is attempting blamed for Australia’s moderate to low au website, contact centre (13 28 46) and performance on innovation. In ‘Why to improve Australia’s competitiveness AusIndustry’s national network. do Management Practices Differ across through the Industry Innovation and Firms and Countries?’, Journal of Economic DIS says these programs are just some Competitiveness Agenda, announced in Perspectives, Nicolas Bloom and John Van of the ways it aims to help create the October 2014. It includes four overarching Reenan claim international comparisons links and resources Australian businesses ambitions: a lower-cost, business-friendly show Australian management capability is will need to compete successfully in the environment with less regulation, lower ‘second-tier’. www.aeaweb.org/jep/index.php knowledge-based, global economy. taxes and competitive markets; a more For more information and reports, visit skilled labour force; better economic The Australian Government’s $484.2 million Entrepreneurs’ Infrastructure www.industry.gov.au or telephone the contact infrastructure; and industry policy that centre on 13 28 46. fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. Programme – its flagship initiative for firm-level competitiveness and productivity Mike Lawson is head of portfolio, Strategy To improve returns from the nation’s – aims to address that. The program – Division, Department of Industry and Science. investment in science and research, the utilising a network of 125 business and Daniel Quinn is a colleague. government is implementing reforms to increase the amount of research that creates CHART 4 Investment in intangible capital by country, 2010 new products and processes and improves Australian business competitiveness. These are designed to ensure incentives for researchers to collaborate with businesses; raise scientific literacy and awareness across the community; build long-term scientific capability; and link business research priorities with nationally funded research priorities. The government is investing $188.5 million in ‘Industry Growth Centres’ to improve translation of publicly funded research into productivity and improved business competitiveness. Initially, five centres will focus spending on Australia’s strengths – food and agribusiness; mining equipment, technology and services; medical technologies and pharmaceuticals;

oil, gas and energy resources; and SOURCE Australian Innovation System Report 2014, p.57 www.industry.gov.au/innovation report advanced manufacturing. NOTE For Canada, Japan and Korea estimates refer to 2008

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Opening Government Transparency and Engagement in the Information Age conference.anzsog.edu.au

4-6 August, 2015 Melbourne

Follow us REPORT – OPINION

International engagement means safer world Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development (DI&RD) Secretary, Mike Mrdak, left, says international engagement builds relationships and helps keep transportation – for Australians, overseas travellers and cargo – safe and secure. International forefront of international efforts to forge engagement is effective counter-terrorism cooperation, The Infrastructure and Regional not uppermost especially in the Asia Pacific, where strong Development portfolio is the in the public partner transport security relationships Department of Infrastructure and consciousness about have been established. Departmental Regional Development, Australian the role of Australia’s federal infrastructure officers work in a number of countries, Maritime Safety Authority, the Civil and transport portfolio. making joint assessments of facilities and Aviation Safety Authority, Airservices National highways, major roads, black supporting capacity-building training and Australia, the Australian Transport Safety spots, road safety, heavy vehicles, Sydney’s support on airport and maritime security. Bureau, the National Capital Authority, second airport, aviation, rail safety, vehicle That includes aviation security initiatives Infrastructure Australia and the National imports and standards, ships and ports are with like-minded countries in the Transport Commission. probably perceived as ‘domestic’. ‘QUAD’ group – with the US, European Commission and Canada. However, the DI&RD has a long history The department’s portfolio is a diverse of international engagement. More recently, the focus has widened and exciting international mix of treaty to include international engagement on Since its establishment as a transport and rule making, policy negotiation, infrastructure investment, trade and the global department with responsibility for regulatory oversight, capacity building, regulatory environment – all highlighted aviation policy and programs, its focus research and emergency response. as priority areas during Australia’s 2014 has been on facilitating safe, secure presidency of the G20 group. Australian Maritime and efficient air transport services and Safety Authority appropriate infrastructure. Its objective AMSA represents Australia at the IMO in the maritime sector has been efficient, The DI&RD has a long on a broad range of issues including safety, competitive, and safe shipping and history of international environment, legal, technical, security, search shore-based services to support Australia’s engagement. and rescue, and maritime communications. international and domestic trade. Australia is a significant coastal state with Consequently, the department works Broad international engagement includes strong interests in international shipping. through specialised agencies of the diverse and complex issues in improving Some of Australia’s current priorities at United Nations (UN) – primarily the vehicle safety standards through UN the IMO include: International Civil Aviation Organization regulation on side impact crashes with (ICAO) and the International Maritime • Implementation of a mandatory narrow pole-like objects; work by the Organization (IMO) to influence the international code of safety for ships development of international regulations, Australian Maritime Safety Authority operating in polar waters. standards and cooperative frameworks. (AMSA) and Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) on international • Extension of Australia’s ‘Particularly International engagement has intensified in forums dealing with safe passage through Sensitive Sea Area’ to the Coral Sea the past decade – particularly in relation to international conflict zones and piracy; for improved safety and environmental transport security in aviation and maritime coordinating the search for missing Malaysia protection. and safety and environmental regulation. Airlines flight MH370; and supporting • Implementation of the IMO’s The September 11, 2001 airborne terrorist and helping improve the capacity of ‘Mandatory Member State Audit attacks in the US presented enormous transport sector safety and security for Scheme’ in the Asia-Pacific and Indian challenges for the global aviation our international neighbours, including Ocean regions to complement Australian community and Australia has been at the Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. domestic safeguards. Continued.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 17 REPORT – OPINION

Making vehicles safer The UN World Forum for It set performance Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations requirements for pole- is the peak international body for the side impact crashes – development of automotive standards, with narrow pole-like which takes the form of Global objects – and was Technical Regulations (GTR) and/ adopted as both a GTR or UN regulations. Harmonisation of and UN regulation. The standard will lead Australian regulation with the UN to a substantial reduction in fatalities and provides Australian consumers with serious injuries, both from pole and other access to a large range of vehicles from side impacts, through mandatory increased the global market. It also ensures high protection for the head and thorax. levels of vehicle safety and anti-theft Side impacts currently account for more and environmental performance, while than 20 per cent of Australian road deaths. minimising regulatory costs. Monash University Accident Research The department has participated on Centre estimated adoption of the the UN’s ‘Working Party 29’ since the GTR/UN regulation would save nearly early 1990s and, recently, on Australia’s 700 lives in Australia over a 30-year In March 2007, a Garuda Indonesia behalf first led development of an period as well as prevent approximately Boeing 737 crashed while attempting to international standard. 800 traumatic brain injuries. land at Yogyakarta airport in central Java, claimed 21 lives including five Australians, • Development and implementation of Current international aviation rules mean with others sustaining serious injuries. e-navigation, which involves increased they cannot fly between countries without The tragic accident resulted in Australian integration of existing and new these bilateral arrangements between transport safety professionals working closely electronic navigational tools to enhance governments. The department negotiates with Indonesian counterparts to enhance communication between ship and coastal these arrangements on Australia’s behalf safety and build additional capacity to states and increase navigational safety. with a range of destination countries. meet the challenges facing Indonesia. The Civil Aviation Safety The basis for air services negotiations is a Australian and Indonesian Governments Authority national interest assessment. That seeks the announced the Indonesia Transport Safety views of a large range of stakeholders who Assistance Package in 2007. CASA is actively engaged in regional may have an interest in the outcome of air and global efforts to improve aviation The department works with Indonesian services negotiations – including airlines, safety. Key aspects of that international Government counterparts to deliver on airports, tourism and trade stakeholders, engagement include participation in the the job training, guidance and mentoring state and local governments, unions, and work of the ICAO and the development in aviation and maritime security to other interested parties. and maintenance of bilateral relationships enhance and promote transport security with relevant aviation safety partners Almost 100 bilateral air services practices across the region. Key programs – including China, New Zealand, US, arrangements have been negotiated to date. include the ‘Preventative Aviation Security Brazil, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong and These allow airlines to offer a range of Enhancement Partnership’ – delivered Canada. CASA is also involved on a range services, giving Australians easy access to the through the ‘Australia-Indonesia Security of aviation forums and relevant assistance world and benefitting Australia’s economy Cooperation Program’ and providing programs and is a technical advisor to the through tourism, trade and aviation. in-country mentoring in aviation security Australian Council Representative to the Supporting Asia Pacific quality assurance and training in a range Pacific Aviation Safety Office. Neighbours of aviation security competencies; and the ‘Australia-Indonesia Fellowship Helping Aussies get where Indonesia Partnership is delivered through the they want to go The department is actively engaged with Australia Award Fellowship Program’ International aviation is not an ‘open’ the Indonesian Government to help – a month-long fellowship providing trade market and airlines can only establish best practice in aviation safety extensive training and mentoring to operate services by virtue of complex enhancement and security awareness mid-level managers from the Indonesian international agreements. within the region. Ministry of Transport.

18 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REPORT – OPINION

Finding MH370

Papua New Guinea (PNG) Australian and PNG transport agencies work together to improve transport safety and security – in accident investigation, aviation safety regulation, air traffic management, transport policy and maritime safety – under the Australian Government’s transport assistance program to PNG. CENTRAL VOICE From left, Sir Angus Houston, then Chief Coordinator, Joint Agency Coordination Centre; China’s Minister of Transport, Yang Chuantang; Australia’s Deputy Important is work to integrate Prime Minister, Warren Truss; Malaysia’s Minister of Defence, Hishammuddin Tun Hussein transport safety and security streams to and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hamzah Zainudin; China’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Xie Hangsheng address PNG transport development and improve monitoring, reporting and On March 8 last year, Malaysia Airlines • assistance by ATSB as an accredited evaluation activities. flight MH370 disappeared en-route representative of the investigation; and Some highlights of that program include: from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with provision of key communication tools 239 passengers and crew on board. for next of kin and media by the JACC. • Airservices Australia is providing assistance to PNG Air Services Limited At Malaysia’s request, Australia assumed The JACC continues to work closely with (PNGASL) to commission a new air responsibility for coordinating the the Malaysia and China governments, with traffic management system and enhance search effort in the southern Indian Chinese and Malaysian liaison officers existing surveillance and to improve Ocean, within the Australian Search and seconded to it. They meet face-to-face competencies for ICAO standards’ Rescue Region. with JACC, ATSB and Defence officers on a daily basis. Teleconferences are compliance. While the disappearance of MH370 held regularly with other government is a tragedy – and the search has so far • The ATSB is providing assistance representatives at Australia’s Beijing and been unsuccessful – it is an impressive through the long-term placement of Kuala Lumpur posts, as well as face-to-face example of international cooperation a senior accident safety investigator meetings in various locations. within the PNG Accident Investigation involving a vast range of assets and Commission. expertise from around the world. While detailed and groundbreaking analysis of the satellite data has narrowed • CASA is working to develop and The Joint Agency Coordination the search area tremendously, the search strengthen CASA PNG’s management Centre (JACC) is Australia’s centralised remains complex and challenging. capability as well as hosting an annual voice on MH370 and works with the safety forum in PNG. Australian Transport Safety Bureau Mapping undertaken in preparation for the underwater search shows a complex • AMSA is providing assistance to (ATSB), the Australian Defence Force and more than 11 other Australian and seafloor terrain at depths up to 6,000 the PNG National Maritime Safety metres, with underwater mountains, state government agencies to coordinate Authority with search and rescue gap crevasses, ridges and 2,000 metre sheer search efforts, international liaison, analysis implementation. cliffs, all potentially impeding search. communication with next of kin and • The department is assisting PNG’s media communications. At the end of January this year, more than Department of Transport by 18,000 square kilometres of the 60,000 Australia’s support – critical to all phases coordinating a professional development square kilometre ‘high priority search area’ of the search – including surface search pathway for senior female executives had been searched using side scan sonar and rescue in the southern Indian within the PNG transport sector. technology. Assuming no significant delays Ocean lead by AMSA: Australia remains committed to assisting with vessels, equipment or from weather, PNG to achieve safe and secure transport • identification of the underwater search the current underwater search area may be and meet international standards for area utilising an International Search largely completed around May 2015. Strategy Working Group led by ATSB aviation regulation. While the size and scale of the search task is Work through the infrastructure portfolio • underwater search operations tremendous, Australia, Malaysia and China reflects Australia’s international standing including bathymetric mapping of the remain cautiously optimistic that the and the role it takes in its region and in search area lead by ATSB resting place of MH370 will be located. international forums.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 19 REPORT

Fruitful regional harvest Australia’s trade diplomacy is on a roll. Over the past 14 months free trade agreements (FTAs) have been struck with three major Asian trading partners.

FTAs were concluded with Korea in own dynamic, given the differing nature ‘Even so’, DFAT says, ‘one side’s desire December 2013 and Japan and China in of economic ties and depended on each for conclusion needed to be matched April and November 2014. side’s own objectives. This had led to by willingness from the other side for According to the Department for Foreign three agreements that are similar but progress to be made’. not identical – packages of ‘outcomes Affairs and Trade (DFAT) the agreements For Korea, Australia’s preparedness reflecting the balance of interests ‘form a powerful trifecta for liberalised to include an Investor State Dispute underpinning each negotiation and trade and investment with these three Settlement (ISDS) mechanism was a incorporating acceptable trade-offs. markets’. They collectively account for 61 threshold issue that allowed negotiations per cent of Australia’s goods exports and to advance quickly to conclusion. 19 per cent of services. Australia has long been ISDS is basically a safeguard against Australia has long been a staunch advocate a staunch advocate foreign government expropriation of an investment. It remained a ‘sensitive issue of global trade liberalisation and regional of global trade economic integration. DFAT says it does so in some quarters’, due to it having been to ‘promote growth and prosperity in our liberalisation and regional used elsewhere to counter governments’ own economy and our neighbourhood’. economic integration. ability to regulate in the public interest, such as to promote the public welfare It says the lack of momentum in the World in terms of health and the environment. Trade Organization (WTO) led many For Australia, DFAT says the three governments, including Australia’s, to pursue The Australian Government is confident agreements will collectively deliver, when that additional conditions negotiated to bilateral and regional free trade agreements fully implemented, ‘greatly improved to more effectively reduce trade barriers. accompany the ISDS provision in the access into these important and growing Korea FTA will guard against that kind markets’. For Korea, tariffs covering 99.8 Content of misuse. And, DFAT says, ISDS works per cent of Australia’s goods exports will DFAT says Australia offered full elimination both ways – ‘Australian investors also be eliminated. Japan will make duty free of its tariffs to Korea, Japan and China – will benefit from its protections for their 97.5 per cent of goods exports, or will ‘with phased elimination for our most investments in Korea’. sensitive industries’ – to allow them time to give preferential treatment. For China, the For Japan, concluding an FTA with adjust – ‘broad access to our services markets figure will be 95 per cent. ‘Our services Australia coincided with Prime Minister on similar terms to the best treatment industries will also benefit from more Abe’s desire to open and reinvigorate enjoyed by our other trading partners’ and certain and improved market access.’ the Japanese economy. Mr Abe had ‘less restrictive foreign investment screening Why now? been Prime Minister in 2007 when its procedures, similar to arrangements with Negotiations had been underway for FTA with Australia first began – ‘our the US and New Zealand. several years. Talks began with China in negotiation was a piece of unfinished In return Australia sought, to the greatest 2005, Japan in 2007 and Korea in 2009. business needing completion’, DFAT says. extent possible, the elimination of all After it was elected in September 2013, ‘The conclusion of our FTA negotiations tariffs applied to its resources, agricultural the Abbott Government said it intended with Japan’s key competitor Korea was and manufacturing exports, which to accelerate negotiations and conclude a catalyst in focusing Japan’s attention ‘traditionally faced fairly high barriers them in short order. ‘Australia is open on our FTA’. Japan was also aware of in these Asian markets, particularly for business’, was the PM’s mantra and the positive demonstration effect a agriculture’, as well as improved access for his government brought to the table a liberalising agreement with Australia services industries and investors. renewed determination to advance and would have, particularly in the Trans Each of the three negotiations had its identify points for breakthrough. Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations

20 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REPORT

DONE DEAL Commerce Minister Gao, President Xi, Prime Minister EXCHANGE Jan Adams, Deputy Secretary, and Yoshitaka Akimoto, Abbott and Trade and Investment Minister Robb in Canberra, after Ambassador of Japan, exchange notes in Canberra on 16 December announcement of conclusion of negotiations for the China-Australia 2014 to mark the completion of domestic processes for the Japan- Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) and signature of a declaration of Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (JAEPA) PHOTO David intent, on 17 November 2014 PHOTO David Foote, Auspic Foote, Auspic

concurrently underway, to which Japan is It was never a case of sacrificing Australia’s In the case of Japan, the fact Australia is a party along with Australia, the US and interests just to get a deal finished. the first to obtain significant liberalisation nine other countries of the Asia-Pacific Incentives of its highly protected agricultural region – Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, market, places our producers in a very Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore According to DFAT, with the growth advantageous position versus competitors. and Vietnam. of bilateral FTAs in Asia, a dynamic of competitive liberalisation is emerging. Outlook China, in late 2013 under President Xi The agreements with Korea and Japan Jinping’s new administration announced ‘Our negotiation was have been signed and entered into force. a wide-ranging economic reform agenda a piece of unfinished The FTA with China still awaits formal that included establishing a Shanghai signature before being ratified by both Free Trade Zone and other initiatives to business needing governments, probably coming into effect promote structural reform and stimulate completion.’ DFAT later this year. the economy. In early 2014, Premier Li These agreements have lowered Keqiang announced China’s intention to Countries are keenly aware of their barriers for Australian businesses. It accelerate FTA negotiations with Australia, competitors’ FTA positioning and the will now be up to companies to take Korea and other Asian partners. In late implications for their own competitive advantage of the opportunities. The 2014, China’s hosting of APEC in Beijing positions and prospects. For Australia, Minister for Trade and Investment, DFAT and Australia’s hosting of the G20 summit Korea’s completed FTAs with the US and Austrade will be heavily focused in Brisbane, followed by a bilateral visit and EU – plus negotiations underway over coming months in promoting these to Canberra by President Xi, provided with Canada and New Zealand – were agreements to the Australian business convenient ‘book ends’ for the negotiations. powerful incentives for Australia not to community and monitoring to ensure ‘Officials the world over search for big leave negotiation with Korea in abeyance. their smooth implementation. announcements to accompany high-level Under the Korea-US FTA, Korea’s 40 visits … and we were confident this per cent beef tariff was being steadily Meanwhile, Australian officials continue to sequence of bilateral summits would help phased down to zero for US producers work on two large regional negotiations focus negotiators on delivering results and Australia’s beef producers would soon – the Trans Pacific Partnership and the and assist in crunching any last-minute have felt the impact if their exports could Regional Comprehensive Economic difficulties’, DFAT observed. not benefit from equivalent reductions. Partnership – of the ten ASEAN members, China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia and ‘And so it proved … that we had The same argument applied in the case of New Zealand – as well as bilateral FTA announced a target for completion did China. Several of Australia’s competitors opportunities with India, Indonesia and the not weaken our negotiating position … in the Chinese market – exporting coal, after nine years of discussions and 21 dairy, meat, wine, seafood and horticulture Gulf Cooperation Council. formal negotiating rounds, there was no – faced lower or no tariff barriers, to DFAT says Australia’s FTAs now account hasty rush to conclude.’ Both sides shared the disadvantage of exporters of these for nearly three-quarters of total exports. the goal of completing this agreement – products. The FTA with China thus ‘Our goal of expanding trade access both knew where the landing zone was restores Australia’s competitive position for our business community is steadily and what was needed to reach it. and protects it for the future. being achieved.’

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 21 REPORT – OPINION

G20 focus on female workers William La, far left, and Nick Mowbray, left, on the G20 goal to increase female participation in the workforce.

Since the GFC, a number of G20 members The ministers, supported by international have introduced measures dedicated organisations, have been looking at to women’s economic empowerment. strategies to improve female participation. However, gaining global traction on what A great challenge is the unique economic is just one of many issues on the G20 circumstances faced by each G20 member. agenda is an ongoing challenge. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, Many women around the world which makes implementing common face significant barriers to workforce strategies challenging. participation, adding up to a significant The goal is to reduce the Accelerating progress loss in personal and community gap in participation rates Under the Australian presidency in 2014, wellbeing. Empowering women is a between men and women global concern and on the agenda of the G20 focused on achieving tangible a range of international forums, such by 25 per cent by 2025. results to strengthen growth and jobs as the United Nations and Asia Pacific and boost the global economic resilience. With gender differences in workforce Economic Cooperation. Advised by a ‘Taskforce on Employment’, participation in all G20 economies, the G20 labour and employment In responding to the Global Financial greater female inclusion can offer ministers identified women as a key Crisis (GFC) in 2009, G20 Leaders substantial growth dividends. Differences demographic group to target increased announced a ‘Framework for Strong, in participation rates range from seven to workforce participation. Helping more Sustainable and Balanced Growth’. In a 58 per cent across member countries. bid to generate more inclusive growth women into the workforce can make a they also resolved to support the most real difference to many socio-economic G20 ‘Sherpas’ – the senior officials vulnerable and place quality jobs at the outcomes, including for individual representing political leaders – played heart of economic recovery. women, increased economic growth and an important role by placing female reduced poverty. participation among the year’s priorities, Under the Australian G20 presidency in 2014, the leaders of the world’s 20 largest economies came together again and made a commitment to improve the economic participation of women around the world. They set a goal to reduce the gap in participation rates between men and women by 25 per cent by 2025. That alone would bring an estimated 100 million more women into the labour force. Addressing global economic and social concerns International trends in many gender indicators have been encouraging, especially in the area of educational attainment. However, progress has been PARTICIPATION Male and female labour force participation rates among those aged patchy across indicators and countries. 15-64 years, G20 economies, 2012 SOURCE OECD

22 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REPORT – OPINION

while labour and employment ministers were critical to agreeing the recommendation for the leaders’ summit. A G20 Taskforce on Employment, co chaired by representatives from the Australian Government Department of Employment and the Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social Security – aligned with the 2014 and 2015 G20 presidencies – advised the ministers. Policy discussions were sequenced leading up to the November 2014 summit. COLLABORATION Marie-Claire Carrère-Gée, France, left, and Holly Ransom, right, Australian The first stage focused on building a Youth 20 representative, at the September 2014 G20 meeting PHOTO Andrew Taylor, shared understanding of evidence – the copyright G20 Australia case for change in different national commitment, plus a process for monitoring At every stage, considerable effort was made contexts, key policy drivers in developing implementation of the commitment. to build coalitions, settle interpretations – and advanced economies and taking Reaching consensus make necessary concessions – and bring stock of commitments already in government representatives on board. That place. International organisations were The practicalities of negotiating the G20 involved a range of strategies: bilateral particularly valuable in contributing female participation commitment highlighted engagement by officials and ministers independent analysis and expertise. the importance of cross-agency coordination across different G20 working groups; and advocacy, in particular building support Secondly, a range of options was tested advocacy by diplomatic representatives; with economic, foreign affairs and labour around the formulation of a new and encouragement of non-government ministries, and their ministers. That was commitment to boost female participation endorsements – especially by the official supported by departmental engagement and identify the options attracting most G20 engagement groups from business, with non-government stakeholders. support. Key factors included the choice labour, civil society, think-tanks and youth. of indicator, implications for each of the Advocacy by a range of international G20 member economies from the options Increasing participation organisations helped build the case for and the flexibility of the agreement. An has the potential to action, which could then be tailored to ambitious but achievable commitment boost Australia’s the circumstances of different countries was sought, one that was quantifiable and and interests. Existing commitments agreed by each member. productive capacity and by member governments in other The third stage was to agree a help ease the challenges environments, international and domestic, recommendation to the labour and of ageing populations. also helped secure agreement. employment ministers September 2014 The labour and employment ministerial meeting and to see it reflected in the There was broad support for developing a meeting helped accelerate discussions ministerial declaration. Agreement on a collective commitment on boosting female and reach consensus. Ministerial powerful but simple commitment was participation, with a number of countries discussion of their visions for female aided by agreement to complementary recognising the policy’s potential economic participation and practical strategies being policy priorities across a range of areas value, beyond vague expressions. However, taken helped galvanise a recommendation relevant to gender concerns. formulating and securing agreement to G20 Leaders, expressed through the The culmination was to secure public among all G20 members involved ministerial declaration. agreement by G20 leaders to the overcoming many challenges. Continued.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 23 REPORT – OPINION

FOREFRONT Australian Minister for Employment, Eric Abetz, with Secretary, Department of Employment, Renée Leon, right, and co-chair of the G20 Taskforce on Employment, Margaret Kidd, left, at the September 2014 G20 Labour and Employment Ministerial Meeting PHOTO Andrew Taylor, copyright G20 Australia

Ultimately, G20 leaders agreed to reduce the Next steps progress but Australia can be proud of its gap in participation rates between men and contribution to this important initiative. Achieving agreement among G20 women by 25 per cent in their countries members on a common goal was a The creation of G20 employment plans by 2025, taking into account national significant milestone in helping more was a first, created under the Australian conditions. Achieving that goal could women participate in the workforce. presidency, with labour and employment increase the G20 labour force by more ministers asked to report their progress than 100 million women above current in 2015. These provide G20 nations with projections, including 200,000 in Australia. Six per cent more women the flexibility needed to tailor plans to Connections between their circumstances and control the pace international and domestic in the paid workforce of change. agendas could see the Australian While reaching the G20 goal will be From a domestic viewpoint, increasing economy expand by 25 challenging for some economies, this participation has the potential to boost billion dollars a year. target is the culmination of an important Australia’s productive capacity and help vision to bring greater prosperity to ease the challenges of ageing populations. women and to national economies. The Grattan Institute estimates that six per Arrangements are now in place to support William La and Nick Mowbray work cent more women in the paid workforce the implementation and monitoring in the Labour Market Strategy Group of could see the Australian economy expand of goals, including through G20 the Australian Government Department by 25 billion dollars a year. employment plans member countries can of Employment. In 2014, they were On current policy settings, Australia’s use in outlining a policy pathway to meet members of the G20 Taskforce on gender gap in participation rates is identified challenges and commitments. Employment Secretariat. expected to continue to narrow to 2025 Subsequent G20 presidencies and but not enough to reach the G20 goal international organisations will have without further change. an important role in securing global

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Narratives and power networks in Washington DC

Lex Drennan, right, reflects on her stint as an intern in Washington DC, in the Congressional Office of New York Democrat Jerrold Nadler.

On my first day as an intern in Congress I learned the best coffee is on the Senate- taken, interviews given, legislation tabled, I got lost. That, in itself, is a rite of passage. side and that the Rayburn cafeteria has, marked up, voted down, argued for, and The immediate and most striking thing if possible, even worse food than the against. The longer this went on the more about working on Capitol Hill is it is a Cannon one. curious I became about the nature of labyrinthine township in its own right, power in DC. There is a rhythm and a routine to with its own subterranean shops, tunnels, working on the Hill that, in its very From the President down, position did trams and cafeterias. I spent two months in ordinariness, jars against DC’s 24/7 media not seem to offer any guarantee of power this labyrinth, participating in, enquiring blitzkrieg. The set pieces of committee but that is more than a reflection on the about and primarily observing, the world hearings, speeches, media doorstops and separation of powers established in the that is life on and under ‘the Hill’. These dramatic filibusters on the floor are in stark Constitution. Between the President two months could be broadly categorised contrast to the day-to-day grind of general and his own party, between senators, as an ethnographic field study, within the office work. The news is ever present - it representatives and their whips, between political microcosm of Capitol Hill. comes on Facebook, twitter, in print, radio, committee chairs and their members, My vantage point was that of the C-SPAN and – to an Australian – via every single activity was a negotiation. Congressman’s front desk where, as an an almost overwhelming plethora of TV The genius of the American constitution enquiring, and not-infrequently baffled channels. TVs are inescapable. can be seen in the need to build a observer, I watched the whole rhythm of majority consensus to achieve anything. life on the Hill flow by. Over those two By the time a congressman reached the months, I attended many functions and I was both participant floor of Congress, the outcome of any bill spoke to many people – Congressmen and observer, trying to was generally known. Decisions were not and women, governors, chiefs of staff, orient my observations made in the House of Representatives legislative assistants, academics and (certainly not with the seat distribution congressional researchers, bureaucrats, to a framework of while I was there) and rarely on the floor journalists, administration officers, cooks, understanding. of the Senate. I recall one long-time café attendants and janitors. I was both staffer reminiscing about a House vote participant and observer, trying to orient on a piece of trade legislation, which he my observations to a framework of They broadcast parts of the story as attended in person for the duration of the understanding. they happen, catch the staged ‘react’ to present other perspectives and weave a 10 hour plus debate, because: ‘for once I On my third day in Congress I licked rapid-fire analysis throughout. Analysts had no idea what the outcome would be’. stamps. And every day afterwards I and anchors compete to articulate, and Power didn’t seem to sit with any one performed all manner of administrative sell, their interpretations of what ‘it’ individual. There weren’t meetings where duties in the beating heart of the world’s means – whatever the ‘it’ of the day may you could point and say: ‘there – that’s where most powerful democracy. I would run be. And, in the act of telling the story this decision was made’. But you could sense chores that took me past the House of commentators wield enormous influence and see when they had been. Somewhere Representatives and Senate Chamber, by privileging what is told and left out between the office and the third floor wander down – the wrong – corridors and how the discussion is framed. of the Cannon House rotunda – where and try not to gape as famous faces came a senator or representative would stage the other way. I quickly learned to read From my worm’s-eye view on the front their ‘react’ - a position had been taken. the signs of a television interview in desk, I watched the comings and goings progress around a corner and to pivot of the Congressman’s and many other Instead, power seemed to lie in the 180 degrees in a split second, due to the offices, for more than two months. In inter-connections between people, desperate need to avoid bombing a shoot. that time decisions were made, positions elected and unelected.

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It lay in the passing conversations, of his legislative platform, lunch meetings, gala dinners, resorting more and more house parties, the influential often to executive orders to article, the sudden spark of media bypass a ‘do-nothing Congress’ brilliance or burn out and the Note that the narrative of the quiet word. It lay in emails and President bypassing Congress, phone calls. More importantly and associated outrage about than almost anything else, it executive over-reach is also lay in who would answer your contested. The Obama Presidency call. If people picked up the is on the lower end of executive phone when you rang, you had order use in the 20th and 21st influence. And influence is power. century. The meta-narrative Your influence, and your power, whispered to discomforting was contingent on the narrative. questions about the Constitution Were you regarded as a valuable and its relevance to the TRYING IT ON FOR SIZE Lex Drennan quantity; an operative; someone changing demographics and on the rise; or, with the ear of politics of the 21st century. yet more influential people? The narrative And all the narratives fed into meta- The meta-narrative, seen through the about who was who – and who had what narratives of DC and, ultimately, America’s overlapping lenses of individual policy pull – was an evolving, branching, moving political life. debates, questions the form, function feast that absorbed and encompassed and future of the American system of every aspect of life on the Hill. Note that the narrative of government. It challenges American secular worship of the Constitution. These narratives often moved with the President bypassing breath-taking speed, in frequently As Congress increasingly fails in its unpredictable directions. If ever there is a Congress, and associated functions to legislate, power accretes to place to see the behaviour of a complex outrage about executive the executive, further swaying practice adaptive system it’s on the Hill. Stand over-reach is also contested. from the Constitution’s principles. in the hallways of Congress and you The Obama Presidency is on And while these questions sit uncomfortable and unanswered, the struggle to win the can almost see the evolving and rapidly the lower end of executive reconfiguring power narratives, shaping daily media battle continues. There’s a reason and re-shaping. order use in the 20th and it’s called the ‘Washington Echo Chamber’. You could select any given topic and there 21st century. Working in Congress exposed me to would be a narrative specific to it. It would the almost reflexive obsession with feature deeply held beliefs, conflict, moral In their aggregation into meta-narratives, the narrative in politics. Shaping the dilemmas, debate and drama. It would striking commonalities arise. Almost every narrative, changing the narrative, spinning, speak to actors, their inter-relationships one featured the increasing partisanship managing, owning and challenging and shifting power dynamics. There were of Congress; the almost irreconcilable it – the narrative is everything. Piecing narratives about gun control, women’s ideological conflict between parties that together all these activities is the art form reproductive rights, health care, the Israel/ made consensus impossible and dragged of daily politics in DC. However, analysing Palestine conflict, unemployment benefits, Congress into a mire of inactivity. It was the meta-narrative of DC, identifying ‘oh-god-not-Anthony-Weiner-again’, the juxtaposed against the President, and the their common underlying themes, is to Tea Party/Republican split, the ‘will-she- Office of the President – ostensibly the appreciate the conflicts and the challenges won’t-she run-for-President debate – and most powerful man in America, if not facing contemporary America and the so it goes on. the world – unable to pass key pieces future of its democracy. Continued.

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©iStockphoto.com @bboserup

I learned many things working in It is how we create meaning from our As individuals, communities, and Congress; watching the great, the good past, understand our present and shape governments, the stories we tell ourselves and the generally normal go about their our future. about who we are, and what we believe, business. I gained a deep appreciation ultimately shape what we become. for Australia’s system of parliamentary Observing elected Lex Drennan, now Senior Manager, Response democracy, the Westminster tradition representatives at close and Recovery at NSW Ministry of Police and of ministerial accountability and the Emergency Services. While a Master’s student comparatively predictable nature of quarters highlighted to me at Griffith University and working part time policy making in a political system with that, even at the national for in the Queensland Government, she was strong party discipline. I came to truly level, all politics are local. selected to intern for Jerrod Nadler as part of the understand how public opinion can shape ‘Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Program’. policy. Observing elected representatives at close quarters highlighted to me that, even at the national level, all politics are local. Knowing the people, understanding the problem and listening to their stories provides a window into what drives elected representatives and shapes their policy perspectives. Of all my observations, the most striking is about the role of storytelling. As a public servant my ability to create not just good policy, but policy to which elected representatives are receptive, is contingent on my ability to understand and be responsive to the narrative. TOUR OF DUTY Lex Drennan on a tour of the US House of Representatives press gallery

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Becoming complacent … losing the lead Globetrotting workforce-planning guru Julie Sloan, left, looks at Australia’s place in the world.

Australia was once AMA vice-president Stephen Parnis

a global leader in said, in a December 2014 article in the

Workforce Planning Australian Institute of Tropical Health I believe there but is fast losing and Medicine, the AMA was concerned is no argument that workforce pace with the medical workforce planning in Australia planning is fundamental to determining rest of the world has stalled since the abolition of Health the current and future people and already reeling from the impact of Workforce Australia in this year’s federal inadequate workforce planning in many requirements of an organisation. It is budget. ‘Workforce planning’, he said, sectors and industries. Our reduced closely linked to human governance as ‘is falling dangerously behind, and it is capacity to compete in the global labour most aspects of corporate governance patients and communities who will miss market is evident – as is our arrogance – have a human element; and workforce out on the highly trained doctors they in believing we can still attract and retain planning is about assessing and mitigating the workforce we need. need in the future if we don’t get workforce risk. the planning right now’. Commentary in The Mandarin said ‘the The problem in Australia is the level of Australian public service’s capability and delegation for workforce planning. It is capacity have fallen behind the United ISO has identified generally far too low on the corporate Kingdom and worldwide benchmarks workforce planning as priority list, resulting in unsophisticated after failing to heed 10 years of warnings one of the most methodologies, systems, inadequate about inadequate workforce planning.’ It resourcing, limited capability and disparate went on to say that the Australian Public significant issues for activities in government, regions and Service (APS) had, for more than 10 years, organisations globally. industries and across sectors. been seeking to build workforce planning capabilities to position itself to better It is now time for a ‘whole-of-government’, manage its people – referred to in the APS The demand since 2007 from Australian ‘whole of industry’, whole-of region’ as human capital – but the 2014 State of industry for stronger workforce planning strategic workforce planning approach, the Service Agency Survey showed that capability will result in the 2015 launch underpinned by predictive diagnostics and workforce planning capabilities remain by Standards Australia of the inaugural managed by experienced, skilled, strategic workforce planners focused on delivering problematic with 69 per cent of agencies ‘Australian Standard on Workforce Planning’. – covering 92 per cent of the workforce meaningful workforce plans. The International Standardization of – reporting they are seeking to improve Recognising the implications of poor Organizations (ISO) has identified workforce planning capability. workforce planning, the rest of the world workforce planning as one of the most is embracing the hard skill of workforce significant issues for organisations globally planning, creating chief workforce planner and has established a global working positions to sit alongside chief finance and group to write the inaugural ISO chief executive officers to predict, manage Standard, due for release in 2016. More and be accountable for workforce risk. than 40 workforce planning experts from 13 countries – Australia, Canada, France, Australia has a lot of catching up to do. Finland, Germany, Italy, India, Netherlands, Now a globetrotting consultant in workforce Nigeria, Pakistan, Sweden, UK and USA planning, Adelaide-based Julie Sloan convenes

CONCERNED AMA vice president – are currently drafting the inaugural ISO the ISO working group and is lead writer of Stephen Parnis Workforce Planning Standard. the inaugural Australian Standard.

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Same but different Victoria’s Auditor-General John Doyle, left, reflects on his roles here and overseas.

Experience as Tensions One of the key points I made at the time Auditor-General in was that government’s increased use of IT The natural tensions that should exist British Columbia can improve efficiency and effectiveness between an auditor and executive in Canada (BC) but it is not without risks. That becomes government and the public sector should and Australia has truer with every passing year. be constructive and recognised by all given me a unique parties. The auditor-general has been Effectiveness through perspective on public accountability. afforded special status and is expected continuous improvement In the Westminster system, auditors- to report the results of work conducted It is important to note that effectiveness general hold special places in the fabric without fear or favour. for an auditor-general is not based on the of accountability at state, provincial and number of reports produced but on the national levels. Many of these offices have impact and improvement in audited areas been in place for more than 150 years. The government’s over time, as the public sector adopts and All are held in high esteem for their increased use of IT implements audit recommendations for independence from executive government which clear evidence has been documented. can improve efficiency and normally they are protected by However, just producing a report and constitutions and statute. That is the case and effectiveness but gaining acceptance is never enough. ‘Gentle here in Australia and in BC where specific it is not without risks. but irresistible pressure’ must be maintained legislation establishes the role of auditor- in following up recommendations on a general as an independent officer of the timely basis to ensure requisite remedial parliament. My Victorian role is enshrined In BC, I raised concerns about the action is undertaken at the right quality. in the state Constitution and guided by government’s approach to the rich and My first follow up reports in BC were the Audit Act 1994. In BC the role is unique environment where biodiversity in response to continuous comment detailed in its Auditor General Act. was declining and the government was that government did not implement Auditors-General usually have two main not doing enough to address the loss. recommendations produced by the audit foci – financial and performance audit. I also noted, despite the BC Government’s office. However, I found that not to be Interwoven into both are major projects decades-long objective to conserve the case. – known in Canada as ‘P3s’ and here as biodiversity – and commitments made In my experience, public sectors often ‘PPPs’– technology and alternate service on the national and international stage demonstrate high degrees of responsiveness provisions providers. - it was not fully implementing or to and acceptance of audit recommendations; Public audit offices are now on a par monitoring its habitat-protection tools. thus demonstrating the impact of the with major accounting firms regarding In another example of reporting audit office and acceptance of its role. the quality of work undertaken within without fear or favour, my office in BC By the time of my tenth and final follow- financial audit – or the ‘financial released a 2012 report that summarised up report issued as Auditor General of accountability space’. And they uniquely IT-related issues identified during an British Columbia, my office had received provide performance audits assessing the audit of government’s financial statements. more than 100 self-assessments on progress economy, efficiency and effectiveness – Almost one-third of the issues identified with recommendations. The cumulative and sometimes a fourth ‘e’ – environment in that audit related to IT controls and self-assessed implementation rates were, of government programs. Traditionally, more than half of those had to do with on the whole, an encouraging sign of a they report to a parliamentary committee deficiencies in ensuring IT systems and commitment to continuous improvement and table their reports in parliament. data are protected. in BC’s public sector.

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©iStockphoto.com @Richard Gillard

Importantly, as findings and Learning professional, open, and transparent to those recommendations were regularly they audit and the citizens they serve. So, what have I learned from travelling shared with agencies during an audit, they to different jurisdictions, for work for Accountability is important and many were able to take action even before the audit offices rightly have such frameworks sharing of ideas, and for the gaining of report was released, so that substantive built into enabling legislation. That new techniques and approaches? progress could be reported by the time provides an important counter balance to they were contacted for an initial the powers they hold. self-assessment. Many agencies not only Over the years I have seconded staff Overall, these reviews found there to accept recommendations between different jurisdictions and have be supporting evidence for the ministries’ based on evidence shown found, without exception, they have description of their actions, but some thrived, learned new skills and brought during the course of back valuable information regarding disagreement around the status of techniques and ideas for audit. Examples implementation. audit but also implement required changes. have included secondments to staff going Following a similar line in Australia, it to Hong Kong, Ireland, the United Arab is clear many agencies not only accept Emirates, Australia and BC. recommendations based on evidence Auditors-General are usually set up Though audit processes may have local shown during the course of audit but also the same way in each jurisdiction and nuances, all auditors-general are in the implement required changes – although conduct similar work. They take that work integrity business doing much the same there’s always room for improvement. very seriously and work hard at being things for the same reasons.

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Best practice – international regulation IPAA has launched regulatory professional capability standards guidance for the public sector. Today reports – with additional comments by Grant Pink, far left, and Matt Marshall, left.

the capabilities, knowledge and skills of regulatory professionals, those public regulators require to effectively and officers engaged in the establishment, efficiently deliver regulatory services,’ he governance, implementation and said. ‘The institute’s standard is timely and management of regulatory delivery. complements the ANAO Better Practice The standard will be an invaluable tool The Department of the Prime Minister Guide, Administering Regulation— for benchmarking and assessing regulatory and Cabinet’s Head of Domestic Achieving the Right Balance, released professionals’ work. Policy, Rebecca Cross, launched the in June 2014.’ It also appears at a time when a number new standard at IPAA ACT’s February From the launch – of publications have been released program launch in Canberra. Grant Pink and internationally and nationally relating It provides guidance on technical Matt Marshall to regulatory delivery and the effect to skills and knowledge expected of legislative provisions. At the launch, the newly appointed professional public sector officers. The International publications guidance complements the public sector Australian Public Service Commissioner, employment and leadership capability John Lloyd, made a number of pertinent The Organisation for Economic frameworks issued by public sector observations on the importance of Cooperation and Development (OECD) commissions across Australia. regulation and how it can go wrong. recently released two guides on aspects The majority of his reflections and of regulatory delivery – targeted at Primary design work was undertaken anecdotes came from his time as Victoria’s regulatory agencies and bodies of all by a subgroup of the IPAA-ANZSOG Red Tape Commissioner. nations with all manner of responsibilities Public Sector Regulators Community of and which perform multiple roles from Practice, which includes national, state traditional policing, to managing co- and territory regulatory experts. Their Good regulatory regulatory schemes and developing and expertise covers a broad range of subject running licensing arrangements. areas including health, pharmaceuticals, design and delivery is environment, resources and business. critical to achieving The aim of the first OECD guide, governments’ goals. The Governance of Regulators, is to drive Significant contributions to the final version further performance improvements also came from public and private sector across regulatory bodies by providing regulatory experts across Australia, plus the He said that despite people’s frustration an overarching framework to support Canadian Community of Federal Regulators. with regulation and regulators, the regulatory systems and initiatives. The The release of this standard is timely given most common complaint he’d hear was guide addresses seven principles of good governments’ priorities in minimising not about too much regulation, or bad governance: role clarity; preventing undue unnecessary costs and burden imposed regulation but about regulators ‘not influence and maintaining trust; decision by regulation. Good regulatory design regulating properly and effectively’. making and governing body structure for and delivery is critical to achieving This comment in many ways highlights independent regulators; accountability and governments’ goals in this area. the critically important contribution transparency; engagement; funding; and Australia’s Auditor-General, Ian McPhee, the new guidance standard makes. For performance evaluation. commended IPAA: ‘The professional the first time, it specifically establishes The second OECD guide, Regulatory standard provides helpful guidance on the roles, responsibilities and standards Enforcement and Inspections, recognises the

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importance of enforcement as a major element in regulation and describes inspections as ‘the most visible and important among regulatory enforcement activities’. It describes eleven core principles: evidence-based enforcement; selectivity; risk focus and proportionality; responsive regulation; long-term vision; co- ordination and consolidation; transparent governance; information integration; clear and fair process; compliance promotion; and professionalism. National publications In Australia, the diversity of regulatory roles has been reflected in the ANAO guide mentioned above. It describes regulatory delivery as administering regulation and covers the various regulatory roles and responsibilities in a purposive and outcome-based way. regulatory services and the way their increase accountability of and reporting This is for the best since, in the last few of commonwealth regulatory bodies, years, the Productivity Commission has managers make their decisions and deploy leading to better savings for industry and developed a number of reports on aspects resources, are now open to efficiency and of regulatory delivery. These show where assurance processes. improvements in regulatory practices. redundancies and burdens have crept Other related publications into many Australian regulatory systems Regulatory delivery The Australian Environmental Law – supported by ANAO audit findings Enforcement and Regulators neTwork demonstrate that the way past current has to work at (AELERT) has developed – through inefficiencies and over-complications making things better for its ‘Better Regulation Cluster’ – an involves more robust, streamlined, society – and not be assurance and benchmarking tool to assist coordinated approaches with a purposeful an obstacle to industry agencies meet requirements. The ‘Modern outcome orientation. Regulatory delivery Regulator Tool’ (the MRT) establishes has to work at making things better and innovation. clear standards for what a capable, for society – and not be an obstacle to competent and credible regulatory agency industry and innovation. DPM&C also released the Regulator looks like. This aspect is also captured in the Performance Framework as a key part of The MRT and the IPAA standard are Australian Government’s Guide to its deregulation agenda. That framework complementary. Where the MRT looks Regulation, which includes checks of the establishes an annual assurance and review to the standards and capability of agencies, stock of legislation but also considers the process that measures governmental the standard focuses on professionals who implementation of legislation in the form regulatory delivery against six key of regulatory delivery. As such, the way performance indicators. The assessment work within those agencies. regulatory officers behave and provide of regulatory delivery against those will Continued.

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Vic makes IP free LAUNCH From left, Ian McPhee and Richard Vinciullo, Department of Glenys Beauchamp Treasury and Finance, Victoria. Supporting regulators Following publication of Intellectual Never before have regulators, managers Property Guidelines for the Victorian Public and staff, had such clear guidance and Sector the state government has directed support in carrying out their roles. They its public sector to embrace international Implementation copyright licensing. can look to international, national and will ensure the public can local sources. At the same time there is The guidelines, published in February, freely re-use the government’s a growing responsibility for regulatory recommend Victorian agencies release copyright material, without seeking agencies to achieve clear and concrete their copyright material to the public prior permission. That will allow simple outcomes, coordinate and streamline under Creative Commons version 4.0 uses such as printing and distribution processes, minimise the burden on licensing (see panel below). in a classroom, as well as more complex uses such as remixing or developing industry, act with purpose, not exceed Creative Commons (CC) is an commercial software apps. their authority, demonstrate impartiality, international organisation that and carry out their roles appropriately and provides free copyright licenses, The publication of the IP guidelines within scope. which allow flexible re-use of reflect a worldwide shift to open government – embraced by the OECD, In terms of developing and promoting copyright material by the public. CC European Union, UK and US. professional capability standards within licenses have been applied to billions of works worldwide, including the Australian Public Service, IPAA ACT The guide encourages agencies to: music, photographs, articles and President Glenys Beauchamp said the proactively release copyright material; books. CC version 4.0 is the first Institute’s new professional standard was grant rights to IP with the fewest possible international form of CC licensing, already being used to support recruitment, restrictions; not seek ownership of IP removing the need for different career planning and to ‘define appropriate in procurement and funding agreements; licenses in each jurisdiction. educational curricula for professionals in not commercialise IP; and use third party IP appropriately. those roles’. The IP Guidelines recommend agencies It is a demanding time for regulatory roll out CC version 4.0 on published The IP Guidelines are available from: agencies. Fortunately, IPAA and a documents such as annual budget, on www.dtf.vic.gov.au/Intellectual-Property- number of other bodies have worked hard agency websites and template documents. Guidelines-for-the-Victorian-Public-Sector. to find ways to support regulators in facing the challenges. Grant Pink and Matt Marshall are from You can read the Commonwealth Department of the Public Administration Environment and work within its Regulatory Capability and Performance Section, as its Today online. Director and Senior Regulatory Advisor. There are free sample pages but if you are an They provide strategic policy advice and a IPAA Member and obtain the necessary codes range of services to support departmental officers from your division you can read all of Today in operating across diverse legislation that give full, glorious colour for free – from your screen. effects to Australia’s responsibilities under www.act.ipaa.org.au various international agreements and treaties.

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Building engagement with China Chair of the Australia-China Council Warwick Smith, left, asks: As the public service looks to identify cost savings and reduce resources, is it in the public interest to continue to fund public diplomacy initiatives? And what do they actually do? Are Foreign Institutes and Councils such as the Australia-China Council (ACC) autonomous from government, or are they intended to implement government policy? China was just meat, dairy and wine. China is Australia’s It is a unique Australian institution emerging from largest source of international students. because it combines the independent the aftermath of With more than 120,000 Chinese studying cross-sectoral expertise and advisory its ‘Cultural Revolution’ and tentatively in Australia, education is our fourth largest capacity of its board with a policy-making establishing relationships with foreigners export (see ‘Slippery slope?’, page 6 – and and management base in Department of when the Australian Government ‘Educating the world’, page 46). Chinese Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). established the Australia-China Council tourists spend more on average than any The Council makes recommendations in 1978. The ACC was established after other and forecast to grow strongly to 2020. to the Australian Government on Australia’s first Ambassador to China, strengthening the Australia-China Stephen Fitzgerald, wrote to the then Chinese tourists spend relationship in ways that support Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Andrew Peacock, more on average than foreign and trade policy interests. The about the need to better understand ACC’s six strategic goals are to: China. In his letter, Fitzgerald said: any other and forecast to • Strengthen the foundation of ‘China is not a habit of mind for grow strongly to 2020. engagement – China literacy, business Australians. The spread of Chinese and cultural capabilities of Australian influence is a process we do not Our trade and investment links with institutions and people. understand. There is, of course, intrinsic China are a success story that has helped worth in the understanding of Chinese ensure the enviable prosperity of all • Seek and foster new areas of culture for its own value. But the purpose Australians and helped us navigate the engagement between Australia and of this dispatch is to suggest there is a turbulent waters of the Global Financial China across business knowledge and very specific Australian interest in the Crisis. But expanding our relationship creative solutions. with China meaningfully needs to be promotion of what is broadly described • Enhance understanding in China of about more than money. Australia’s ability in China as cultural exchange. Without Australian society, economy, politics and to sustain and grow our engagement this, our relations with China will never culture through the Australian Studies in in business, education, science and be more than superficial, and we will be China Program. damagingly ill-equipped to adjust to a arts – coupled with an effective and • Showcase Australian creativity, China dominant in our region.’ appropriately-resourced policy – are essential to enable us to develop deeper entrepreneurship and innovation in China. In 1978, Australia trade with China was people-to-people links and the greater • Generate, disseminate and make limited. Now, it is our largest trade partner mutual understanding necessary for accessible, high-quality, relevant and and largest export market, with Australian putting our bilateral relations on an even up-to-date information about Australia- goods and services exports to China first more substantial basis. This is where the China relations. surpassing $100 billion in 2013. Australian ACC comes in. iron ore, coal, and minerals exports play • Facilitate dialogue, develop professional a critical role in China’s modern day ACC’s role and institutional networks between our economic transformation and in its current The ACC’s purpose is to promote mutual countries and harness the leadership of urbanisation drive. Chinese consumers also understanding and foster people-to-people Australian communities in strengthening value quality Australian produce such as red relations between Australia and China. bilateral connection. Continued.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 35 OPINION

Australian and Chinese leaders at an intensive conference and leadership development program, held over a week. The Warburton Arts Project’s ‘Tu Di Shen Ti/Our Land, Our Body’ touring exhibition of China was the largest showcase of Australian Indigenous art ©iStockphoto.com @Prasit Rodphan ever presented in China, touring its

KNOWLEDGE ACC promotes people-to-people, education and business links between regions over several years. It enabled Australia and China Chinese people to view and engage with Australian Indigenous art in a unique way. One of the principal roles of the ACC provides academic leadership to more Chinese children from high-urban density is to provide seed funding to a range of than 30 Australian Studies Centres cities were entranced by some of the innovative projects across China, Hong throughout China. contemporary Indigenous audio-visual Kong, Macau, Taiwan and Australia. The • The Foundation for Australian Studies in imagery set in the sparse Australian outback. ACC funds approximately $700,000 China is a unique national partnership worth of projects via grant funding • ‘A Golden Age of China: Qianlong between business, government and each year; in 2014-2015, 33 projects Emperor (1736-1795)’ exhibition at the education sectors created to support in education, business, arts, culture and National Gallery of Victoria. Emperor the BHP Billiton Chair of Australian Australian Studies. Qianlong was China’s foremost art Studies and which works collaboratively collector and this exhibition will The amount of funding provided is alongside the ACC. showcase more than 120 works from usually only a part of the total required the Palace Museum’s collection. to fund the projects. But ACC funding for projects is significant because its Each year, the • Australia-China Achievement Awards – a program launched by ACC endorsement conveys considerable caché. ACC receives hundreds Since it began, ACC has helped launch last year – celebrates the creativity hundreds of bilateral collaborations and of applications for and entrepreneurship of Australian programs that have helped make our projects to enhance organisations and individuals in relationship with China a success. bi-lateral relations. engaging with China. Prime Minister Abbott announced the winners of the Some of these initiatives include: ACC’s inaugural Achievement Awards • BHP Billiton Chair of Australian Studies • The Australia-China Youth Dialogue was during the Address to Parliamentary at China’s Peking University. It was relatively unknown five years ago when Dinner for Chinese President Xi established in 2012 and the current the ACC first provided modest funding. Jinping, at Parliament House. The occupant – Professor David Walker – Now, it has over 5,000 members and awards celebrate successes of Australian acts as an ambassador for Australian has become a premier event on the organisations and individuals in higher education and research and bilateral calendar that connects emerging advancing Australia-China relations.

36 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION OPINION © iStockphoto.com @Kokkai Ng

WARM GLOW The Sydney Opera House is lit in red at night to commemorate Chinese New Year

Each year, the ACC receives hundreds Given the ACC’s role in promoting relationship and its elevation to a of applications for projects to enhance people-to-people, education and business comprehensive strategic partnership. bi-lateral relations. To help guide links between Australia and China, we The Australia-China relationship is applicants, the ACC has articulated will also find ways to actively support the presently at an historic high, following three main funding priorities for its New Colombo Plan, which in 2015 will the positive momentum surrounding the grants program – education, economic be rolled-out in China for the first time. Prime Minister’s April 2014 visit to China diplomacy and arts and culture. and ‘Australia Week’ there, plus President These areas are identified in the The Australia-China Xi Jinping’s state visit to Australia and ACC’s strategic plan to 2018, which relationship is presently address to parliament and the conclusion of substantive negotiations on ChAFTA. sets out the role and direction for the at an historic high. ACC in taking forward the bilateral While the ACC does not claim all credit for relationship at a time when Australia’s the successes in the bilateral relationship, it has relationship with China is growing Board’s role made a significant contribution to building rapidly and deepening. One of the main roles of the ACC board ‘soft power’ foundations of the relationship, In 2015-16 ACC will seek out is to connect ideas, programs, people and deepening people-to-people links and innovative ideas to support the networks to achieve the best outcomes for fostering a more positive and sophisticated Australian Government’s economic Australia’s relationship with China. understanding between the people of diplomacy agenda – particularly business Board members also act as ambassadors Australia and mainland China, Hong Kong, opportunities flowing from the China- for advancing Australia’s engagement, Macau and Taiwan. The ACC’s activities Australia Free Trade Agreement or regularly representing the ACC, have been successful in building connections ChAFTA (see ‘Fruitful regional harvest’ government and Australia at major events. between civil society organisations, and page 20) – an historic agreement Last December I travelled to Beijing to showcasing Australia’s vibrant democratic providing unprecedented opportunities be part of the inaugural High-Level and multicultural society. for Australian business, of which the Dialogue with China, where I spoke Warwick Smith, is Chair of the Australia- ACC will help promote understanding. about the trajectory of the bilateral China Council.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 37 REPORT

Shared experiences David Gilchrist, left, also reflects on the fourth Greater China Australia Dialogue.

Within Australia, Podger were instrumental in developing society in enhancing local and regional governments the dialogue with Chinese academics. capability; and ‘political’ as distinct from and public Others came from National Taiwan ‘administrative’ capability requirements, administrative units University; City University, Hong Kong; and roles in policy. are continuously University of Technology Sydney; Curtin Papers ranged from foundation-setting trying to increase University, Fudan University and the academic pieces to significant examples of dialogue between Central Florida and Syracuse universities. practice undertaken in Greater China and jurisdictions to build capacity and efficiency. Practitioners Australia. Some considered jurisdictions Not reinventing the wheel and building Practitioners included Fengiun Cui, from ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ – outside on points of commonality are critical Deputy Mayor of Huzhiou City; observers, including the US academics, to enhancing public sector effectiveness. Jinsheng Hu of the Provincial Policy with an interest in a particular government. What is not often considered is the value of discussions focused on public Research Office and Mike Woods of the Papers and discussions highlighted sector experience and practice between Australian Productivity Commission. opportunities for collaboration; transfer jurisdictions internationally. Other Australians were from Bay City of experience and models between Council, the National Disability Insurance jurisdictions; and increased understanding The Greater China Australia Dialogue on Agency, the Commonwealth Government about underlying differences – including Public Administration is such a forum. Department of Infrastructure and the macro-constitutional arrangements Bringing together academics in political Victorian Department of Education and with China a unitary state and Australia science and other disciplines, plus Early Childhood. (See also page 40 ‘Make a federation. Real value was revealed practitioners from within governments, more of our global profession’.) when the nuances of history, culture and it seeks to share the latest thinking international relations were discussed. and practice. The forum also enhances The apparent homogeneity of China relationships between participating Papers and was quickly dispelled, while apparent jurisdictions and creates connections the discussions were differences between sub-national important to international understanding. of great value. Operating outside the political sphere jurisdictions in the Australian context and building on academic and common are quickly reconciled and similarities experience, relationships are also built emphasised and – while sessions tended The three-day event had the overarching outside the event. to focus on international comparisons – theme: ‘Maximising the Benefits of Australian participants also came to better Participation changes according to the Decentralisation: identifying, building and understand their environment. focus of each meeting and people who ensuring the capabilities required at local, might best contribute. Each forum is regional, provincial and national levels’ – This event is an extremely important different and an opportunity to expand timely given Australia’s ongoing debates format for building understanding and networks into differing areas of public surrounding federation. There were empathy between disparate jurisdictions, administration. However, the core four sub-themes: matching capabilities particularly at a practical level. There participants hail from China, Hong Kong, and decentralised responsibilities at the would be great value in emulating this Taiwan – ‘Greater China’ – and Australia. local and/or regional level; the role and model for other areas of our joint polity. Sun Yat Sen University and the Australian capabilities of national and/or provincial David Gilchrist is a Professor at the School National University drive the initiative. governments to support and monitor local of Accounting, Curtin University and a WA Professors John Wanna and Andrew and regional capabilities; the role of civil editorial representative for Today.

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Make more of our global profession Nick Chiam, below, reflects on his participation in the 2014 Greater China – Australia Dialogue.

Photos of public servants from around There is a push on in both commonwealth there is something real in the notion of a the world hang in the Institute of Public and state bureaucracies to increase ‘capability’ for cross-cultural engagement. Administration’s Melbourne office. As a engagement – and the capability for such You can easily get it wrong and bad first career public servant, I can’t help but feel engagement – with China and other impressions last. a connection, a camaraderie with these countries in Asia. officials sitting behind their desks in far My experience in the Greater China- flung corners of the globe. Australia Dialogue has also shown me the Senior officials in shared profession of public administration An even more tangible sense of this is a valuable building block for effective connection, with an extra dollop of China and Australia share engagement between governments. admiration, was my strongest take-away a common sense from the 2014 Greater China-Australia of professional In our discussion in Hangzhou, it was clear that senior officials in China and Dialogue forum held at Zhejiang responsibility as well as University, Hangzhou, China. The regular Australia share a common sense of forum brings together academics and real life challenges. professional responsibility as well as public servants from both countries to real life challenges. Both are working share experiences and research findings Having previously hosted various on how best to transfer responsibility on common public sector issues. The international delegations of bureaucrats for risk along with funding. Both want 2014 forum theme was ‘Maximising the in Australia – and working in migrant accountability for outcomes while benefits of decentralisation’. settlement services – experience tells me recognising dynamic economies make it

40 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REFLECTION

©iStockphoto.com @photonaj

hard to pin down indicators of success; Thirdly, there is as much cross-cultural It’s easier to tap into shared professional and want markets to do more of the work understanding to be gained outside the understanding when public servants aren’t traditionally undertaken by government formal agenda as from it. Public servants bound to their script and can instead but see its role in market systems as are rightly scrutinised for taking part in engage on the real but abstracted example, different rather than simply less. informal activities but that just means or experience. These shared concerns were the basis thoughtful event planning is required – And professional connection provides the for open and frank dialogue on a range a guided tour through a public facility basis for easy rapport, such as through a of issues. provides as much opportunity for a shared laugh at something only public quiet chat about sensitive issues as does servants find funny. The heartiest laugh There is an opportunity for Australian a banquet. during our discussion in Hangzhou was bureaucracies to draw out this common at the admission from one official that in interest and shared understanding in order devolving power to local authorities he to strengthen international engagement. We should infuse more extensive data was ‘doing himself out of a job’. On this question a few things struck and evidence into Public administration is a global me in Hangzhou. First, the length of profession and strengthening these the relationship and consistency in the our international professional connections can assist representation matters – this was the engagement – not just Australia get more from – and offer fourth such forum run by the same core as background but also more to – the Asian century. group of public administration academics. for shared reflection. Nick Chiam is an executive officer with the Secondly, empirical evidence supports Victorian Department of Education and Early engagement by providing a safe way Childhood Development. He has worked for of surfacing differences in cultural Finally, circling back to that feeling of both commonwealth and state governments across context and social objectives. We should connection that exists between public various portfolios, including tertiary education, infuse more extensive data and evidence administrators, we should support apprenticeship regulation, settlement services and into our international engagement – international engagement by public youth affairs. The Australian National University not just as background but also for servants as professionals not just as sponsored him and other practitioners’ participation shared reflection. representatives of their governments. in the Greater China – Australia Dialogue series.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 41 OPINION – REPORT

Tasmania’s global challenge Jan Davis, left, on Tassie’s world agricultural trade challenges.

After three tough Dairy was Tasmania’s key GVP The lower $A coincides with lower years, the outlook commodity driver in 2013-14 but faces international energy prices for fuel and for Tasmanian lower international returns this financial chemicals and more competitiveness agriculture looks year that will not be offset by a weaker should flow to the growers’ bottom-lines. to have improved $A or recently negotiated trade agreements. The improved outlook coincides with markedly in 2014- extensive irrigation infrastructure 15 with an average development under way in Tasmania, eight per cent increase in the gross value Tasmania is an island – which should support a steady increase in of production (GVP) and export returns and don’t we know it! output volumes. of about five per cent, mainly due to a However, Bass Strait freight costs and weaker $A. The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers differential treatment of Tasmanian Freight That can be deceptive because product Association view is that the benefits to Equalisation Scheme (TFES) assistance shipped from Tasmania to Victoria this state of the relatively recent free trade remain the most significant drag on export and then exported can be recorded as agreements with South Korea, Japan competitiveness for agriculture here. Tasmania Victorian exports, masking some of the and China will largely be medium term. is an island – and don’t we know it! value-adding and growth occurring here. Opportunity ultimately will be governed by cost competitiveness We welcomed the announcement in rather than a sustained January of Mediterranean Shipping increase in returns. We live Company’s fortnightly service between and compete in a global Bell Bay, Sydney, Brisbane, Noumea and economy and some of our New Zealand and believe it will mean most direct competitors are new marketing opportunities, particularly not that far away from us. in Sydney. It should be useful for some of Red meats are likely to be our commodities that are less dependent the main driver of increased on speed to market, like potatoes and GVP, supported by fruit, apples. The sailing time to Sydney may notably cherries, and seafood. open some options – either in that market, or through access to export. It With regard to cost certainly gives the opportunity to break competitiveness it was the Port of Melbourne’s monopoly for pleasing to see increased many exporters. flexibility in the wages outcomes negotiated by However, at time of writing, the TFGA Simplot. Tasmania has more was still waiting for detailed state to gain from increased government briefings on its rationale for vegetable and potato changing the Spirit of Tasmania service competitiveness than other across Bass Strait to give tourist traffic Australian states. Whether priority and its proposed $11 million progress can provide a per year underwriting of a fortnightly platform for vegetable international service from Bell Bay to one exports at an $A closer to or two Asian ports by Singapore-based GOLD Midlands canola crop US70c remains to be seen. Swire Shipping.

42 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION OPINION – REPORT

In our view, it is no silver bullet. Far better, we say, to give priority to convincing the Federal Government to extend the TFES to cover exports. The rationale is we face exactly the same cost disadvantage when, for example, we want to send goods to the Port of Melbourne for export. We are still paying much more in domestic freight than producers who have the comparative luxury of cheap rail and road PREPARING FOR EXPORT Houston’s Farm, ‘Proudly Tasmanian’, employs more than 150 transport from their point of production Australian farmers usually come off Tasmanian farmers have a long history of to the exporting port. The annual cost second best because our farmers operate trade with Asian nations, including China. of extending the TFES to include goods without tariff protection, without In 2011-2012, they exported product destined for export is put at $25 million a government subsidy and are impotent to worth more than $120 million to ASEAN year. In the overall scheme of infrastructure fluctuations in the Australian dollar. countries. Major products included dairy funding for roads and rail on the mainland, ($42 million), seafood ($32 million) and this is a drop in the bucket. wood products ($20 million estimated We should not delude from private forestry sector). More than It is beyond dispute that the November 20 per cent of those exports went to China. visit to Tasmania by Chinese President ourselves into believing Xi Jinping following agreement of that, in terms of our The absence of a bilateral free trade terms for the China-Australia Free past performance in agreement with China had meant Australian producers and exporters faced Trade Agreement (CHAFTA) was of international trade, great moment for the island’s economy, significant tariffs on agricultural products agriculture included. Australia is soaring up and were at a competitive disadvantage there with the eagles. with countries that already had an Both CHAFTA and the President’s visit agreement, notably New Zealand, Chile heighten the prospects of a much closer It is not! and ASEAN nations. The agreement will working and trading relationship with give Australia a significant advantage over China, though one should not be deluded Anything that gives improved access to larger players in the Chinese agriculture into believing that this is ‘free trade’ in its the Chinese market has got to be a plus market – the US, EU and Canada. It true sense. and this agreement does place us on equal also will provide a base for further The agreement will open bilateral terms with New Zealand. liberalisation through a review of market investment opportunities in agriculture that The gradual removal of the tariff burden access outcomes three years after coming have eluded us for far too long. Under the will have an immense impact of the into force. agreement, Chinese tariffs on dairy products profitability of Tasmanian sheep and cattle Tasmania is well placed to benefit from will continue for the next four to nine years. producers. China already accounts for 75 expansion through increased production, Similarly, we have to wait nine years for the per cent of Australia’s raw wool exports increased Chinese financial investment tariff on beef to be eliminated and eight and our quota of 287,000 tonnes is only here, and our input to Chinese domestic years for sheep meat. For vegetables, it’s four taxed at one per cent. The country-specific production techniques. In return, we years before we have a level playing field. quota is recognition of our current place will be able to provide knowledge and Therefore, ‘free trade’ it is not. We are still in the market, the quality product provided technology to assist Chinese farmers in behind the eight ball. There is seldom a true and the positive relationship fostered with improving their own productivity. level playing field in free trade agreements. Chinese customers. Continued.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 43 OPINION – REPORT

BIDDERS Bothwell cattle auction The fact we are in the southern Australian growers get compared to their And, we are losing market share in hemisphere means our main production main competitors. On an international those same regions where the value season is primarily counter-seasonal with scale, New Zealand is more frugal and of agricultural trade is growing most the northern hemisphere and therefore then only marginally. rapidly. To cut to the chase, it means adds scope for us to expand product that although our trade to those places availability in Chinese markets. The As farmers, we still is growing, other agricultural exporting agreement clearly opens many doors for countries are doing even better. They Tasmanian producers. It underscores the have the job ahead of include Brazil, other Latin American fact agriculture will continue to be a us in terms of our global nations, the US, China and Indonesia. stabilising influence on our economy. competitiveness. Oh yes, and New Zealand. We should not delude ourselves into believing that, in terms of our past Australian agriculture has to do more to performance in international trade, What the AFI found was that global shift up the value chain, increase the unit Australia is soaring up there with the agricultural trade increased at an average value of agricultural exports and, in that eagles. It is not. The TFGA has always compound annual growth rate of about way, compensate for the lack of potential taken great counsel from the Australian eight per cent over the last 15 years, while to increase the volume of agricultural Farm Institute (AFI), a truly independent in some regions – central and South Asia, production available for export. research body that analyses policy and data ASEAN, Africa and the Middle East – it As farmers, we still have the job ahead of us about the domestic and global industries. topped 12 per cent. However - over the in terms of our global competitiveness in fast- At the end of 2014, the AFI reported its same period – the gross value of Australia’s growing markets but which our competitors latest assessment of Australia’s performance agricultural exports increased much more are servicing more cost effectively. on world markets. It made for sobering slowly – at between five and six per cent reading, particularly when considering a year. That means Australian agriculture is Jan Davis is chief executive officer at the the relative lack of government subsidy losing market share in global trade. Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association.

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Educating the world Anne Baly, Group Manager, International, Department of Education and Training, left, explains Australia’s global education outlook and action.

‘Studying in campuses and classrooms, helping prepare International education is Australia’s Australia changed Australian students for an increasingly fourth largest export, after iron ore, coal my life,’ says Akira globalised workplace. The personal and natural gas. The majority of students Inoue, who credits connections formed can last a lifetime and are self-funded and their living and his Australian contribute to future international research studying expenses contribute significantly qualification as key collaborations, business partnerships and to the Australian economy. The to the successful direction his career has new trade and investment opportunities. government recognises the importance taken. ‘In Japan universities in general of international education and works to are under pressure to internationalise. International education ensure its sustainability and resilience for So having a PhD from a prestigious is Australia’s fourth largest the long term. university in Australia made it easier to Counsellors strengthening get a job. I am now an associate professor export, after iron ore, coal and natural gas. Australia’s international in my field of study and it is exactly what relationships I wanted to do. My dream came true!’ As a nation, Australia has one of the Australia has a highly effective network of Australia is a world leading international highest internationalised student cohorts education and science counsellors located study destination for students. Since first in the world with overseas students in key economies around the globe who opening its doors to international students making up around 20 per cent of the total work to position Australia as a partner over sixty years ago more than two and a university student population. In 2014, of choice. Counsellors bring together half million people have visited Australia there were more than 400,000 overseas governments, industry, institutions, students to study in schools, training institutes students in primary schools through and researchers to support far reaching and universities, while UNESCO and higher education. strategic collaborative relationships. others have estimated that thousands of Australian students have spent time Two decades of international education in Australia studying in other countries. http://data. uis.unesco.org/ Olsen, A. (2014), 2014 Research Agenda: Australian Universities International Directors’ Forum, (see www.spre.com.au/download/ AIEC2014AUIDFResearchPaper.pdf). International education is vitally important to Australia’s future, building links and relationships with leaders in politics, industry, trade and education. Cultural and economic impact International education makes a remarkable contribution to the cultural and economic life of Australia. It plays an SOURCE Department of Education and Training 2014. https://internationaleducation.gov.au/ important role in internationalising our research/international-student-data/pages/default.aspx

46 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REPORT

Recent international agreements with convention that culminated in the adoption Japan, Korea and China and a proposed Australia and China were of a revised and strengthened framework for agreement with India serve to benefit the first UNESCO member qualification recognition in the Asia-Pacific Australia’s international education and states to ratify the revised region. In 2014, Australia and China were science sectors. the first UNESCO member states to convention in 2014. Australia’s primary forums for multilateral ratify the revised convention. engagement on education are the East Improved qualifications recognition and The ongoing success of Australia’s Asia Summit and APEC, as well as credit transfer arrangements create regional counsellor network is integral to Australia’s UNESCO, the OECD and the European mobility opportunities for students, diplomatic work, builds the esteem of Union. In these forums counsellors academics and education providers. Australia’s education systems internationally negotiate for openness and transparency Australia recently led a review of the and provides access to key decision-makers in education systems. UNESCO Asia-Pacific recognition in overseas economies. Continued page 49.

Niclas Jönsson, Counsellor (Education & Science), Latin America

‘In October 2014 I opened the ‘Some of the interesting challenges for Department of Education and Training’s the year ahead will be to work with new Education Office at the Australian Australian universities to prepare for Embassy in Brasilia. I am responsible for the next phase of Brazil’s very popular developing and enhancing government to Science without Borders scholarship government and institutional linkages with program and to renegotiate the bi-lateral Latin American countries, building on the MOU on education with Brazil. I would work of Austrade and DFAT. like to raise awareness and engagement in ‘Student enrolment data shows the region of qualifications recognition extraordinary rates of growth of and quality assurance issues, which are Latin American students at Australian fundamental to increasing international institutions. Brazil is on track to become a collaboration and exchanges. I also will top five source country for Australia and work closely with Austrade and DFAT Chile and Mexico growth has doubled. to engage with alumni and use their But there is of course so much more to experiences to promote Australia as a the relationship than student mobility. preferred destination and partner of I have been really impressed by the choice for Latin American students and commitment and effort being made by education institutions.’ Australian institutions to build lasting links in academic exchange and research INTERNATIONAL COLLEAGUES Nic Jonsson, Counsellor and Carla Furlan, collaboration. Opportunities to learn Education Manager, Brasilia from each other are immense.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 47 REPORT

Case study: the Australia-Indonesia Centre An Australian Government initiative, the Australia-Indonesia Centre (AIC) aims to strengthen ties with Indonesia. A priority outcome for the AIC is to strengthen and deepen links in education and collaboration. The inaugural Australia-Indonesia CLIMBING TO THE SUMMIT From left, Department of Education and Training International Research Summit hosted in Jakarta Education and Science Counsellor, Astrida Uptis and Professor Paul Ramage, Director, in 2014 brought together around 150 AIC and Indonesian representatives at the summit of the most enterprising and exciting Some recent examples of grants awarded Passive housing in warm climates; and academics and researchers from by the AIC to leading researchers from Leapfrogging Jakarta towards sustainable Indonesia and Australia to debate ideas Australia and Indonesia include Uncovering water management to become a water- and begin to map out opportunities to information on food and nutrition for school- sensitive city. grow collaborative research. age children in Indonesia’s linguistic landscape;

Paul Harris, Counsellor (Education and Science), Tokyo

‘Japan is a world-leader in education and science. It is Australia’s second- largest two-way trading partner and a key economic, security and cultural partner. My responsibility is to work with the rest of the Embassy and a wide ROUND THE SQUARE TABLE Paul Harris at the Australia-Japan Higher Education range of partners in Japan and Australia Symposium 2014 to ensure education and science quality and impact of this work is very more strategic research collaboration. cooperation contribute to the further high by international standards. Eighteen Australian universities, 35 strengthening of the relationship. ‘Japanese education and science are Japanese universities and 30 Japanese ‘Japanese is the most studied language undergoing significant change as part companies took part, also providing after English in Australian schools and of Prime Minister Abe’s reform agenda new opportunities for university- universities and Australia is the most – we work to ensure Australia is seen industry connections for student popular destination for Japanese school as a partner of choice as institutions internships and R&D collaboration. tours. More than 450 university-to- internationalise and send more students ‘2014 also saw the finalisation of the university agreements and 650 sister abroad. In 2014, we led a successful higher Japan-Australia Economic Partnership school partnerships underpin a robust education symposium in partnership with Agreement and we continue to work relationship. Collaboration between Universities Australia, Austrade and DFAT, with the Japanese Government and Australian and Japanese researchers has, to deepen university partnerships leading other partners to remove barriers to In the last decade, doubled and the to increased two-way mobility and mobility and collaboration.’

48 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REPORT © iStockphoto.com @Holger Mette

Case study: India Australia and India have a deep engagement in education. Around 50,000 Indian students studied STUDENT BUILDERS ‘I have never worked so hard in my life, but look what we did!’ Australian nursing and mid-wife exchange students helping out in Laos in Australia in 2013. University relationships are also strong with over 400 active links between Australian and Case study: Griffith Nursing and Midwifery Indian universities. Students in Laos Australia’s education counsellor in The Australian Government’s Study were exposed to a diverse range of India works directly with the Indian Overseas Short-term Mobility Program languages and cultures, developing Government to support the Australia supported nursing and midwifery cultural competence, resourcefulness India Education Council, a bi-national students from Griffith University to and resilience. One of their greatest body co-chaired by Australia’s Minister travel to Laos and work in remote rural achievements was the combined for Education and Training and communities. The students undertook effort to build a kitchen and toilet India’s Minister for Human Resource clinical placements in the villages of block for the local high school in Development and established to expand the Seuang River region in northern only two days. The students gained collaboration in education, training and Laos, providing basic health assessments, valuable experience working in research between the two countries. nutrition advice, promoting health rural and remote areas, where it is strategies, running midwifery workshops important to be able to function with Under the auspices of the Australia- and engaging with local communities. limited resources. India Education Council a student Students were able to give vital health mobility workshop was held at the Griffith University continues to care support to hundreds of villagers offer the project to students, building University of Mumbai in September over their five week experience in Laos. 2014. This workshop brought together on the increasingly warm and Australian and Indian university In addition to this important service supportive relationship cultivated representatives to discuss bilateral and learning opportunity, the students with the local community. student mobility programs, student support services, and best practice From page 47. and Fellowships and student mobility internship models. Exchanges and mobility grants also help facilitate two-way mobility. In 2014, the scholarships The workshop was held in conjunction Supporting people to people links supported around 10,000 Australian and with the launch of the New Colombo strengthens Australian engagement overseas students to have an international Plan in India by Prime Minister Tony with global and regional partners and study, research, or professional Abbott. The New Colombo Plan is a reaffirms Australia’s strong commitment to development experience. And that is on flagship initiative of the government education, research and two-way mobility. top of other government support such offering grants and scholarships to Through scholarships, fellowships and grants Australian students to study overseas. as the Australia Awards Scholarships and Australia provides opportunities to support At the launch several Australian Fellowships for students from developing international students to study in Australia universities signed Memorandums of countries and International Postgraduate and Australian students to study overseas. Understanding with Indian universities Research Scholarships for high to expand student mobility. High profile programs such as the New performing postgraduate research students Colombo Plan, Endeavour Scholarships from around the world.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 49 REPORT

Audit on world stage The Australian National Audit Office supports improvements in public administration internationally. Today reports. A ‘worldly perspective’ has a number Improvement Project and the $463 Navantia and the Australian-based of meanings for staff in the Australian million Indonesia Infrastructure Initiative. shipbuilders that is central to the overall National Audit Office (ANAO) and Examination of those projects provided effectiveness of the program. implications for a range of international insight into the complexity of the The audit of the Joint Strike Fighter programs from foreign aid to the nation’s operating context and the importance (JSF) acquisition assessed Defence’s defence capability. of effectively managing project risks to arrangements to provide insight into realise the full benefits of investment. While it is well known for auditing the development and production of the commonwealth public sector entities F35-A aircraft by the US Government, in Australia, ANAO’s international role The ANAO is committed with Australia and seven other nations includes examining financial management to engagements that entered into partnership arrangements in overseas posts of the Department of contribute to public sector to satisfy their own combat aircraft Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and needs. The audit provided an Australian Defence portfolios, and significant aspects auditing internationally perspective on the JSF’s progress, of the operations of other Australian and supporting including for Australia’s air combat Government entities overseas. developing nations. capability and implications for Australian The office is also committed to Government acquisition decisions. engagements that contribute to public Other recent audits have covered Building Australia’s sector auditing internationally and international standing supporting developing nations. administration of the Export Market Development Grants scheme and The ANAO’s clear corporate focus Australia abroad arrangements to meet Australia’s treaty enhances its exchanges and cooperation Recent DFAT international performance obligations. Presently underway is a with international colleagues. audits include Delivery of Australia’s performance audit of Australia’s aid Engagement with other national audit Consular Services (Report No.21 2014–15) to Vanuatu. offices allows ANAO to share knowledge and AusAID’s Management of Infrastructure Recent Defence performance audits with and information and contribute to Aid to Indonesia (Report No.39 2012–13). international dimensions include Air international dialogue about best practice The first examined the effectiveness of Warfare Destroyer Program (Report No.22 public administration and developments DFAT’s delivery of the growing number, 2013–14) and Management of Australia’s in public sector auditing. and increasingly complex, services Air Combat Capability—F-35A Joint Strike For many years it has provided capacity provided to Australians travelling or Fighter Acquisition (Report No.6 2012–13). development assistance to national audit residing abroad. These are delivered The audit of the Air Warfare Destroyer offices in the region, including the through a global network of 167 posts, Program examined the design and Indonesian Board of Audit and the Papua each with unique legal, logistical and build of three Hobart-class guided New Guinea Auditor-General’s Office. security related factors that influence the missile destroyers (DDGs) for the Royal That is achieved through a strategic types of services and assistance provided. Australian Navy – based on a modified partnership agreement with DFAT The audit of infrastructure aid to Spanish design being developed and where ANAO participates in Australia’s Indonesia examined the effectiveness of exported by the Spanish shipbuilder international aid program to assist and the then AusAID’s management; with Navantia for construction within a support Indonesia and Papua New particular focus on the $336 million distributed build environment. The audit Guinea. That includes strengthening the Eastern Indonesia National Roads considered the relationship between Indonesian Board of Audit’s performance

50 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REPORT

and financial statement audit capacity. ANAO’s activities align with key focus areas of the Australian Government to strengthen public sector governance, broadly covering institutional leadership WORLD STAGE Australia’s Auditor-General Ian McPhee speaks at an international symposium and senior management engagement Within INTOSAI, the ANAO in Safeguarding the Long–term and technical assistance. A senior ANAO contributes to working groups on Sustainability of Finance Policies’. staff member is located in Jakarta to offer environmental auditing and IT auditing. Australia was most heavily involved in performance audit support and advice. With 22 other ASOSAI countries ANAO discussion of the second theme, which recently played a key role in research The ANAO has maintained links with concluded that – to play an effective role relating to the role of public sector the Papua New Guinea Auditor-General’s in sustainable development – supreme audit in the prevention, detection and Office since the 1970s. Through DFAT audit institutions should perform investigation of corruption and money programs, ANAO advisers have been audits on public debt and medium and laundering. A final report was presented deployed to Port Moresby since 2004. long-term budgetary planning. As joint to the 13th ASOSAI assembly in February. Two senior ANAO staff members are rapporteurs for that theme, Australia The report included an assessment of the currently based there – a senior adviser and the United States were responsible current arrangements to fight corruption to the Auditor General and a performance for drafting a report on discussions to and money laundering in participating audit adviser. More than 25 per cent be presented to the congress, the key countries and identified a range of useful of Papua New Guinea staff have also elements being endorsed and reflected in audit practices for audit bodies to consider been hosted in Australia on long-term the Beijing Declaration on Promotion of Good in local contexts. twinning engagements at ANAO’s Governance by Supreme Audit Institutions – Canberra office and the Audit Offices of adopted by the congress on its final day. New South Wales and the Queensland. The ANAO’s good Benefits Peer reviews of other national audit standing internationally In examining significant aspects of the offices have included offices of Canada sees it receive a number operations of Australian Government and India. The ANAO’s good standing of requests for visits overseas entities the ANAO provides internationally sees it receive a number from international assurance and insights to the Parliament of requests for visits from international and public. Through its collaboration delegations each year. delegations each year. with other national audit offices, ANAO The ANAO is a member of the staff members are also able to contribute International Organization of Supreme INTOSAI members meet every three expertise – adding value, and supporting Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) – dedicated years at the International Congress of improvements in public administration, to promoting the exchange of audit Supreme Audit Institutions (INCOSAI). internationally – improving ANAO and financial management information The 21st meeting, on its 60th anniversary, staff members’ appreciation of current among member nations and providing an was in Beijing in October 2013. On challenges facing the global auditing international public sector audit network. behalf of Australia, ANAO delegates community and individual member Under that membership ANAO also contributed to presentations and countries. Such experience is invaluable contributes to the activities of the Asian negotiations, preparing papers on each in the ANAO’s pursuit of its vision to be Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions of two major themes: ‘National Audit an “international leader in the provision (ASOSAI) and the Pacific Association of and National Governance’ and ‘The of independent public sector audit and Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI). Role of Supreme Audit Institutions related services”.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 51 REPORT

Around the world with open government Elizabeth Tydd, left, Information Commissioner and CEO of NSW’s Information and Privacy Commission, looks at international developments and the value of open access to information.

Open government The plan commits to three activity streams: In 2009, the United States led the is being actively open information, data and dialogue. way in establishing a portal to access pursued Of the plan’s 12 initiatives one common government data. The United Kingdom internationally, with objective is to contribute to the acceleration followed a year later and now a fifth of many initiatives the world’s national governments have of delivery of programs focused on having attained a level of maturity. established data portals that provide identified needs of citizens that result in access to a broad range of information Since its introduction in 2011, ‘Canada’s more responsive and cost-effective services. Action Plan on Open Government’ – ranging from national company and has been refined in response to greater land registers including environmental recognition of social, economic Citizens increasingly hazards and zoning; to public expenditure and technological developments. recognise the value on programs, including international aid, Modifications in 2014 provided of information as a health and construction. opportunities for citizens to better strategic public asset. International examples are instructive in understand and participate in government examining the application of the three and its processes; and drive innovation The plan incorporates performance measures key features of open government – access and maximise economic opportunities to including the utilisation of available data by to information; citizen engagement; and create a more cost-effective, efficient and citizens and businesses and their engagement, government accountability. responsive government. through open dialogue, with government. Access to information A strategic asset and In the UK, responsibility for achieving ‘Open government’ citizen engagement open government lies with the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Francis Maude, The Organisation for Economic Citizens increasingly recognise the value who, speaking at the Open Government Co-operation and Development of information as a strategic public asset. Partnership Conference in April last year, (OECD) describes open government Governments are progressively described ‘open data’ as ‘the new raw as ‘The transparency of government recognising and responding to the value material of the 21st Century’. actions, the accessibility of government placed on the right to information by services and information, and the But the UK’s commitment extends codifying those rights in legislation – responsiveness of government to new beyond ‘access to data’. In October 2013, with approximately 93 countries having ideas, demands and needs’. the UK Cabinet Office published the freedom of information laws. Australia’s commitment to open second national ‘Open Government According to the Centre for Law and government is described as being Action Plan’. Broadly, it is designed to Democracy – which publishes ratings built upon three key principles: enable citizens to see and understand for legal frameworks governing access strengthening access to information, the workings of the government collaborating with citizens on policy to information in those countries – this through greater transparency; influence and service delivery, and making represents a 16 per cent increase in government operations by participating government more consultative and the number of countries that, over the in the policy process and delivery of participative (OECD). last five years, have legislated this right. public services; and hold the government According to the assessment criteria, accountable for policy and delivery of Australia ranks 48th. public services.

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TAKING OFF Global open government data initiatives

One of the most significant operational benefits of an integrated holistic approach commitments contained in this plan is to ‘information management’. Accountability the commitment to establish a ‘National The ICO’s role encompasses three and transparency Information Infrastructure’, to deliver an specific areas including data sharing; The OECD’s ‘Better Life Index’ inventory and publication of government freedom of information; and privacy in recognises the value of civic participation data sets ‘likely to have the broadest and administering its Freedom of Information most significant economic and social and transparency: ‘Ensuring government impact’. These data sets will be prioritised decision-making is not compromised by for release. The report provides conflicts of interest is key to maintaining trust in government’. This overarching assessment of social and a cogent set of economic significance recognises the need recommendations to In Australia, 46% of people say they to balance the rights and responsibilities advance information trust their national government. of citizens and the governments serving sharing, accountability In response to a recent public survey them in the release of information. conducted on behalf of the Information Importantly, it also provides a categorisation and transparency. and Privacy Commission NSW (IPC) and classification system that enhances to inform a statutory report on the accessibility of information and maximises Act 2000 and Data Protection Act 1998. operation of the Government Information its utilisation. This purposeful approach to Under this regulatory model the ICO (Public Access) Act 2009, 84 per cent of information release will enable the value of houses a central register of organisations’ people said having the right of access to information as a strategic asset to be realised. ‘data controllers’ that process personal information was ‘very’ or ‘quite’ important. information. A statutory ‘Data Sharing In July 2014, the UK Law Reform The case for open government is Code of Practice’ ensures access complies Commission published its report ‘Data compelling. The challenge lies in with safeguards. Guidance is also provided sharing between Public Bodies’. It creating a cohesive and consistent by the ICO through a checklist that examined current legislative and structural commitment to achieving it. arrangements together with existing explains legislative application, including and proposed oversight mechanisms to to personal data. progress a contemporary approach to It recognises government’s responsibility to and provides an opportunity to unlock the information management. form a contract with citizens regarding the government information asset while ensuring Similar to arrangements in New utilisation of data by governments to deliver accountability and protection of ‘sensitive’ data. South Wales, the UK Information better services and inform policy and decision- Data co-ordination bodies exist in Denmark Commissioner’s Office (ICO) was making regarding public expenditure. and Singapore and are under development established to provide a single point of The report provides a cogent set of in New Zealand. The requirement to contact for citizens, business and all tiers recommendations to advance information ensure safe stewardship of information of government. However, the UK model sharing, accountability and transparency. Those is essential to public confidence and trust has matured in its recognition of the civic recognise different types of information held in government. Continued.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 53 REPORT

Its conscientious management and Government accountability for oversighting the current regulatory government’s willingness to be held to approach, NSW has no cohesive, The second national ‘Open Government account – through transparent legislative, mandated responsibility for information Action Plan’ published by the UK contractual and administrative systems governance, and the execution of open Cabinet Office in October 2013 provides – is essential to the delivery of open government initiatives. guidance. Publication of the government’s government. commitment to the promotion and Elizabeth Tydd was appointed NSW Recognition of the need to implement maintenance of public confidence in Information Commissioner and CEO of the a more contemporary approach to elected leaders through transparency; Information and Privacy Commission NSW information management, including citizen participation and influence; and in December 2013. In her first six months she categorisation, also has been the focus of accountability mechanisms establishes a delivered to parliament the first S37 Report on technology developers. Google recently clear direction that engenders confidence the operation of the Government Information released its new application ‘Google in in delivery. (Public Access) Act 2009 (2010 – 2013). a Box’. Its features respond to the rapid How is open government growth in information through the being achieved? introduction of categories to bundle For further information related messages and the capacity to view The increasingly digitised environment on this topic, visit: information without opening the message requires greater coordination and The global network of freedom or searching for related information - oversight to ensure maximised citizen of information advocates emails with flight details are automatically engagement and public trust in the www.freedominfo.org/ updated for current status. management of government information. Citizen engagement OECD, ‘Directorate for Public Governance and Territorial Development: Citizen engagement and policy The benefits of citizen Modernising Government: The development – informed by both engagement have been Way Forward’, www.oecd.org/gov/ information and public participation recognised and codified modernisinggovernmentthewayforward.htm – provide the foundations of open OECD Better Life Index, government. The benefits of citizen internationally. www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/ engagement and its contribution to countries/australia/ a responsible and representative Internationally, some governments are government have been recognised Canada’s Action Plan on Open responding to the challenge through and codified internationally. Government, http://data.gc.ca/eng/ the implementation of holistic strategies canadas-action-plan-open-government Tangible commitment to the principles to maximise release of all information of open government is evident in codes types within a sound and responsible www.law-democracy.org/live/ of practice applied by the Croatian governance framework. global-rti-rating/ government to provide an accessible These international initiatives arise www.theguardian.com/ transparent contract with citizens. as a result of effective leadership and public-leaders-network/2012/apr/18/ Called ‘A Code of Practice on commitment to a strategic, holistic francis-maude-data-raw-material Consultation with the Interested Public approach to the principles of open ‘A Code of Practice on Consultation with in the Procedures of Adopting Laws, government. the Interested Public in the Procedures Other Regulations and Acts’, the code – In New South Wales, accountability of Adopting Laws, Other Regulations together with a range of other legislative mechanisms manifest in the publication and Acts’, www.opengovpartnership. and administrative instruments – have of data and the legislated right to org/country/commitment/improving- resulted in a range of measures to satisfy information. There are a number of practice-consulting-interested-public- its citizens. legislative and administrative instruments, procedures-adopting-new-laws-4 These measures have improved public managed by a number of agencies, that Open Government Partnership, consultation and ensured that government codify differing ‘information management’ www.opengovpartnership.org/country/ agencies adopt a consistent and rigorous requirements. However, despite the united-kingdom approach to public consultation. number of agencies with responsibility

54 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 22-26 JUNE 2015 FEDERATION SQUARE

www.publicsectorweek.org.au # publicsectorweek

Major Partners REVIEW – AROUND THE NATION

National High Australia Day honours Public Service Medalists IPAA and Today also congratulate the following public sector employees awarded the PSM in the 2015 Australia Day Awards. Details and citations at http://bit.ly/1w3Zoay Australian Public Service (various states and territories) Dr Simon Barter, Margaret Carmody, Marion Grant, Timothy Pilgrim, Saravanamuthu Ponnampalam, Amanda Ritchie, Penny Williams. Australian Capital Territory Grace Dunlop, Dr Donald Fletcher, Roslyn Hayes. OUTSTANDING From left, Ian McPhee, Bill Spurr and David Tune all made AO in New South Wales Australia Day Honours Anita Anderson, Norman Angelkovic, Outstanding public administrators Former Finance Department secretary Raymond Brownlee, Peter De Natris, recognised in the 2015 Australia Day and IPAA National and ACT councillor Arthur Diakos, Marwan El-Chamy, Eric Honours included retired Air Chief David Tune PSM, of Lyneham in the Groom, Michele Hall, Christopher Presland, Marshall Sir Angus Houston AC, AFC – ACT, received his AO ‘for distinguished Rodney Towney, Anthony Whitfield. as a Knight (AK) in the General Division service to public administration through Northern Territory – together with AO’s (Officer in the leadership of finance, budget and Grace Dunlop, John Coleman, General Division) to Ian McPhee PSM, social policy initiatives, as an adviser Roslyn Hayes, Ernest Wanka. of the ACT; David Tune, Fellow, ACT and to government, and through disaster William (Bill) Spurr in South Australia. recovery coordination and liaison’. Queensland Raymond Burton, Associate Professor A keynote speaker at IPAA’s international Chairman of Education Adelaide, director Charles Denaro, John Forster, Peter Rule conference in Perth last year, Angus on the board of the Fringe, trustee of AM RFD, Dr Aneurin Thomas RFD. Houston was awarded his knighthood the Adelaide Festival centre and tourism ‘for extraordinary and pre-eminent guru William ‘Bill’ Spurr of Longwood South Australia Christine Russell, Vaughan Levitzke. achievement and merit in service to in South Australia, was awarded an AO Australia, through distinguished service ‘for distinguished service to tourism, to Victoria in the Australian Defence Force, education, particularly through international Kurt Butyn, Peter Farrell, commitment to serve the nation in marketing, to the arts and sport as an Peter Greenwell, Francis Mickan, leadership roles, particularly the national administrator of institutions and events, and Michelle Seddon, Janice Snell, responses to the MH370 and MH17 to the community of South Australia’. Graeme Turner. disasters, and in a variety of roles in Also honoured with the AO was Western Australia the community’. IPAA ACT Corporate Supporter and Alexander Errington, David Hartley, An IPAA stalwart, soon to retire Auditor former public servant at Parliament Gail Milner. General, Ian McPhee House Bernard Wright. He received PSM of Forrest in the ACT was awarded his award ‘for distinguished service Get in first. his AO ‘for distinguished service to public to the Parliament of Australia, administration, particularly in the areas of particularly through contributions to Stay in front. accountability and policy development, the understanding and development of To find out how to haveToday delivered to you hot off the press to the enhancement of public sector parliamentary law, practice and procedure, visit www.act.ipaa.org.au performance, and to professional auditing and as an adviser to the members of the and follow the prompts. and assurance standards’. House of Representatives’.

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IPAA National Fellows New regulatory standard launched In launching its 2015 Event Program, IPAA ACT also released nationally the Regulatory Professional Capability Guidance on February 3, at Canberra’s QT Hotel. (See also page 32.) The Regulatory Professional NEW NATIONAL FELLOWS From left, Kath Ingram, Robert Cockerell, Paul OConnor, Martin Parkinson and Geoff Knight Capability Guidance is the third standard to be delivered by Alison Turner In the 31 years IPAA has awarded just New South Wales Mike Allen PSM with the assistance of accomplished 211 National Fellowships – its highest and Leanne Wallace. Victorian regulators. accolade. At its national conference in South Australia Geoffrey Knight. Perth last year the Institute announced Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Rebecca 11 new National Fellows. Western Australia Richard Sellers. Cross launched the standard and spoke convincingly to its effectiveness. She Australian Capital Territory Victoria Yehudi Blacher PSM explained the government’s deregulation Cath Ingram, Paul O’Connor, Dr Martin and Gill Callister. agenda was not designed to remove Parkinson PSM and David Tune PSM. Tasmania Robert Cockerell. regulation but make regulatory practice more efficient and that productivity NSW prepares to host IPAA 2015 would be boosted by the reduction of red National Conference tape in the regulatory arena. New Australian Public Service Commissioner John Lloyd – in the first speech in his new role – also praised the standard. This event – hosted by IPAA ACT President and Secretary of the Department of Industry, Glenys Beauchamp – was also IPAA ACT’s launch of its comprehensive suite of seminars and special events for 2015 and was well attended by public servants, academics and representatives from all sectors. VENUE Dockside Pavilion to host Gala Dinner IPAA NSW will host this year’s national ‘a thought provoking and engaging conference – ‘Fed up Federation reform, program has been developed’. Today will impacts and opportunities’ – at the bring you – dear reader – more detail Sydney Hilton on October 14 and 15. when that is made available to us. Preparations got underway during the The IPAA National conference is quarter in review and conference topics Australia’s premier public sector and has, in will include – what the public wants; how the past, attracted more than 500 delegates Australia compares to other countries; and exhibitors from around the country. how governance is evolving; productivity It is an opportunity for public servants, and new challenges; and new capabilities those who support and study the service required of the public sector. ‘to come together and debate the issues AT THE LAUNCH From left, Glenys Beauchamp The website www.ipaa2015.org.au says that matter’. and John Lloyd

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 57 REVIEW – AROUND THE NATION

Cash winners grace leadership in government awards Late last year the Chartered Accountants government programs and ensuring they ‘The award judges found the winners Australia and New Zealand’ announced made a difference. had integrity, vision, passion and personal drive to use their role to make Australia winners in its ‘Annual Leadership in Matt Cahill won the ‘Outstanding Government Awards’. a leading nation.” Contribution to Public Administration’ Former Auditor-General from the award - judges citing his action-oriented At the function, internationally Australian National Audit Office Ian approach and outstanding strategic renowned policy adviser, Simon Anholt, McPhee – subsequently made an AO thinking. Matt’s prize included $20,000 presented the keynote address. Simon has in the Australia Day Honours (see page for leadership development. advised heads of state and government 56) and Matt Cahill, First Assistant of more than 50 countries and recently Chartered Accountants Australia and Secretary from the Department of launched the ‘Good Country Index’, New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Immigration and Border Protection which ranks nations according to their Lee White congratulated the winners were announced winners at the National contribution to humanity and the planet. and thanked them for their service and Press Club ceremony. contribution to the nation. The event concluded with a Q&A panel Ian McPhee was awarded the prestigious chaired by Tony Jones, with panelists – ‘We’re expecting our public servants to do ‘Federal Government Leader of the Year’ Shadow Assistant Treasurer, Andrew Leigh; more with less,’ she said. ‘Now is the time for award, which recognises exceptional Professor Simon; Managing Partner, the public service to take a direct and fresh leaders in the Australian Public Service. Deloitte Canberra, Lynne Pezzullo; approach to how they action their goals. The prize includes $50,000 for leadership and, Secretary Department of Finance, development and growth. The judges said Continuing to do the ‘same’ will not work. Jane Halton – exploring issues around Ian demonstrated outstanding leadership ‘The work of the public service is essential identity and reputation. in over-seeing the checks and balances of to the future prosperity of the nation.

Australian Capital Territory Ethics seminar IPAA ACT kick started its 2015 seminar program on February 24, at the Marcus Clarke Street Theatre, Civic, with ‘Stay Calm and Remain Ethical: Ethics and the Public Servant’. The seminar focused on the duty of public servants to ensure public money is spent as efficiently and effectively as possible. ETHICS WARRIORS From left, Brendan Sargeant, Associate Secretary, Dept of Defence, In the first presentation, the Group Bronwen Overton-Clarke acting ACT Government Service Public Service Commissioner and Manager of the Ethics Group at the Gill Savage, principal of Leadability spoke Australian Public Service Commission, Karin Fisher, discussed the role of the Overton-Clarke, spoke about the behaviour is jeopardised and how to Ethics Advisory Service, the ‘REFLECT’ importance of developing professionalism remedy these issues. model – a decision making code of and the emphasis placed on ensuring its Ethics is always an interesting topic and behaviour model; and common and public servants do the right thing, in the the live and online audiences submitted emerging ethical issues for the APS. right way. many thought-provoking questions. Acting Deputy Director General and The final speaker, Gill Savage the Webcast at http://livestream.ssc.gov.au/ Commissioner for Public Administration Principal of Leadability Group, presented IPAA/February2015/ in the ACT Government, Bronwen case studies and situations where ethical

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YPs meet CEs over breakfast ‘Geeky Robotics: People to Innovate, Clones Young Australian of the Year, right, spoke to File?’ was the intriguing title of this year’s enthusiastically about the need for more Chief Executives and Young Professionals’ women to enroll in science and select Breakfast held in the National Gallery of careers in technology and engineering. Australia’s Gandel Hall, on March 6. She generously shared information on Sponsored by KPMG, this event is always the progress of her initiative to engineer robotics to carry out low-grade tasks. high on the ‘I hope I can go to that’ KEYNOTE Maria Cheng, 2012 Young list for young professionals in the ACT Marita also spoke openly about the Australian of the Year challenges she had encountered when and is a unique opportunity for young seeking grants to start up Robogals. Many young professionals who attended professionals to get to talk with their However, she said that was balanced by would have returned to their office CEO outside agency headquarters. the knowledge and information shared feeling inspired and creative. Keynote speaker Marita Cheng, founder of with her by sage and more experienced We have not yet received word on progress Robogals Global and winner of the 2012 leaders in science and education. of training clones to do the filing!

Excellence showcased Winners in the 2014 Australian Awards for opportunity to talk about their award- Speakers representing 2014 winners included Excellence in Public Sector Management winning projects. The seminar’s thrust was Sally Richmond, Assistant Director, Individual were showcased March 24 seminar at the to relay tips and tricks for submitting entries and Family Support (Southern Division), Marcus Clarke Street Theatre. to impress judges and set them a winning Victorian Department of Health and Human Services and Graham Tanton, Industry Chaired by Kerry distance apart from other nominations. and Science, Department of Industry. Kennedy, IPAA It was clear from their enquiring ACT Council questions that some audience members Submit an entry from anywhere in Member and long- were keen to be on the winners’ podium Australia, from any level of government. term coordinator in 2015. In turn, presenters were generous Nominations open April 1 and close on of the awards, left, in discussing issues encountered during August 14, 2015. winners in 2014 project implementation and documenting Webcast at http://livestream.ssc.gov.au/ received a second the process as part of their nomination. IPAA/March2015/

Ethics and Leadership in the Public Sector

Registration is now open for this two-day conference bringing together top public servants, former Ministers, business leaders and academics to discuss ethical strategies for leaders.

Find out more and register: www.psc.nsw.gov.au/ethicsconference

Sydney 7-8 May 2015

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Tamara’s gain, our loss! in its new format and as she has been a And … gaining support from corporate fervent supporter of the magazine and her members, in particular, Finance, ANAO editorial team, we thought it appropriate and Treasury, was also impressive! to conduct an ‘exit interview’. IPAA ACT has had a tenfold increase in total What were the highlights? assets from 2009-10 to 2013-14 and, with the aid of Treasurer Barry Mewett, I set up two TC So many you may need to stop me: term investments that assure stewardship the people, the conferences, the awards, of funding for 2015-16 and 2016-17. growing the business and building capacity. OK, OK … you said we might Two early alliances – with DEEWR, have to stop you! What were some (now the Shared Services Team) who of your bigger challenges? produce the live-streams and videos of our monthly seminar series – and you TC Losing our President, Andrew all at Faceworks in producing Public Metcalfe, a month prior to the staging Administration Today. Both have been very of IPAA 2013 National Conference was helpful in producing visible proof of our problematic, but very appreciative of events, programs, products and services Glenys Beauchamp PSM stepping up over the past four years. seamlessly to take his place … thanks to Carmel McGregor and the executive too Inviting ACT Government Service for all the legwork behind the scenes. representation onto our council also proved to be inspired and continues four Faced with the need to recruit an Exactly four years in March since she years later through Kathy Leigh and editor for Public Administration Today on my first day was daunting, but making was appointed to the demanding role Bronwen Overton-Clarke. lasting relationships with Ron Dent, as Executive Director of IPAA’s ACT Our awards teams – Annual Reports Sally Woolford and Sandi Logan was division popular Tamara Cutcliffe (TC), Awards and the Australian Awards for wholly worthwhile. above, moved back to the Department of Excellence in Public Sector Management Finance, onto a taskforce charged with – continue to contribute to better Would you do it all again? better integrating its services. practice in their fields. TC In a heartbeat - the best professional Tamara’s amazing performance at IPAA Leveraging off developments in other development of my career! And … working ACT coincides with the birth of Today jurisdictions has been fun and thanks to with some of the best in our sector! IPAA Victoria and IPAA NSW, also the I thank the past and present executive for smaller states and NT, for so generously their leadership and support … and, in sharing your skills and expertise! particular, presidents Andrew Metcalfe and Get Alison Turner’s passion for IPAA’s Glenys Beauchamp and vice-president Professional Standards Capability program Carmel McGregor. in first. has been infectious and compelling! Well Tamara, there are some moist Stay in Carmel McGregor and other Council eyeballs here at Today and we wish members and the IPAA team contributing you what you truly deserve … all the front. to the very successful IPAA 2013 National very best for your future career and Conference, ‘Serving Australia in the 21st life in general. Thank you for your Tamara Cutcliffe, who transformed century’. So successful that IPAA ACT wonderful support. Today on her watch, invites you plans to hold its own ACT conference in As Today was going to press, Drew Baker – to find out how to haveToday September this year. We’ll draw on the from the Centre for Public Management and delivered to you hot off the press expertise of our conference committee to Australian Institute of Management – was to visit www.act.ipaa.org.au help us again. I hope the Embassies, High announced as the new CEO, IPAA ACT. and follow the prompts. Commissions, sponsors and competitors Watch out for a comprehensive interview with will all line up again. Drew in our next edition.

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New South Wales Just a picnic in the park Friday 13 in February was lucky for many IPAA members and guests who flocked to the Rose Garden Pavilion in Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens for its annual ‘Picnic in the Park’. IPAA NSW President Andrew Cappie- Wood and CEO, John Carnegie hosted an afternoon of networking, drinks and canapés – a great opportunity to learn about IPAA and how it connects people and ideas. PARTYING PRESIDENTS From left, former IPAA National President and IPAA NSW President

GATHER ROUND IPAA NSW members enjoying their first networking event for 2015; BIG WELCOME Andrew Cappie-Wood, Picnic in the Park IPAA NSW President

South Australia Social media abuse warnings

IPAA SA President In a report to the SA Parliament, Erma Ranieri, left, Independent Commissioner Against in her role as SA’s Corruption, Bruce Landers, criticised Public Service the use of private emails and false Commissioner, has social media accounts. reminded public servants about their He said any misuse of social media ethical obligations channels by a public sector employee not to conduct ‘would amount to misconduct even if government outside working hours and did not use business on private email accounts. government information technology’.

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IPAA SA shows intrapreneurship in huge seminar

together with Kristin Alford, a futurist Department of Health and Ageing. and founding director of Bridge8, opened • David Byworth, Manager, Fab Lab Adelaide. the full-day program by welcoming guests to the forum, the first of its kind. • ‘Lessons from a duck herder’ by Jason Cotton – specialising in leadership, The keynote speaker, Economic innovation, change, negotiation and Development Board Chair Raymond strategic relationships. Spencer, kicked off with an opening address ‘INTRAPRENEURSHIP: The invisible • ‘Splash Adelaide’ – Sandy Verschoor, General spirit of public sector transformation – Manager, City Culture and Community the change-making imperative’. Services, Adelaide City Council. The mid-morning sessions focused • ‘Success in the West’ with Steven Ward. on intrapreneurship – what it is and • ‘Growing festivals’ with Christie Anthoney, why it’s critical. Matthew Salier from Executive Officer, Festivals Adelaide. OPENER Tim Mares, Director of Strategic the New Ventures Institute, Flinders Economics and Policy Coordination for the • ‘Change@SA – An experiment in Department of State Development University gave an address ‘Partners in cultural change’ with Daniel Butler, intrapreneurship – new opportunities and Manager, Change@SouthAustralia. As part of Entrepreneurs’ Week, IPAA SA the roles of networks and connectors’. hosted a HUGE, sell-out ‘Intrapreneurship • ‘Changing from within – with Chris Deloitte’s Martin Reid spoke on ‘SA Forum’ on February 6 to showcase Vanstone, Director of Co-design at the Digital Disruption / Digital Opportunities examples of internal ‘entrepreneurship’ Australian Centre for Social Innovation. – the times they are a-changin’: how in the South Australian public sector and digital innovation is influencing the way The afternoon sessions went with a swing explore emerging trends and challenges for we live, work and play’. with more dynamic sessions on ‘Emerging achieving change, improving coordination opportunities for the intrapreneur’ – led For taped versions of these addresses visit and facilitating innovation. by Kristin Alford’s address ‘Being an www.sa.ipaa.org.au Over 150 attendees gained insight into the intrapreneur is like?’ Stories were presented both in buzzing role of intrapreneurs in pushing government To understand the skills and capabilities ‘PechaKucha’ and conference styles forward, and were inspired by and learned required of intrapreneurs in government and featuring: from successful SA-based initiatives. in South Australia, as well as the structural Tim Mares, Director of Strategic • ‘Negotiation and tactics: Essential strategies and culture systems they work in, Economics and Policy Coordination for in joined-up policy making’ – Carmel delegates doing innovative and change the Department of State Development, Williams, Manager, Strategic Partnerships, work were asked to complete a survey.

MARKET PLACE Citizens Jury Story – Vivienne Lambert and Meredith Hunt

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PANEL From left, Leigh Morgan, The Engine Room; Megan Antcliff, Department of State IDEAS Raymond Spencer, Chair, Economic Development; Peter Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Adelaide City Council; Margie Caust, Urban Development Board collaboration; Kristina Dryza, International Trend Forecaster, Writer and Author That session also explored the responses ‘Citizens’ jury story’ – Vivienne Lambert ‘Community engagement: From paper to understand the attributes, issues and and Meredith Hunt. to practice’ – Teresa Janowski. future challenges for intrapreneurs. ‘Participatory budgeting’ – Todd Clappis ‘Community governance and participatory Gail Fairlamb, Director, Strategic and Rachael Leverton. facilities planning’ – Kathy Jarrett. Engagement and Communications ‘Major project case management’ – ‘Industry cluster development’ – David Grice. from Department of Premier and Cabinet Joe Mastrangelo. also gave an address ‘Innovation in the state International trend forecaster and futurist ‘90-day projects – Driving complex public sector – Aspiration to delivery’. author Kristina Dryza, kept everyone on change’ – Gess Carbone. the edge of their seats with her passion Late in the day an ‘Ideas Marketplace’ was ‘Design in policy for a world design and wisdom on ‘How to birth the future held for delegates to discuss new ideas and capital’ – Trish Hansen. in the now’. concepts with the people who had already made those happen. Discussions included ‘Mapping the collaborative economy in The day closed with an open discussion on concepts like open data, participatory South Australia’ – Matt Scales. intrapreneurial themes, with panel members: Chief Executive Officer of Adelaide City budgeting, industry clusters, and citizen juries. ‘Community dolphin conservation’ – Council, Peter Smith; Margie Caust of Jamie Hicks. The Ideas Marketplace line-up was: Urban collaboration; Leigh Morgan from ‘Simplify story’ – Sarah Thomas and ‘Open minds, open approaches and open The Engine Room; and the Department of Susie Rodeghiero-Smith. data’ – Aron Hausler and Alysha Thomas. State Development’s Megan Antcliff.

Administrative decision-making On February 12, IPAA SA hosted a key misconduct and maladministration in public event for South Australian public sector administration’ and in dealing with matters executives: ‘Administrative decision referred to a public authority by him. making – The pathway to decisions’. The overarching message was each person IPAA SA President and Commissioner in the public sector has a responsibility to for Public Sector Employment, Erma make sound and transparent administrative Ranieri as Master of Ceremonies was decisions. Unfortunately, public sector supported by keynote speakers Justice leaders do not always do so. Greg Parker, President, South Australian In less serious cases, uninformed or ill- PANEL From left, Bruce Lander, Justice Greg Parker, David Stevens, and Kath McEvoy Civil and Administrative Tribunal – who considered decisions can lead to major spoke on ‘Administrative law principles financial problems, delays, and unsuitable This forum closed with a panel discussion, applicable to decision-making’ – and solutions – and also adversely affect individual featuring Bruce Lander and Greg Parker, the Independent Commissioner Against employees. In the worst cases, decisions together with David Stevens and Kath Corruption Bruce Lander, on ‘The role of can lead to complaints of corruption, McEvoy, Commissioner and Assistant administrators: in considering complaints misconduct and maladministration and have Commissioner of the Public Sector in relation to potential issues of corruption, the potential to result in criminal charges. Grievance Review Commission.

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Tasmania From Lewisham with learning Each year, public administrators from Tasmania and Victoria come together to discuss big ideas about the future of the public sector. This year’s event ‘Reimagining Government; Reimagining Public Administration’ – organised jointly by IPAA Victoria and Tasmania – was held in February at the Museum of Modern Art (MONA) in Hobart. It featured international guest, Barry Quirk – CEO of the London borough of Lewisham. With a population of 295,000 people, it is one of 32 London councils and one of the few with a directly elected mayor. With only two levels of government in SCENIC START Delegates arrive by boat at MONA the UK, local government plays a very large role in service provision, ranging fiscal austerity being applied in the UK. from taking children into care to rubbish He said making cuts of that magnitude collection. Lewisham has an annual could not be done managerially as there budget of around A$2 billion but with was a real question about the political a controllable budget of A$500 million. legitimacy of decision makers. Barry outlined the enormous challenges He described the process of large-scale faced by elected councillors and local community discussion and involvement public servants in making cuts of some in co-design of services Lewisham had 80 million dollars Australian due to the undertaken to meet this challenge.

ENGAGING Barry Quirk

This year’s forum – chaired by IPAA ACT’s Carmel McGregor – also featured a panel with Barry Quirk; the principal of dandolopartners, Bronte Adams; Greg Johannes, Secretary, Tasmanian Department of Premier and Cabinet; and Jude Munro, with experience as CEO of four councils – St Kilda, Moreland and the Adelaide and Brisbane City Councils. Audio at http://goo.gl/VHZg9i

ENGAGEMENT A delegate gets involved PHOTOS Jon Jarvela

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Agility and effectiveness in the Public Service As a consequence This becomes an agreement on how of this new you will do things. Oral agreements and world, Peter advice are no longer sufficient. said the public • ‘Don’t just ask what and when. Know sector needed a precisely who you are working for, who new strategy and is accountable, how things are to be the ‘agility of a done, and always ask “why?”. mountain goat’. • ‘Identify factors that have potential to He said the new cause failure. If you need to adapt to public service those factors, be explicit about what can world contained and can’t be achieved. increasing BREAKFAST From left, IPAA Tasmania President David Nicholson talking to the speaker, Chairman of the Productivity Commission, Peter Harris expectations from • ‘Not all risks can be managed so don’t the community, try to accommodate the impossible – you Promoting agility and effectiveness in media, ministers and governments. could become a victim in the process. the public service was the topic for IPAA The public sector must deal with • ‘Be as agile as a mountain goat! Know Tasmania’s new initiative, the ‘Emerging ever-diminishing resources; higher who the park rangers are, who are the leaders breakfast forum’. compliance standards and a major increase hunters and always have a Plan B. The event was held in Hobart in in individual exposure – ‘just consider • ‘If failure is likely, be the first one to November last year (after Today went the Royal Commission into the Home make the call and never – ever – be the to press). Insulation Program’. second person to discover your failure.’ Chairman of the Productivity ‘This is an era when ministers learn from Finally, Peter urged delegates to ‘tend the Commission and IPAA stalwart Peter and copy each other. Not everyone is garden everyday’. ‘It may keep you awake Harris presented for 116 young your friend and every email sent is a at 4 am,’ he said, ‘but re-evaluating your professionals and emerging leaders in the potential transfer of personal risk.’ position on a regular basis and asking if Tasmanian state service – who also took So how does the public sector cope in there’s a better way of doing things is vital. the opportunity to engage with each this new world? Peter laid out a number ‘With the ‘agility of a mountain goat’ other and explore issues of importance. of principles: your Plan B may suddenly look like Peter’s presentation highlighted the • ‘Increase transparency and put everything a better proposition than the one changed environment for the public sector. in writing from the beginning. you’re using!’

STOP PRESS Victoria As this edition of Today was going Public Sector Week to print, news IPAA Victoria announced its inaugural challenges; thoughtful discussion about came through ‘Public Sector Week’, themed ‘Building what it means to be a part of the public that the Chief capacity – Building our State’. sector and reflections on what it can learn Executive Officer of IPAA Victoria, It will be held June 22 to 26 at Federation from its long-term achievements. Dr Geraldine Square and venues throughout Victoria. The week will provide challenging Kennett, would resign effective May 1 to professional development opportunities Designed for people who work in or with immediately become Professor of Practice and promote the public sector’s role and its the public sector, the program offers a in Management at La Trobe University. range of inspiring activities and meetings achievements to the broader community. Today and all your IPAA friends wish focusing on big ideas for building a Find out more at www.publicsectorweek.org.au you well, Ged. great nation and state; analysis of future

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 65 REVIEW – AROUND THE NATION

Victoria Public sector leadership ‘Every picture tells a story’ and it was quite a big one when new Public Sector Commissioner Belinda Clarke and IPAA Victoria President, Gill Callister, announced ten winners at the 2015 Public Sector Leadership awards, ‘from a near record field of entries’.

YOUNG INDIGENOUS LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP FINALISTS From left, Tom Bell, Department of Justice and Regulation: Elliejean Singh and Kellyann Edwards both of Department of Education and Training

AWARDING Belinda Clark, Victorian Public RISK MANAGEMENT WINNER East Grampians Health Service with VMIA CEO Paul O’Connor, Sector Commissioner far right, and IPAA Victoria President Gill Callister, centre

SERVICE DELIVERY AWARD WINNERS Melbourne Health, in partnership WINNER DEPARTMENT OF FINALIST DEPARTMENT OF with Barwon Health, Monash Health, Royal Children’s Hospital, Arcitecta HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES and Precedence Health Care AWARD Shelley Bowen AWARD Steve Kozel

66 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REVIEW – AROUND THE NATION

Two new awards were presented for the first time – ‘Communications’ to Melbourne Health; and ‘Environmental Sustainability’ to the Department of Health and Human Services.

MINGLING Enjoying a chat at the awards RISK MANAGEMENT AWARD FINALIST Country Fire Authority

PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT-JOINT WINNERS Department of Justice and Regulation and the Environment Protection Authority

NETWORKING Guests in ernest discussion TEAM WORK Department of Justice HOST IPAA Victoria President Gill Callister and Regulation

New State Fellows Sixteen new Victorian Fellows were Sustainability Victoria; Brendan Flynn, Land, Water and Planning; Angela Singh, inducted at the Annual Fellows Dinner Department of Premier and Cabinet; Aboriginal Affairs Victoria; Dr Gillian last November (after Today went to press). Ken Mathers, Linking Melbourne Sparkes, Commissioner for Environmental State Fellowship is awarded in recognition Authority; Stephen Petris, Nous Group; Sustainability; Professor Helen Sullivan, of outstanding contribution to public Sue Roberts, State Librarian; Dr Emily Melbourne School of Government: and administration, the achievement of the Phillips, Department of Environment, Wendy Steendam, Victoria Police. IPAA Victoria’s objectives and exemplary service to the Victorian community. The new IPAA Victoria Fellows are: Adam Beaumont, Forest Stewardship Council; Lachlan Bruce, Regional Development Victoria; Deborah Cope, Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commissioner; Kaylene Conrick, Bayside City Council; Monique Dawson, Department of Education and Training; Brad Davies, dandolopartners; Stan Krpan,

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 67 REVIEW – AROUND THE NATION

Western Australia Celebrating 70 Years In 2015, IPAA WA is ‘celebrating solid partnerships with both government 70 years of advancing excellence in the and non-government organisations working public sector’. to advance excellence in the public sector. From humble beginnings in 1945 as The Over the past 70 years, IPAA WA has (British) Institute of Public Administration made many significant contributions to WA Regional Group, the Institute has public administration in Western Australia State President Sven Bluemmel come a long way to now be recognised as including founding its Achievement commended all those involved in the Western Australia’s pre-eminent professional Awards in 2012 – the only awards Institute’s success over the past 70 years. association for public sector professionals. ceremony to recognise individual and ‘This is a significant milestone. We are Since 1945, there have been six name organisational public sector achievements. proud to have served WA’s public sector changes, 31 presidents and thousands of Earlier, 1984, the WS Lonnie Awards for nearly three-quarters of a century and training courses and events managed by were established to recognise excellence we’ll continue to provide engaging events IPAA WA. It has grown to be a strong in annual reporting – central to good and tailored training courses to meet its membership organisation and has created corporate governance. continually evolving needs.’

Cutting red tape 2013 identifying a model for an improved Farewell and g’day ‘Major Project Development Assessment Peter Harris was a keynote speaker for Processes’ – just one area of potential To our IPAA WA in March at a half-day seminar improvement that served as an important enthusiastic, held at Perth’s Pan Pacific hotel. The starting point for discussion as to the energetic and Productivity Commissioner joined the effervescent other promising areas of reform. CEO of WA’s Chamber of Commerce divisional and Industry, Deidre Willmott, for ‘Red What regulations should go? Which need editorial tape: Problem or solution’. to be revised? And, how can we enhance representative our understanding of complex regulations The pair brought a wealth of knowledge in WA Kylie so that they may be better enacted? and experience from the public and Macqueen, who’s private sectors to this important discussion The highly-successful seminar also featured, left IPAA for a and delegates were provided with a as mater of ceremonies and host, IPAA WA new opportunity greater and contemporary understanding President Sven Bluemmel, who also is the in marketing at of the latest thinking around designing, state’s Information Commissioner; Jason the City of South Perth. Thanks for a great implementing and reviewing regulations. Banks, the Director-General, Department job, Kylie and all the best. The seminar found community needs and of Environment Regulation and Greg And so, it’s a big hello and welcome to wants had changed over time according Watkinson, Chief Executive of WA’s Yohan Fernando who succeeds Kylie in to available knowledge and resources. Economic Regulation Authority. the role. As a consequence rules and regulations had also changed. It is critical the public service is able to review, design, and Mentoring members implement regulations in the most efficient possible manner. Member with more speakers to follow in May mentoring sessions and August. Regulatory reform presents the public began in February service with an opportunity to enhance An informal atmosphere allows a with Director maximum of eight invitees to its efficiency and effectiveness in General of the delivering public good. network with senior leaders – asking Department of questions, developing personal skills The seminar heard that the Productivity Lands, Colin and broadening career prospects. Commission had released a report in Slattery, left, –

68 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REVIEW – AROUND THE NATION

‘Opportunities in Change: Implementing Mental Health Local Government Reform’ Commission’s 40th anniversary Celebrating its 40th anniversary in Featuring authors of various reports from Western Australia in 2015, its Mental the Australian Centre for Excellence in Health Commission (MHC) released Local Government (ACLEG), the event the ‘Western Australian Mental Health, featured speakers including – via video Alcohol and Other Drug Services Plan conference – the Executive Director of 2015-2025’ for consultation. McKinlay Douglas Ltd, Peter McKinlay, who discussed the importance of learning To ensure consumers were heard and from others when implementing reform. their views helped shape the plan, Lead author of the ACELG report, Consumers of Mental Health WA hosted Professor Graham Sansom from Sydney’s a free consumer forum in February. University of Technology, left, then spoke To mark its 40th anniversary year, on the crucial points of looking at the international experts in the field bigger picture and long-term thinking of recovery will be joining MHC when planning for local governments. throughout the year to promote its vision This seminar – held late last year (before WA Health’s Jim Dodds wrapped up of ‘A world where people are supported the last edition of Today went to press) with a look at opportunities for local to recover, live well and to have a at Perth’s Ernst & Young and hosted by governments in their communities. meaningful and contributing life’. EY director Liam O’Connell – drew on For resources, including presentations, For more information about WA’s MHC the experience of Australian and New visit www.wa.ipaa.org.au/EventResources. and its year-long program, visit Zealand local government reform. aspx?id=102 www.mentalhealth.wa.gov.au

President’s Address This year’s IPAA WA President’s Address He said well-informed advice provided by In thanking the Minister, IPAA WA President, was delivered over breakfast at Perth’s professional policy officers and analysts within Sven Bluemmel, said that in its 70th year the Convention and Exhibition Centre on departments was a valued contribution Institute’s mission was ‘more relevant than February 12 by WA’s Attorney General and to the process. ‘A successful officer or ever in equipping members with the skills Minister for Commerce, Michael Mischin. analyst must be resourceful to deliver and knowledge necessary to work in an He described policy making as an ‘art rapid analysis and advice, frank in nature increasingly complex policy environment’. … guided in large measure by informed and that demonstrates a keen awareness of To download resources, visit: www.wa.ipaa. political intuition.’ contemporary societal expectations.’ org.au/EventResources.aspx?id=97

PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS From left, Michael RAPT Guests listen closely Mischin with Sven Bluemmel

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 69 COMING ATTRACTIONS

Australian National Capital Territory New South Wales www.ipaa.org.au www.act.ipaa.org.au www.nsw.ipaa.org.au

IPAA 2015 NATIONAL CONTESTABILITY IN CEO & YP BREAKFAST CONFERENCE RUNNING GOVERNMENT SHARED SERVICES AND OUTSOURCING 01 07-10 14 -15 MAY AM AM APR 28 930-11 30 Held annually, this event provides the perfect APR AM AM opportunity for CEOs from across the NSW public sector to further engage, recognise and Free to IPAA ACT members, this seminar foster young talent within their organisations. explores the benefits and challenges of It also offers a forum for sharing ideas about shared servicing arrangements. Includes how to build a better NSW public sector. case studies on identified efficiencies. GRAND BALLROOM, THE WESTIN Free to corporate members. NO. 1 MARTIN PLACE, SYDNEY Livestreamed at http://livestream.ssc.gov.au/ IPAA/April2015 50MC THEATRE South Australia Fed Up: Federation reform, impacts and MARCUS CLARKE STREET opportunities will be a forum for debate, CIVIC www.sa.ipaa.org.au discussion and promotion of the public sector. It’s an opportunity for those NETWORKING FOR ASPIRING WOMEN who are passionate about the public THE FUTURE YOUNG sector to connect and engage with peers PROFESSIONALS and colleagues. Top-level details at 18 930-1 www.ipaa2015.org.au 06 EVENING MAR AM PM Register today and save with MAY EVENT Aspiring Women has been ‘Early Bird’ pricing. developed by Samantha THE HILTON The Young Professionals Network invites Young who has years of 438 GEORGE STREET aspiring young professionals to a high- experience in the area of SYDNEY octane evening of speed networking. coaching women to help you get where you want Catch up with colleagues. Meet new to be in life. No role-plays, contacts. The mantra is ‘build your nothing embarrassing or networks!’ Sponsored by Hays. forced ‘pop psychology’. Samantha COMMON ROOM Young, Director, A mix of straight UNIVERSITY HOUSE Broomhall theoretical input, group Psychology discussion, time to think, self-analysis, motivating activities, all designed to bring out the best in female employees, at work and at You can read home, with the guidance of an experienced Public Administration psychologist and coach. Today online. Registration at 9 am; morning tea provided. $160 Professional Member There are free sample pages but if you $199 State Government Employee Member are an IPAA Member and obtain the $199 Corporate Member $245 Non-Member necessary codes from your division you can read all of Today in full, glorious IPAA SA, LEVEL 6 12 PIRIE STREET, ADELAIDE colour for free – from your screen. www.act.ipaa.org.au

70 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION COMING ATTRACTIONS

South Australia Victoria www.sa.ipaa.org.au www.vic.ipaa.org.au

NEW AND EMERGING GAIN THE POLICY EDGE GREAT SERVICE TEAMS … MANAGERS SERIES DELIVER A GREAT SERVICE This intensive and practical development EXPERIENCE program explores the knowledge, models, 01-05 09-05 tools and skills required for people coming JUN AM PM 30 to grips with leading a team and managing 13 &24 9 -05 others for the first time. It includes building MAY NOV AM PM a positive team culture, managing up, down, 30-04 09-05 across and everything in between. You NOV DEC AM PM can learn how to become a confident and positive role model who is ready to tackle the challenges of the role. This unique series allows you to select modules – minimum of four; maximum eight – that most suit your management style and learning needs. Managing Providing 19 Conflict Well 20 Performance This five day intensive program teaches the MAR APR by Developing Feedback skills to contribute to policy development a Positive Team and implementation and to see its connection Culture Keeping to the delivery of improved services. 14 the Team MAY Leading and on Track Facilitator Stephen Petris, Principal of the Nous Presenter Angela McWiggan has 30 years 30 Developing Group, is expert in strategic management – of leadership experience in service delivery, MAR an Effective Coping including the design and facilitation of major psychometric testing, change and project Team 25 with Change strategic planning events – and understanding management, compliance and OH&S. She MAY  trends in public administration and their is passionate about inspiring participants Leading and The Managers influence on the nature of strategy and to realise their full potential and develop a 09 Managing 11 Toolbox performance in the public sector. ‘continuous improvement mindset’. APR JUN  Across Stephen works with a range of public and Managing The course covers VPS Key Skill; KS23 Generations not-for-profit organisations and has significant 22 Workloads Service Excellence and subsidiary skills; JUN experience in natural resource management,  KS9 Leadership skills; KS10 Influence and primary industries, science and technology, negotiation; KS12 Organisational awareness; rural development and fire management. Expert input, resources and comprehensive and KS18 Stakeholder management. learning guides. An ideal opportunity to $4,070 Personal Member $660 Personal Member work with colleagues who are all tackling $4,620 Corporate Member $770 Corporate Member the same big challenges. $5,170 Non-Member $1,100 Non-Member $2,725 Indigenous Graduate Presenters from Centre for People More info www.vic.ipaa.org.au/professional Development. Certificate Participants STAMFORD PLAZA TREASURY ROOM, LEVEL 18 IPAA SA, LEVEL 6 111 LITTLE COLLINS STREET PARK HYATT, MELBOURNE 12 PIRIE STREET, ADELAIDE MELBOURNE

Get in first. Stay in front. To find out how to haveToday delivered to you hot off the press visit www.act.ipaa.org.au and follow the prompts.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 71 COMING ATTRACTIONS powering the public sector’s world of work Western Australia with our expertise www.wa.ipaa.org.au We are the experts in providing qualified, professional and SHAPING VIEWS AT WA BUDGET BRIEFING ACHIEVEMENT skilled workers to the public sector. We’re committed to THE TOP AWARDS 2015 helping our clients achieve their diversity outcomes by representing candidates from across all the diversity groups MAY in the workforce. We have also released a whitepaper 30 DATE TBC 30 15 8 -12 26 12 -2 detailing what it takes to create a diverse workforce. APR AM NOON JUN NOON PM the balancing Act: creating a diverse workforce How many organisations in Australia can claim to truly have a diverse workforce? The budget briefing lunch is an opportunity for public servants from In this white paper, we explore This workshop provides Young Professionals across all levels of government to learn the current situation in Australian with the opportunity to network and about the WA State Budget and reflect on workplaces in terms of gender, connect with key leaders and decision how it will influence their planning and age, multiculturalism and disability makers. Leaders will present their ideal for programs for the coming year. representation. the future public service – what it will look At this premier annual event highly- We provide strategies to help you create a totally inclusive, like over coming decades; and delegates regarded presenters provide commentary These awards recognise individual and diverse workforce through managing individual differences. will have an opportunity to respond. on the economic environment; the organisational excellence in public service. BOUNDARY ROOM, WACA GROUND year’s budget; and the financial agenda Fifteen awards are made – open to any Contact us to receive your copy now or visit hays.com.au. NELSON CR, EAST PERTH employee, or organisation as applicable, for both that State and Commonwealth contact kathy kostyrko at Governments in the year ahead. There working in Western Australia in any tier Get in first. Stay in front. of the public service – Local, State or [email protected] will be a particular focus on the impact of or 02 6112 7629. Have Today delivered to you. the budget on the public sector. Federal Government and the not-for- Visit www.act.ipaa.org.au and profit and academic sectors. follow the prompts. BOUNDARY ROOM, WACA GROUND NELSON CR, EAST PERTH HYATT REGENCY PERTH

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BIG FANS Today readers from various ACT and Australian Government agencies at IPAA ACT's CEO and YPN breakfast. From left, Lucy Stockwell, Megan Vincent, Penney Woods, Carly Hertel, Sam Highley, Joshua Drummond, Rebecca Kaye, Jake Roarty and Sandra Cook PHOTO Lyn Mills

72 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION powering the public sector’s world of work with our expertise We are the experts in providing qualified, professional and skilled workers to the public sector. We’re committed to helping our clients achieve their diversity outcomes by representing candidates from across all the diversity groups in the workforce. We have also released a whitepaper detailing what it takes to create a diverse workforce. the balancing Act: creating a diverse workforce How many organisations in Australia can claim to truly have a diverse workforce? In this white paper, we explore the current situation in Australian workplaces in terms of gender, age, multiculturalism and disability representation. We provide strategies to help you create a totally inclusive, diverse workforce through managing individual differences.

Contact us to receive your copy now or visit hays.com.au. contact kathy kostyrko at [email protected] or 02 6112 7629.

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