EDITION 41 JAN-MAR 15
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CONTENTS EDITOR Ron Dent EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION AND COVER: HAPPY NEW YEAR from Today. Make sure your community engagement doesn’t end up as fireworks ADVERTISING MANAGER Sally Woolford ©iStockphoto.com @Norasit Kaewsai DESIGN EnvyUs Design, Suzanne Green EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT Faceworks Marketing Solutions PRINTER Finsbury Green This edition saved 1504kgs of greenhouse (CO2) 06 12 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, Executive Director Tamara Cutcliffe. 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 [email protected] NT Kevin Thomas, [email protected] Dawna Turner, [email protected] QLD Christine Flynn, [email protected] Ray Lane, [email protected] SA Tony Lawson, [email protected] Renae Haese, [email protected] TAS Rebecca Moles, [email protected] NOTES FROM THE EDGE GEEK ENGAGEMENT Summa McIntyre, [email protected] 03 30 So, are we engaged? REAPS BIG BENEFITS VIC Robin Astley, [email protected] Nick Bastow, [email protected] GovHack 2014 – superb example PRESIDENT’S COLUMN WA Kylie Macqueen, [email protected] 05 of community engagement David Gilchrist, [email protected] Indigenous engagement: EDITORIAL DEADLINES greatest challenge, opportunity COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT April-June 2015 – 13 February 2015 34 WITH EARLY LEARNING Theme: The International Edition 06 WHEN ‘PR’ BECAME Victoria’s Rosie Pizzi on working July-September 2015 – 15 May 2015 ‘ENGAGEMENT’ with the community Theme: Productivity Rhodri Ellis-Jones explores October-December 2015 – 14 August 2015 the contribution of market BEST OF BREED Theme: Professionalism 36 The ACT Division of the Institute of Public research and public relations to Canberra presents public Administration Australia (IPAA) publishes Public community engagement sector’s ‘night of nights’ – Administration Today, with the support of National Australian Awards for Excellence Council. The magazine is primarily a national ENGAGING YOUTH IN communications medium for all IPAA members. 12 It aims to report IPAA activities, promote and THE TOP END PAYING 38 CAREER NAVIGATION celebrate achievements in Australian public sector DIVIDENDS Carmel McGregor from Perth management, disseminate information about major trends and developments, and facilitate discussion Successful Northern Territory at IPAA 2014 International and debate. Articles are published on editorial program specific to youth Conference relevance and merit. Views expressed are those of individual authors and do not necessarily reflect COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IPAA 2014 INTERNATIONAL the views of the Institute or the editorial team. 16 40 WRIT LARGE! CONFERENCE, PERTH Today is available on the web – full editions only to IPAA members and subscribers – via a password. DHS national community Sample pages from each edition are freely available engagement is massive, 42 RECOVERING THE ‘CRAFT’ as are covers and contents lists from past issues. never-ending Professor RAW (Rod) Rhodes CONTRIBUTIONS Proposed articles, media at IPAA’s 2014 International releases, letters to the editor and constructive feedback are welcome – via email only to 20 COMMUNITY Conference in Perth [email protected]. Please read the ENGAGEMENT IS ABOUT Contributors’ Guide at the IPAA ACT website. RELATIONSHIPS 47 SA – MAKING COMMUNITY ADVERTISING For details, including GOVERNANCE WORK rates and material specifications, email Jennifer Cromarty: Community [email protected] engagement should be culturally Tony Lawson reports IPAA SUBSCRIPTIONS Annual subscription embedded SA’s efforts is $104 AUS. International subscription $160 (AUS inc GST). Quarterly editions posted A PARTNERSHIP 50 IT’S ON – FED UP! to your nominated address. Also available as 26 Sydney to host IPAA’s 2015 part of IPAA individual or corporate membership, APPROACH Australia-wide. Ask your local divisional office. Trucks and the Inner West – National Conference Visit IPAA ACT at www.act.ipaa.org.au Victorian community engagement GOLD SPONSORS IPAA ACT acknowledges the generous assistance of its Gold Sponsors: Centre for Public Management, Hays Recruiting, KPMG and Telstra. ISSN 1832-0066 Public Administration Today is published by IPAA ACT Division 34 38 77
WHAT’S IN A NAME? 54 Queensland’s Lesley van Schoubroeck on challenges for mental health commissions
THE RIPPLE EFFECT 57 Distinguished WA trio’s research into independent watchdogs 58 HOUSING SCHEME SUCCESS Peter White on Tasmania’s public and not-for-profit sectors
IPAA – WHAT’S THE BUZZ 62 PEOPLE AND EVENTS REVIEW – AROUND THE NATION All your divisional news 73 COMING ATTRACTIONS ‘Must go’ IPAA events
LIFESTYLE Follow us ONLINE 76 BOOKS You can read Public 77 OUR TOWN Administration Today online. For when you’re on the road There are free sample pages but if you are an IPAA Member and 80 MOTORING obtain the necessary codes from your division you can read Today Ian Crawford reviews the in full and in full, glorious colour for free - from your computer. latest models Visit www.act.ipaa.org.au and enjoy! If you’d prefer your own printed copy – hot off the press – you can subscribe there too. And, don’t forget, we’re always happy to hear from Today readers – brickbats and bouquets – at [email protected] – on any aspect of the magazine. It’s yours!
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hays.com.au NOTES FROM THE EDGE
So, are we engaged?
I hope so Another aim is to promote positive This issue is no exception. There’s a because that’s debate. The magazine also provides a series of articles penned by experts what Today platform for IPAA’s national president to within the service and by others who is all about. regularly communicate with members. share experienced expertise in helping It’s IPAA’s Today has celebrated achievements you more effectively engage with members’ in public administration, presenting its the communities of citizens you are magazine. most positive face, mindful of in-service specifically tasked to serve. Professional Owned by morale and that the magazine also development is very much to the IPAA and reaches a wider audience in the general forefront of Today’s editorial thinking. distributed across Australia and the world citizenry. The magazine is a flag bearer Our editorial representatives in IPAA – in print and in interactive online form. for the IPAA brand and excellence in divisions and across every state and Today aims to reach out to members public administration. territory consult widely, then prioritise everywhere; connect with and engage and choose Today’s edition ‘themes’, them with what’s going on in their democratically. They also follow up by profession and in their professional Today aims to give nominating specific topics and potential association. It has no financial profit you an opportunity authors of articles that fit those themes motive. Indeed, when it does have a to kick back, put your – and otherwise feed into the editorial good year financially, the whole IPAA pipeline contacts and stories that reach community benefits through a dividend feet up and have and engage you. In that way, Today stays paid to the national body. Other than a thoughtful true to its determined aim to represent subscription support – which more but relaxed read. IPAA’s national and local interests – to recently has not covered costs – it has asked ‘give everyone a go’. nothing in return. In its 10 year-history, Today is your publication – a national IPAA National has never been asked for a Today is not able to engage in the 24- conversation – in print and online. single cent but has significantly benefited. hour news cycle. We leave that to the It is owned by IPAA - and serves Besides promoting IPAA’s divisional mass media and ever-more-crowded no shareholder or profit motive. IPAA, events, Today has engaged and cyberspace with its minute-by-minute nationally, shares any financial surplus communicated with the IPAA family capacity (but often superficial approach) and has every opportunity to contribute and the wider world of interest in and to Facebookers, tweeters (including to and share its main ‘profit’ – its public administration about the really twits) and bloggers. Today is interested in content – with you our readers, our big events on its calendar. It has keenly covering public administration news. key stakeholders. promoted IPAA’s national and regional But that’s not our mission. We aim to give conferences – worked hard on your you an opportunity to kick back, put your So, are we engaged? Again, we invite behalf to put ‘bums on seats’. And then feet up and have a thoughtful but relaxed feedback. Please keep giving us hints – to engage those unable to attend with read – more oriented to the news behind – story ideas, contacts, suggestions, comprehensive coverage and articles based the news and feature material about complaints and compliments – whatever. on the best of the presentations. public administration policy, projects and All the best for 2015 and the future from Today has invited the best of conference and people that would otherwise rarely see everyone connected with bringing you workshop facilitators and speakers – plus other the light of day. Today – your own magazine. distinguished people in and around public As well, Today is a ‘teacher’. Every edition Ron Dent administration – to write original, thought- seeks to not only engage readers but also Editor provoking and sometimes controversial leave them a little wiser through expert [email protected] articles to engage you, our reader. advice, opinion and relevant case studies. @mrrondent
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 03 IMPROVING ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE
The Centre for Public Management (CPM) offers high quality capability development approaches to improve organisational performance and support the achievement of individual excellence.
Our programs build management and leadership in the public sector by focusing on understanding people and improving individual performance.
contact: Drew Baker • phone: 02 6120 1980 • online: www.cpm.org.au • email: [email protected] NATIONAL PRESIDENT
Indigenous engagement: IMPROVING greatest challenge, opportunity Terry Moran.
The theme of The centrepiece of the Conference, the It seems to me we must therefore this edition is 2014 Garran Oration by Noel Pearson, listen carefully to the authentic voices community was a stark reminder about the need to of contemporary Indigenous leaders ORGANISATIONAL engagement avoid complacency. and respond to their views. There is a and one of the great risk in the all too common and ways that IPAA Whether it’s a intellectually lazy view that Indigenous engages with its G20 meeting or a disadvantage is a ‘wicked’ problem, own community community consultation, somehow beyond our ability to remedy. PERFORMANCE is through its annual conference. In an there is still something To use the directness of speech Sir increasingly digital world, whether it’s a Robert Garran was famous for, that G20 meeting or a community consultation, special about the nature is simply bullshit. The challenges that there is still something special about the of a face-to-face meeting. Noel Pearson eloquently described in nature of a face-to-face meeting. Our his Oration and in his many other major recent National Conference in Perth (see As professional public administrators, contributions to public debate simply reports later in this edition) was a reminder we need to have the humility to accept require a powerful and determined effort of that and I want to congratulate that since the arrival of Governor to fix things. In doing so, they demand The Centre for Public Management (CPM) offers high everyone involved in its organisation. Arthur Phillip, public administrators that public administrators engage beyond Coinciding with the Conference was have singularly failed to respond to the the boundaries of thought created by quality capability development approaches to improve a meeting of IPAA’s National Council, needs of Indigenous Australians and at the silos inherent in our current also an opportunity to hear directly from times in the past have been complicit in evolution of public administration and organisational performance and support the IPAA’s Divisions about the range of work their murder, dispossession and criminal government service delivery systems. happening around the country. Victoria neglect. It is particularly noteworthy Successfully undertaking this form of achievement of individual excellence. is broadening its reach to meet the needs that happened despite a series of prime community engagement remains one of administrators working in regional ministers, from Harold Holt onwards, of public administration’s greatest centres like Geelong. New South Wales has wishing to achieve major reforms and challenges. It is, likewise, one of our Our programs build management and leadership started an exciting digital transformation, rapid improvement. greatest opportunities. which will completely change the way in the public sector by focusing on understanding it provides services to its members. ACT has led the development of new National people and improving individual performance. Capability Standards that will create higher quality and more consistent public sector performance and enhance the careers of those working in the public sector. In Queensland, we have been able to build a very successful partnership with the senior leadership cohort of the public sector. Tasmania and South Australia have linked some of their program offerings with those of other states, so their members get the opportunity to hear from international guests coming to Australia. And, the Northern Territory division continues to operate in its unique environment. ENGAGING 2014 Garran Orator Noel Pearson PHOTO Abigail Harman contact: Drew Baker • phone: 02 6120 1980 • online: www.cpm.org.au • email: [email protected] PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 05 OPINION – TUTORIAL
When ‘PR’ became ‘engagement’
Rhodri Ellis-Jones, left, explores the contribution of market research and public relations to community engagement. Like a tired old And governments are seeking social of time and a good facilitator. What is boot lying shapeless and private sector partnerships to meet the chance an answer, or a pathway to and worn on a ever-growing demands and increasingly one, will be found? Done well, it is like window ledge, difficult funding constraints. watching magic happen! the definition of In the commercial industries co-design ‘engagement’ is fast becoming amorphous is being used to ensure a market for and ambiguous. In today’s world people products before they are delivered, or to In the 21st century, previous meanings for expect to be engaged empower customers to create their own this venerable word – such as a preparation – heard – and know experiences and products online using to be married or a meeting of two people institutions will act in their interactive tools. With NIKEiD you can – are joined by ‘social media engagement’ now customise your sneakers and have and ‘consumer engagement’, disciplines best interests and deliver them sent to your door. now taught in university communications services on demand. Changing world and public relations courses. That change, at every step, requires To fully understand engagement we need Semantics can be tedious but we should contemporary context. never forget the nuance of language and engagement with stakeholders – on how meaning is embedded in words. their terms. In today’s world people expect to be engaged – heard – and know institutions Accurately defined, engagement is ‘an Enter a new term: ‘co-creation’ will act in their best interests and deliver arrangement to do something or go somewhere’. services on demand. Co-creation is a rethink on how to Engagement is a commitment between Consumers now – more than ever – leverage ideas, map expectations and two parties to a shared journey, over time. expect more. An organisation that grasped channel data to policy and program It has a clear purpose and future actions this dynamic early on is GetUp – ‘an development and innovation. for both the person and entity initiating independent, grass-roots community the communication and the recipient of Whereas ‘consultation’ has been a field for advocacy organisation, which aims to build that entreaty. many years, it was generally conducted via a more progressive Australia by giving everyday Australians the opportunity That definition has never been more apt surveys and forums at intervals and with to get involved and hold politicians than in modern, two-way communication limited influence on outcomes. A shift accountable on important issues’. between governments, community in social norms and the advent of online organisations and business. Why? Because platforms has made this type of interaction It completely relies on consistent these sectors are merging in powerful ways. with stakeholders look as 1980s as perms engagement with Australians who feel and Wham (Ed - English musical duo George disengaged with the political process, or The social sector is reinventing itself as Michael and Andrew Ridgeley). frustrated because their needs are not ‘social enterprise’ and challenging the being acknowledged. relevance of ‘not-for-profit’ as a model Consider this scenario. Carefully select ten for addressing social needs. Business is smart people – with enough wisdom and Coming from way behind, major political investing in industries once the domain humility to listen as well as contribute parties have now adopted many of the of public and social sector organisations, – and place them in a room. Add a engagement practices evolved and led by such as health, housing and social finance. challenging problem, a reasonable amount GetUp.
06 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION OPINION – TUTORIAL iStockphoto.com @franckreporter © iStockphoto.com @franckreporter
Digital revolution Computers, tablets and smartphones When you communicate, how – the have changed the way consumers view ‘tone of voice’, the visual expression of Access to consumers and stakeholders is information. We scan the information, your idea – are important to being heard often not possible by traditional means. screening it via our selected feeds. and understood. The number of channels and analytical Different people use different devices and tools we can use to assess markets, PR has evolved to adopt new media such as different platforms at different times for networks, products and policies multiplies social channels, web video casting and crowd different purposes. exponentially every year. sourcing. While mainstream media is still a Media is complex highly effective channel, PR more regularly We now live in a world where digital comprises an integrated series of tactics across platforms and devices offer new We are experiencing a constant deluge of multiple platforms and channels. possibilities and unprecedented access. information 24/7 but a narrowing of news content. We have more news sources but Trust Ideas are created, implemented, developed the same story is reported over and over. and re-hatched at a rate unfathomable just Trust is a major influence on consumer ten years ago. We build on the textbooks behaviour. we are given at university, follow blogs, We now live in a world However, according to the Edelman attend conferences, share findings with where digital platforms Trust Barometer 2014, we are seeing, peer networks via social media. We do this, and devices offer globally, an historic gap between trust every day, via smart phones and tablets, new possibilities and in business and government – with trust desktop and laptop computers and the like. unprecedented access. in government 14 per cent lower than Institutions can engage people of all in business. Public discourse, ‘back flips’ on policies and program decisions and ages with varying abilities via a channel This narrowing of news content unpredictable electoral outcomes point to or medium relevant to them. What the emphasises the importance of a deep mistrust in the political class. public relations (PR) industry calls ‘owned government-owned content and content’ also allows governments to present interfaces to raise awareness of challenges, That is an important dynamic to consider the facts in interactive formats such as info- policies, programs and opportunities to be for government engagement activities. graphics and data visualisation. engaged and empowered. Continued.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 07 OPINION – TUTORIAL
So whom do consumers trust? Peers: That has never been more important than PR finds opportunities, taps into the ‘word-of-mouth’ has never been more in the area of health as Australia tackles zeitgeist and creates the ideal environment important, particularly when social mainstream conditions such as obesity. We for engagement. media and the coordinated activities of need to remind people of consequences From ‘CSR’ to ‘shared value’ local action groups supercharge it. We as they make a negative health decision: at also trust experts to a point but still seek the counter, on product packaging, in the As expectations of consumers have second opinions from family or friends. home, or among peers. changed, so too has the role of institutions Increasingly, we trust business to create in defining, measuring and promoting Professional public relations practice social impact. opportunities but also do the right thing promotes effective and interactive by society. communications between government Beyond reputation, commercial Where does professional and the public. It creates a positive companies are progressively making public relations fit? communication environment and should social impact a growth strategy. We are witnessing the evolution of corporate Professional public relations practice is enhance the quality of government information and communication. social responsibility (CSR) to ‘shared based on two-way communication – value’. It requires partnerships and absolutely the expectation of Australians long-term investment in solving social empowered to express their opinions at problems (see also Books at page 76). work and in their local neighbourhoods. PR finds opportunities, Relationships between government, business Public relations focuses on building taps into the zeitgeist and the not-for-profit (social) sectors are relationships. If engagement is a journey, and creates the being recast. Business is playing a bigger you want to know who is sitting next ideal environment role in health. Welfare organisations and to you on the bus. How do you relate? for engagement. community health services are rethinking Shared experience, shared goals, or their business models. shared interests? As less of the services we receive are from PR people invest in understanding human One of the most important qualities of government, how will we perceive its role behaviour. If we are not hungry we don’t good PR people is awareness, vital to – taxes, regulation and administration? think about buying food. If governments effective engagement. Those are harder areas in which to form are implementing education campaigns, relationships of trust with consumers. the PR team will work out the time of We all have a set of values, beliefs, day, the social context, the channel, the attitudes, cultural norms and worldviews However, some government agencies like medium and the message most likely to that inform how we perceive and react VicHealth are leading innovation through bring about a shift in behaviour. to different types of engagement. We also targeted investments in research and have personal and professional objectives engagement that have broader impacts via It has been interesting to see the to achieve. Influencing our decisions and its networks in the private and social sectors. emerging fascination with ‘nudge theory’ behaviour are a complex range of social, Engagement for co-creation sees that evolved out of British Prime Minister cultural and economic factors. David Cameron’s office. For PR people, government and partner organisations ‘nudging’ – reminding people about Effective engagement begins with innovate services with consumers, going an option at the time they should be market economic, social, stakeholder beyond standard market research and considering it – is what we are trained to influence and empathy mapping, to community consultation methods to do. (Ed – Yes, but as Today readers have been firmly understand and put in context sustained, ongoing co-development of shown, ‘nudge theory’ involves psychological engagement questioning and exercises. services. In this way, governments can ‘triggers’ to stimulate specific behaviours.) be confident of meeting demand and
08 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION OPINION – TUTORIAL
expectations that, in turn, represents but when creating an environment for That is a powerful proposition when accurate decision-making and lower risk. information exchange. effectively put into a context of change. So what is the best way to engage with Market research is personal. I want to be People like to share their opinions. community? satisfied you will meet my expectations. However, sometimes, getting them to I want the outcome to work for both share requires trust. The market research Research as engagement of us. We all buy products and demand phone call at night is mostly seen as Never lose sight of the power of nuance government services, so why wouldn’t we disruptive, not constructive. in research: not only in questioning want input to their development? Continued.
CASE STUDY City of LaTrobe
The Latrobe Valley provides around 85 defining life in the valley and celebrating the per cent of Victoria’s electricity. With the many things that make Latrobe an attractive introduction of a national carbon price in region for investors, tree-changers, workers, July 2012, state and federal governments and tourists. were focused on negotiating ‘transition’ Response – decommissioning brown coal-fired We developed an integrated research and power stations and shifting to gas and engagement exercise – a hybrid program renewable energy sources. With almost of brand perception study, local community all media coverage and political debate engagement (on and offline), city bench- centred on ‘dirty’ brown coal, the region marking, publicity and expert interviews. needed to raise the profile of its other key industries. Over a three month period, the project comprised: Challenge Latrobe is not a city; it is a cluster of • Online engagement – via a specifically developed Latrobe Story microsite, Twitter • Quantitative research to know external individual towns and much of what and Facebook – to generate dialogue, perceptions of Latrobe: the place and makes the region attractive is not in capture diverse opinions, harness rich people. the urban centres (even if most people content and pave the way for future live there). There is no Eiffel Tower • High-level stakeholder engagement marketing and branding exercises. or Big Pineapple; no Guggenheim to strengthen relationships and gain or Disneyland. The challenge was to • Quantitative and qualitative research to insight from acknowledged experts. benchmark current perceptions while confidently know how Latrobe sees itself. Result City of Latrobe gained a wealth of user- generated content, accurate insight and a network of advocates to take city branding and marketing forward. The perception study and ‘Latrobe Story’ campaign set the standard for regions facing periods of great change, particularly as a result of climate change related policy. We were very fortunate to a have a visionary client willing to adopt the agency’s ‘research as engagement’ model.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 09 OPINION – TUTORIAL
If it feels like an intrusion, people are less To ensure decisions are made with desires, or appeals to values. Preliminary likely to want to share their opinions. confidence and gain the most value from research can be undertaken to scope Once trust is established, the flow of engagement there are core elements to the economic and social environment, information and access to social networks follow: shared purpose; mix methods; influencing factors and opinion leaders. acts as a continuous source of insight for create excitement; market readiness; and This level of engagement speaks directly companies and a better product, service or continuous co-creation. to the needs of respondents and creates a program for the communities with whom Shared purpose. People participate sense of belonging. they engage. when the purpose fulfils their needs,
CASE STUDY Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust
Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust When this project neared completion, our telephone surveying to source a (SMCT) is a community based, not-for- researchers began work with the Chinese comprehensive data set before analysis profit organisation, established by the Buddhist community of Melbourne to gain and presentation to the executive. Victorian Government to administer community feedback to the next stage of ‘With new insight and valuable many of Melbourne’s most admired and the beautiful Song He Yuan temple area community relationships, SMCT has historic cemeteries, including Bunurong at Springvale Memorial. In addition to the measured demand for million-dollar and Cheltenham Memorial Parks, research brief, we were required to ensure investments and paved the way for Brighton General, Cheltenham Pioneer, language was not a barrier and did not pre-construction sales.’ Jane Grover, Dandenong Community, Melbourne create bias. Acting Chief Executive Officer, Southern General, Springvale Botanical and St Response Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust. Kilda cemeteries. It was the Ellis Jones Research as Result Challenge Engagement model that SMCT identified The ‘Research as Engagement’ approach Initially, Ellis Jones was commissioned as ideal for the dual purpose of engaging not only secured the required insight within to undertake qualitative and quantitative communities and sourcing structured input the Trust’s budget constraints, it paved the research into the perceptions and on development plans. Our researchers way for future consultation and collaboration decisions of Italian Melburnians regarding used a combination of in-depth stakeholder with important community stakeholders. burial choices, particularly mausoleum. interviews, focus group testing and
FINAL RESTING PLACE Artist’s impression of SMCT's mausolea
10 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION OPINION – TUTORIAL
You establish a proposition, undertake How to stay abreast and meet the growing would not, you immediately attract smart a journey, and arrive at a destination demand for consumption? Research as people with similar values and the shared together. engagement establishes a platform for energy takes the ideas forward much Mixed methods. In today’s society, continuous idea generation and testing; faster than if you had relied on recruiting with the plethora of technologies a welcoming space for consumers to pose expensive staff in the hope they can be and platforms, PR practitioners and questions and suggestions. transformative. companies cannot rely on one method. It will be worthwhile to take the time to Using a blend of research techniques engage with the community, to reach out enables the matching of methods and Social trends change and begin a conversation. tools to the audience profile, with a community attitudes The result will be significant preference for interpersonal when and new technology improvements in government decision- influence is required. changes behaviour. making, policy and outcomes. This blending allows for changes in the speed Rhodri Ellis-Jones is the principal of Ellis of execution – when there is the need for Jones ‘an integrated marketing, communications a fast turnaround, using tablet technology Use methods and channels that work for and management consulting agency … with can dramatically reduce the turnaround the participant and client, processes and specialists in market research, brand identity, time for data compilation and analysis. avenues like social media and innovation public relations, social media, design and website Excite. We are all fundamentally attracted workshops that offer different ideas, ways development. www.ellisjones.com.au He was to something that sounds, looks and is to engage that suit different audiences. recommended to Today to author this article by the Public Relations Institute of Australia – exciting. The aim of a compelling and End result creative PR campaign is to create a the ‘national industry body for public relations sense of potential. Hire facilitators with The services provided by the public sector and communication professionals in Australia’. charisma and credibility. are often what consumers need most. www.pria.com.au Transport, electricity, medical – we all Give the project a name, a logo and an need these services. online home. By applying branding and communication theory, a groundswell of Engagement needs to be high, providing support for the outcomes extends way a service a consumer needs does not beyond the project. That’s ‘adding value’. mean there is no need to engage. A lack of engagement and ignoring the Support research undertaken with consumer voice will see the market messaging and materials that communities moving ahead of the public sector. Private can share to boost participation levels, entities will begin to develop products achieving sample size and segmentation. and services as an alternative based on Co-create. The consumer knows best. consumer feedback. They know what they want, where and Virtually take Development of ideas and processes is when they want it, and how much they without end. Even when technology is me with you are willing to pay. completely superseded the ideas behind You can read The job of a government or business its original development continue to Public Administration is economically viable fulfilment of course forward, unabated. consumer need. But social trends change Today online. To give is to receive – once you take community attitudes and new technology www.act.ipaa.org.au that step to give out information others changes behaviour.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 11 REPORT
Engaging youth in the top end paying dividends Northern Territory’s Manager, Community Engagement, Department of the Chief Minister, Siobhan Okely, below left, and the Coordinator of the Chief Minister’s Round Table of Young Territorians, Prue Jezierski, below right, report the on-going success of this community engagement program specific to youth.
Meeting four times a year, the Round Development Office and offered valuable Table provides advice to the NT input into the ‘Developing the North’ Government on youth issues, policy initiative and how it may affect young and other proposed initiatives. At Territorians, or how they can ensure the final meeting of the year, Round positive contributions will be made to Table members present a community- NT’s future economic and sustainable based project to cabinet ministers development. A briefing paper prepared and departmental chief executives at by the Round Table was provided to Parliament House. Members’ projects the Chief Minister for which public The Northern Territory Chief Minister’s and presentations are a culmination of comments were invited through an Round Table of Young Territorians their immense efforts put into yearlong online blog. The input from the Round (Round Table) was first appointed as community consultations, linkages with Table and public consultation will a youth advisory group in 1997. The non-government organisations (NGOs), provide the material in forming future Round Table is an independent group research, surveys, and attendance at events NT Government Policy. A copy of the providing a direct communication and on panels. Through these projects, briefing and consultations can be found at channel between young people and the members offer recommendations for NTG haveyoursay.nt.gov.au/developing-the-north/ Northern Territory Government (NTG). consideration aimed at improving the lives news_feed/young-territorians-share-their- Membership reflects the geographic, of young Territorians and that positively thoughts-on-the-north. cultural and ethnic diversity of young contribute to the advancement of the NT. During the past 17 years, over 250 young people in the Northern Territory (NT). members have sat at the Round Table The Round Table is re-formed each year Input from the and have developed from being young aspiring achievers to become company with up to 16 young people aged 15 – 25 Round Table and years appointed forming a demographic directors – including many young lawyers representation of young Territorians. Soon public consultation will who have played key roles as leaders in after forming the annual Round Table, provide the material their communities. appointees are tasked with surveying their in forming future NT Through volunteering their time on the peers across the NT. Using this mechanism Government Policy. Round Table and promoting the values the NTG is able to both tap into the voice of of a civil society, some member’s projects youth and sponsor the direction and content have become a way of life after completing of the Round Table’s work throughout the In 2014, members were consulted by their term on the Round Table. One year. Projects are typically community-based the Chief Minister, Minister for Young excellent example of a project that has and focus on addressing the survey findings. Territorians and the Northern Australia continued for more than four years
YOUTHFUL ADVISERS The NT Chief Minister’s Round Table of Young Territorians
12 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REPORT
tape’ in how they collect and process data and information provided to them. Members are encouraged to consult widely with community, private, public and NGO sectors; however, without the requirement to obtain typical approval processes required within the public sector. The independence of this youth advisory committee provides an opportunity for an efficient and effective process of collecting, assembling and analysing qualitative and quantitative evidence to present in support of projects. The encouragement of connectedness ASPIRATIONAL Round Table members at NT Parliament House with members across the NT Government ensures their projects have and assists young people by promoting and community consultations assist in information from a whole-of-government positive body image and eating disorder developing evidence-based policy that perspective and most importantly links support is the ‘Skin Deep Project’. Other underpins much of the work produced by them to the people who run programs recommendations and programs have been the small Office of Youth Affairs. ensuring a holistic, evidence-based report. considered within the NT Government’s policy and programs such as in sexual Throughout the year members have health education, career pathways, mental The ideas and the opportunity to sit on Territory and health and wellbeing spaces. national boards and committees and recommendations travel interstate and overseas to attend Projects produced through the Round produced by young events and connect with other young Table, with objective guidance from people. Some examples of Round Table the Office of Youth Affairs, reflect the people underpins representation over the past 12 months at creative and collaborative ways young much of the work conferences, events, advisory committees people can inform and shape innovative produced by the small and input into government policy and policy design. Members’ efforts are programs include: stimulated knowing they are responsible Office of Youth Affairs. for relaying youth-related concerns • East Timor Youth Conference. and recommendations directly to the The Office also assists members to • KidsMatters/MindMatters Reference Government of the day. connect with NGOs that specialise in Group meetings. Community engagement their area of concern and believe it is a • NT Early Intervention Pilot Program. key to success fundamental part of members’ projects • Briefing and consultations into that they hear from both the public and Community engagement is key to the ‘Developing the North’. success of a holistic approach to projects, private sectors. This provides greater with many members changing their opportunities for private and public • Foundation for Young Australians personal views on issues within their sector collaboration and capacity building, ‘Unleashed’ conference in Melbourne. community over the year. The ideas with members being an independent • ANZAC Centenary Advisory and recommendations produced by conduit between the two. As independent Committee. young people through their projects members, there is a limited burden of ‘red Continued.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 13 REPORT
• National Student Leadership Forum on Faith and Values, Parliament House, Canberra. • Regional Development Australia NT. A key tool for Round Table team members to engage with each other and others throughout the Territory is through their recently established Facebook page ‘Chief Minister’s Round Table of Young Territorians – NT’ www.facebook.com/pages/Chief- the 2015 recruitment. As seen in the comfort zones – encourages their personal Ministers-Round-Table-of-Young- accompanying graph, up to 3,000 people development. That is reflected at the Territorians-NT/675831345773959 are engaged daily through interest and conclusion of their term as they stand up active participation using this medium. at Parliament House in front of ministers Facebook is an excellent example of and government officials to confidently community engagement in the youth Providing opportunities to young present their passions. Members are sector – through sharing posts of interest members from the metropolitan, rural and guided over their term on how they can and through paid advertising to promote remote ends of the NT – outside of their have a positive impact on government policy and influence decision-making PROFILE processes. Recommendations are often : 2004 Round Table member, output-based and many have successfully Dan Bourchier led to positive government outcomes. A key success story from the 2014 Round Dan Bourchier breaking news in the Territory, as well as Table is that a member was awarded a NT opened the stories about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Law Society Public Purpose Trust fund first Northern Islander affairs and Indonesian politics. grant for 2015/2016, to run her ‘Peer Territory bureau Growing up in a predominantly Indigenous Panel Pilot Program’ in collaboration for SKY News township together with his coastal Victorian and National Aboriginal heritage has instilled an interest with various interested organisations. Indigenous in the culture, history and social justice This young person consulted heavily in Television. issues of Australia’s first peoples. 2014 with both the NT Government and His work involves covering breaking NGO stakeholders to progress her ‘Peer The highlight from his participation on the news throughout the Northern Territory Panel’ project, also commonly known as 2004 Round Table was the friendships he and reporting broadly on all facets of Facebook is an made with fellow members from every walk ‘Youth Courts.’ Indigenous affairs. of life,excellent which affected example him greatly through of For up to date information regarding the He believes his life and career owes sharedcommunity experiences and engagement stories. The friends Round Table and to view previous reports visit much to the many opportunities he has Dan made at the Round Table are still youth.nt.gov.au been offered, including participating on friendsin today the almost youth a decade sector. later and, the Round Table. although they are in varying stages of their And, to find out where some former Round lives and careers, he says ‘the Round Table Table members are now and what they have Dan says his current role with SKY afforded us all an invaluable opportunity to achieved follow the link to the Where are they News gives him the opportunity to cover become lifelong mates’. now? report youth.nt.gov.au/youth_round_ table.html
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WINNER 2014 Australian Awards for Excellence in Public Sector Management Community (see page 36). engagement writ large!
Thomas Parkes, left, reports that community engagement by the Department of Human Services is a massive, never-ending interaction. From the old Special interest The ‘National Welfare Rights Network’ to the young, advisory groups includes 16 community legal services from the city to specialising in social security and family In 2013-14, DHS facilitated several the country, the assistance law and its administration by DHS. national advisory groups and forums. Department of These involved representatives from This network’s member organisations Human Services peak advocacy groups, service providers, provide assistance to individual clients, (DHS) connects conduct training for community workers, with the Australian community in ways professional and industry bodies, and produce publications to assist social that could only be dreamt about when and employers. security recipients and community the Commonwealth introduced the first organisations to understand the system. aged pension schemes in 1909. The department The ‘National Student Services Today’s challenge is to keep up with the continuously improves Partnership Group’ continued to work technology – and the expectations of the its consultation with with DHS on all aspects of service community that government services will delivery to students and includes be delivered instantly – in their millions. others by including engagement and representatives from education and parent Community engagement peak bodies. Members are advised of any communication plans as While managing these millions of one-to- changes to student income support policy, one interactions, the DHS also maintains a mandatory requirement and service delivery. close relationships with the sectors that for all major projects. Group representatives provide feedback make up the Australian community, on issues affecting students, parents and including the department’s stakeholders. educational bodies. DHS maintains a student The role of these advisory groups is to The community engagement framework payment resource guide to help members ensures the department has productive raise operational and program level issues of the group and student advisory bodies and collaborative relationships across the affecting the customer groups they represent, to understand student payment policy. discuss enhancements to service delivery, Australian Government, with community DHS and the Departments of Social and participate in co-design of services. and health professionals and the not- Services jointly convene the ‘Child for-profit and private sectors, including The ‘Stakeholder Consultative Group’, Support National Stakeholder through advisory groups and forums. for example, is the department’s peak Engagement Group’. It connects a broad This approach reflects DHS’s aim stakeholder consultation forum on health cross-section of advocacy groups, the legal to improve effectiveness and ensure issues. It includes representatives and community, academics and peak bodies genuine and constructive stakeholder professionals from consumer, medical, of support service providers. The group engagement that is strategically driven allied health, pharmaceutical and aged- discusses current child support policy, and helps improve the delivery of care fields. service delivery and administration. payments and services across the welfare The group provides advice on emerging Group members also help develop and health sectors. operational matters as well as input into and test new products and services The department continuously improves the implementation of government to support separated parents better its consultation with others by including measures. This helps improve the understand their responsibility for engagement and communication effectiveness of the service delivery providing financial and emotional support plans as a mandatory requirement for aspects of the health programmers the necessary for their children’s wellbeing, all major projects. department administers. during and after separation.
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CASE STUDY Talkback radio: not just the province of shock jocks and outspoken commentators. For the Department of Human reached a record 9.7 million last ‘Radio is not a dying medium. Services, talkback radio is an year. Across Australia up to 60,000 Talkback, in particular, has a very important listening post – and a people are tuning into individual engaged audience that listens means of reaching the community. talkback programs. on their radios, in cars and, It was described in one study as This kind of reach into the community increasingly, on smart phones,’ ‘a homeland and a heartland for in every state and territory is one of the he said. listeners – a place where they feel reasons DHS engages with customers ‘We mostly get genuine callers safe to air their opinions – and through the interactive medium. who choose to engage with us ask questions’. Hank Jongen, General Manager of through talkback, which means According to industry body the Communication Division and the we can help resolve their issues Commercial Radio Australia, department’s spokesman is a firm and demonstrate to the broader commercial radio listeners believer in the role of talkback radio. audience that we’re here to help.’
The ‘Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender In 2013-14, issues raised by these groups This is done through a range of channels and Intersex Working Group’ was included online and mobile apps for including the department’s website, other established in October 2011, specifically culturally and linguistically diverse customers, government department and agency to engage with stakeholders in employment and training initiatives in websites, publications and third party and implementing the Same Sex Relationships local areas and multilingual services. community organisations. (Equal Treatment in Commonwealth DHS also focuses on the mainstream media Laws-General Reform) Act 2008. An important part of to deliver messages to wider audiences. DHS has partnerships with an extensive the relationship with Social media range of stakeholders from community DHS uses social media to listen, engage and and government organisations across all the community is to consult with the community. levels of government that work on issues keep them informed of relating to service delivery for culturally policies, changes and Through social media monitoring, the and linguistically diverse (CALD) opportunities across the department listens to what people are saying customers. The ‘National Multicultural about government services and responds Advisory Group’ includes members from social services sector. to their questions with helpful information government agencies and peak bodies about our payments and support services. DHS also meets regularly with its ‘Older representing communities from culturally The feedback on social media also helps Australians Working Group’. It has and linguistically diverse backgrounds. improve service delivery. representatives from 13 peak organisations This group provides advice and feedback and customer groups and offers feedback on Engaging in social media – both on about the quality and effectiveness of DHS the current and potential impacts of service official social media accounts and in service delivery to multicultural customers. delivery on older Australians. In 2013–14 other online spaces – means DHS can At its annual face-to-face meeting issues the issues discussed included strategies to effectively deliver information and discussed include cultural awareness improve take-up of online services and support to people where and how they training in the department, its ‘Agency opportunities for red tape reduction. choose to receive it. Multicultural Plan’, challenges for Communication with the DHS established ‘speechbubble’ as an refugees in accessing services, and future broader community online discussion forum to inform service delivery design. and engage with customers, staff and Concurrent with these business stakeholders. It is an online collaborative DHS also convenes multicultural advisory interactions, the department has a wide- platform where people can post committees and forums to consult ranging program to promote access to comments, suggestions and feedback, regularly with multicultural communities payments and services. providing a less formal and more at local, state and territory levels. An important part of the relationship with immediate way for the department to These committees and forums operate in the community is to keep them informed consult directly and widely with the areas with high multicultural populations of policies, changes and opportunities public to develop citizen-centred products including most capital cities. across the social services sector. and services. Continued.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 17 REPORT
Speechbubble provides a forum for • Hosting on Facebook a series of live • Creating and sharing informative anyone with access to a computer and Q&A events for older Australians, carers, videos and podcasts on the department’s Internet connection to participate from students, and families. website and on YouTube. wherever they are located, and it works • Using Facebook and Twitter to share The website continues to strengthen and alongside face-to-face forums such as important information and engage with support customers with 96 million visits workshops and focus groups, providing an customers and the broader community. in 2013–14 compared to 90.5 million alternative location for participants or a visits the previous year. complementary platform for discussion. • Monitoring online forums and social networking sites to actively respond to Thomas Parkes is Chair of the Public A quick check of the action on the social customer questions and complaints. Relations Institute of Australia’s College media front shows a busy DHS leading • Providing immediate updates and alerts of Fellows. Long-time observer, teacher and the way for the public sector. In 2013–14, participant in government communication. the department’s initiatives included: on Australian Government assistance during emergencies. • Re-establishing Facebook and establishing Google Plus accounts.
More than half a million contacts – daily! The Australian Government A mobile, digital world All the Centrelink online Department of Human Services transactions topped 59 million – The hand held device changing the measures its engagement with the more than two transactions for communication habits of millions of Australian community in millions. every Australian. DHS customers is the smart phone. Over the year, Medicare online It touches the lives of about According to the Australian account transactions came in 99 per cent of the Australian Communications and Media at four million and child support population through the delivery Authority, the communications transactions at 183,000. of government health and welfare market continues to rapidly payments and services. transition from a fixed to a mobile- Those same mobile phone users In 2013–14, DHS delivered $159.2 dominated landscape – 48 per are likely to get an SMS message billion in payments to customers cent of Australians now identify the telling them about a payment or a and providers – each one of those mobile phone as their most-used benefit – or, in the case of disaster, an individual interaction – covering communications device – for both that their emergency payment has Medicare, Centrelink and child data and voice services. gone into their bank account. support programs. The take-up of smart phones More than 29 million SMS Services and support are increased from 25 per cent of the messages were sent last year. provided through a variety adult population to 49 per cent, The government has recognised of channels including digital, which equates to an estimated 8.7 the importance of providing digital telephone and a network of million smart phone users. access to all its services. over 400 service centres across That device in the palm of your hand The central myGov site now Australia with almost 360,000 is a new way to do business with offers access to seven different face-to-face contacts, daily! DHS – from the lounge room, the sets of services. That’s equivalent to filling the office, or park bench – wherever the A secure myGov account lets MCG three and a half times. customer is. the community link a range of People call DHS from their homes, In August 2014 alone, the Australian Government services workplaces, or on the move at the department’s Centrelink customers with one username and password, rate of 220,000 calls a day, or 59 tapped in 4.25 million transactions all in one place. million calls over the year. using mobile apps. More than five million Australians Every year DHS also posts 92 Centrelink transactions using the now have myGov accounts. million letters and digitally transmits range of smart phone applications approximately 184 million more! topped 36 million in 2013–14.
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Visit us at government.unimelb.edu.au OPINION – TUTORIAL
Community engagement is about relationships Engagement is not a task, writes Jennifer Cromarty, left. It should be embedded into the culture of an organisation.
Like any marriage counsellors will tell you, to It must incorporate the governance of culture, like any build a long lasting, successful, mutually the relationship between the organisation relationship, beneficial relationship you need more and its stakeholders and also the value engagement needs than good communication. stakeholders desire from the organisation. to be nurtured and Through years of research and experience, A wide range of tactical services is offered developed. How Socom’s Managing Director David by a professional public relations consultancy, do we engage Hawkins has developed a model of including output services like media relations, more effectively with our publics to relationships and how to measure them. event management, corporate publication improve relations and subsequent benefits? In his book Valuing Relationships, this management and, more recently, social media The key question is why should we model is explained. management. At the strategic end of the adopt such a culture? Apart from being scale, are other public relations service areas including crisis communication management, common sense, it results in better results, Good engagement is greater buy-in from stakeholders of those strategic communications, issues and risk and an increased chance of achieving about more effective and management and stakeholder engagement. organisational goals. strategic relationships Stakeholder engagement can mean At the beginning of any public relations with those people engaging with the community, internal strategy, practitioners set SMART and groups important audiences, government, industry, regulators or consumers. Good engagement is about objectives – specific, measurable, to your organisation. achievable, realistic and time bound – that more effective and strategic relationships focus on ‘raising awareness’, or ‘increasing with those people and groups important brand recognition’, or that seek to In it David writes that any relationships, to your organisation. ‘increase satisfaction levels’. personal or communal (between an From a public administration perspective organisation and community groups I’ve always thought it interesting that this means identifying and listening to for example), can be measured by the most SMART objectives like these, fail constituencies or communities in which combination of the three elements: to recognise the fundamental purpose they operate. This listening will help of public relations. (Ed. But the SMART Governance: the way an organisation with an analysis of their attitudes and formula is useful when setting objectives for any treats people and behaves when dealing behaviours. These are the first steps to plan – not just PR – because, done properly, with its stakeholders. developing an engagement strategy and establishing good governance structures your objectives are measurable and, therefore Value: the tangible and intangible benefits for the relationships. As well, this initial accountable. ‘If you can’t measure a result, it that the stakeholders desire from the conversation will give clues as to the won’t happen.’) relationship with the organisation, and, benefits different community members The most accepted definition of PR is Communication: how and what desire from their relationship with your ‘a strategic communication process that information is provided and how the organisation. Once you understand that, it builds mutually beneficial relationships organisation manages expectations. makes it easier to start working with them. between organisations and their publics’. The elements used to measure The old adage that the key to a successful It’s a basic concept meant to guide all relationships help explain why the success marriage is good communication may be communication activity but, too often, the of an organisation – or even just one of partially true. But it’s not the complete ‘relationship’ aspect is forgotten. the organisation’s projects – is reliant not picture. Communicating with your partner This may be because the definition is just on good communication but include lets them know what you’re doing, feeling fundamentally flawed. Despite what some a deeper level of engagement. or thinking but it doesn’t necessarily
20 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION OPINION – TUTORIAL
invite them to come along for the ride. But different levels Inform. This is If you’re to create successful relationships, of engagement are the lowest level of in business or in life, both parties need to required for different stakeholders and engagement you can feel like they’re in it together. different projects – depending on the level of have with your communities and while When it comes to community engagement, public impact and ability for public to have sometimes it may be the only and best feeling like they’re part of a team, means input. The key is to conduct a stakeholder option, it usually forms one part of a community members are more likely to analysis to determine the roles stakeholders more comprehensive engagement strategy. feel satisfied with the outcome of particular will play in achieving your organisation’s Examples of tools used to inform projects they’ve embarked on together goals. That will determine the level of communities are fact sheets, website and with your organisation. It also means engagement you need to have with them. online information, open houses. they’re more likely to show understanding IAP2 stakeholder Consult. Much the same as the idea that and tolerance in tough times. engagement spectrum listening is key to a successful relationship, Creating a reservoir of goodwill means if The International Association of Public a good community engagement strategy an organisation’s stakeholder relationships Participation has produced the ‘IAP2 needs to involve mechanisms to collect are already strong, it’s more likely the Stakeholder Engagement Spectrum’, feedback and measure community stakeholders will support the organisation which may help public administrators sentiment and/or opinions. through difficult situations like during decide how deeply they need to engage Involve. For decisions that may attract a crisis, or media backlash. For public with their communities. a high level of community interest administrators, it is valuable to identify or for contentious issues likely to opportunities to grow goodwill among cause community concern – such as the community through collaborative Not all stakeholder local infrastructure developments – engagement activities and recognise how engagement strategies organisations should try to involve their this may pay off in the future. are created equal. communities in decision-making. Of course, not all stakeholder engagement The types of tools and activities to use in strategies are created equal. There is a the ‘involve’ level of engagement are things spectrum of engagement and no level The spectrum moves from ‘inform’, to like workshops and deliberate polling. on the spectrum is wrong or necessarily ‘consult’, to ‘involve’ and ‘collaborate’, better than others. and finally to ‘empower’. Continued.
CASE STUDY Development Australia Forum Socom was asked by the Federal with a range of different stakeholders The results of the stakeholder Government to undertake a national who had an interest in the consultation showed areas of consultation program to provide development application process. agreement around the new feedback on a new development The consultation program used model but also any areas most assessment model developed by a framework to ensure the report stakeholders agreed needed to Charles Sturt University. provided consistent feedback be reworked. We travelled to every state and to the department from all territory and managed meetings stakeholder groups.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 21 OPINION – TUTORIAL
Collaborate. Public administrators can • Be integral to organisational governance. Be clear on what you want, or need, your collaborate with their communities through • Be transparent. stakeholders and your community, to do to advisory committees, consensus building achieve success and share this with them. and participatory decision-making. • Have a process appropriate to the stakeholders engaged. Assess the situation Empower. Placing final decision-making in (Determine problems and the hands of the public through ballots and • Be adequately resourced, timely, flexible opportunities) and responsive. citizen juries or panels. If public administrators Identifying risks from the get go, means choose to go down this path, it’s important risk mitigation strategies can be included in to define the scope of the public decision- the engagement strategy. That can prevent making role. That way, organisations won’t Don’t wait until the end of the campaign organisations from being surprised by be left with a decision that is impossible to problems during the engagement process implement and raise unrealistic expectations. to get a shock that and having to think of solutions on the run. Regardless of which level of stakeholder your objectives haven’t Research – desktop engagement is used, it is important been achieved. and field research with organisations follow engagement stakeholder groups principles or guidelines that comply with the international standard. Adhering When Socom consultants assist organisations Talk to stakeholders about the process, but to engagement guidelines ensures the to engage with their communities, we more importantly, make sure you listen to ‘governance’ part of the relationship use a tried and tested methodology that what they are saying. This is where you will equation described earlier. Quality includes the following steps: identify the benefits each stakeholder desires stakeholder engagement should be based Be clear on outcomes from the relationship with your organisation. on a commitment to the AA1000APS The first question all organisations Strategy development principles that stipulate engagement must: need to ask themselves at the beginning The results of the three steps above will help • Clearly define the scope. of any engagement is ‘What does guide the development of your organisation’s • Have an agreed decision-making process. success look like?’ The answer to this community engagement plan that should question needs to be top of mind define objectives. Include a stakeholder • Focus on issues relevant to the throughout the entire process from analysis that shows the likely concerns organisation and/or its stakeholders. strategy development right through to the and value of the project for each stakeholder. • Create opportunities for dialogue. measurement and evaluation phase. Continued page 24.
CASE STUDY A New Women’s Hospital for Victoria The Victorian Government had Socom developed a carefully targeted the hospital to lead a community committed $64 million for the community relations’ campaign in consultation and recruitment redevelopment of Carlton’s 130 which 1,000 Victorians, mostly women, program. Socom assisted it to year-old Royal Women’s Hospital. participated. The public demand for build support from nearly 1,000 At the time, the new CEO quickly the full rebuilding of the hospital was community leaders and members. ascertained that would only created. Powerful and well-known Then Premier Napthine, provide a short-term solution. Her Victorian women were recruited to committed $190 million to the full initial requests to government for a Community Steering Committee, redevelopment of the hospital. more money were not met. which operated independently of
22 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION OPINION – TUTORIAL
CASE STUDY Places Victoria – Cairnlea The Albion munitions factory, a The Urban Land Corporation asked 470 hectares block situated 17 Socom to prepare a communication kilometres from the city, presented strategy, handle the environmental the Urban Land Corporation and contamination issues, with an opportunity to create communicate with the community Melbourne’s newest suburb. and market the development to The site was unique, not only potential buyers. because of its history but The key to the success of the project because it also was home to was to ensure all communication two endangered species. The clearly explained the vision for the area contained contaminated end product and its benefits to the soil, remnants of the factory local community. Those included operations. This waste was to two new schools, sports facilities, be placed safely in an onsite expansion of the university, clean-up repository; however, the Werribee of the site and the natural surrounds, waste dump had made local construction of several lakes and contamination and the storage residents edgy towards any an improvement of the traffic of contaminated waste issues waste storage. management in the area – without dominating media coverage.
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PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 23 OPINION – TUTORIAL
CASE STUDY Benalla Rural City Council’s Rating Strategy
Council rates often evoke criticism rating strategy and the council’s community’s expectations, assist of local government conduct budget. Some community members the community in reviewing and and performance. That is what were also questioning the fairness developing recommendations happened when the Benalla Rural and equity of the proposed rating on the BRCC’s Rating Strategy City Council (BRCC) wanted to strategy. Transitional Proposals and review its rating strategy. Socom was appointed to facilitate feed this back to Council. There was general community a comprehensive community The community praised the confusion surrounding council consultation process to define the consultation process.
Continued from page 22. The plan should their communities and other stakeholders, might mean a marriage that lasts a lifetime also include the strategies you’ll use to the more I realise that all relationships – but for public administrators it means engage with your community and the in life and in business – thrive under the working together with communities to activities you’ll use to do this. same conditions. If you want to know how achieve organisational goals. Measure and track progress to engage effectively with organisational stakeholders, think about how you manage Jennifer Cromarty is a director of Don’t wait until the end of the campaign your personal relationships. Which are the public relations agency SOCOM – to get a shock that your objectives haven’t ones that have survived and thrived? How www.socom.com.au – focused on crisis been achieved. Set up systems that allow did you manage those differently from the management and engagement. The company you to recognise where you might be ones that were not successful? also delivers the stakeholder engagement going off track as you’re progressing. That Communicate, ask questions, listen; work training for IPAA Victoria. Jennifer is a Fellow way, you can steer the ship back on course on projects together; know when to stand of the Public Relations Institute of Australia, before it’s too late. back and let your partner take control; treat which recommended her to Today as a credible The longer I assist government each other well – these are the things that source for commentary about this edition’s organisations to engage effectively with build successful relationships. In life this ‘Community Engagement’ theme.
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REPORT
A partnership approach
Trucks and the Inner West – a community engagement story from VicRoads’ Paul Matthews, Executive General Manager, Stakeholder Engagement. For more than 20 years, day and night needed to provide a better model of Branding a partnership truck movements have punctuated consultation with the community and A communications group planned how residential streets in Footscray and Yarraville involve them in helping to identify the the agencies would engage the community in Melbourne’s inner west – gateway to issues and potential short-term solutions. and a technical working group was charged the busiest container port in Australia! The community owned this issue and with data analysis and the development Air quality, noise, loss of sleep, safety needed to be involved in discussing of options using survey results. It was around schools, enforcement of existing options and developing solutions with the clear we would need to produce plenty curfews, land use, congested streets and industry and agencies. The partnership of information for the community. With general liveability of the area are just a few needed to be open and inclusive. this in mind, we made the call to drop all of the community issues. Government existing logos from any partnership material agencies may be tempted to take the easier This is the story of a produced. This would speed up approvals, option of doing nothing rather than trying bypass branding guidelines and help the to negotiate through complex issues, successful partnership partnership develop its own identity. We competing demands and rigid opinions. united by a common developed the partnership brand using each But the community was frustrated, the purpose and genuine agency name and an image of a truck. industry disengaged and VicRoads was will to engage with the Open house challenged to find solutions. community to help find community forums Long-term solutions require investment short-term solutions. The first open house forum was in infrastructure. Truck traffic continues convened in February 2014 where the to increase but road freight plays an truck movement survey was outlined In December 2013, VicRoads important economic role. Several and community feedback gathered by commissioned a truck movement survey community action groups had been very mapping comments on a large-scale to better understand the problem. It vocal with street protests around schools, residential map. Residents were asked measured 22,000 truck movements, sleep outs and political petitions. The to flag where they lived and make monitored whether they had business many differing views illustrated why this suggestions or highlight issues within the precinct or travelled difficult issue had no easy answers. But through strategically placed flags. what if there was a way forward through through it and what types agency and council partnership? This is of truck they were. the story of a successful partnership united by a common purpose and genuine will to engage with the community to help find short-term solutions. In the beginning Following the release of an EPA Victoria report on noise and air quality in Francis Street, Yarraville the ‘Trucks and the Inner West Partnership’ was formed between VicRoads, EPA Victoria, the Department of Health and the City of Maribyrnong. Chief executives came together to work on short-term solutions. From the first meeting one thing was very clear – we
26 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REPORT
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Trucks and the Inner West consultation
The agencies’ chief executives and senior by emotion but there was a sense of local truck operators and members from staff helped explain the recent EPA optimism in the efforts of the partnership. MTAG. The industry workshop was the Victoria noise and air quality data, curfew first time the VTA and MTAG had been in enforcement practices and health standards. The aim was to the same room together, a turning point in a somewhat tumultuous relationship. Truck The aim was to listen and understand, listen and understand, not always to respond. A partnership representatives explained the productivity email list was established for attendees and not always to respond. issues resulting from additional truck street information was shared summarising each curfews, potentially resulting in job losses session, with copies of all material displayed Community and Industry and business closures. While the workshop or handed out. This included PDFs of facilitated workshops did assist better understanding between industry and community, there was still posters and flyers all created and branded While community action groups, an impasse. ‘Trucks and the Inner West Partnership’. Maribyrnong Truck Action Group The open house format gave a valuable (MTAG) and Less Trucks for Moore, Curfew options were developed for insight into the issues faced by many were involved with briefings prior to Somerville Road and Moore Street residents. While VicRoads was focused each open house forum, it was clear that as well as a number of other actions on the issues around Francis Street, other getting any traction on options would including new signage, tree planting and hotspots emerged around Moore Street require the industry and community to road maintenance for the second industry and Somerville Road – confirmed later better understand each other’s positions. workshop. Representation from the by truck survey results. Another protest had been arranged by group Less Trucks for Moore boosted the At the next open house forum in June, MTAG to stop traffic around schools on community voice. Each option developed a short video was shown and a handout Somerville road for late October. included an impact statement around distributed highlighting the results of In September 2014, VicRoads convened community, traffic volumes on other the truck survey. A plenary session was an independently facilitated workshop roads, industry and the environment. held with the chief executives from each with all partners, the Department Participants were asked to rate each agency, updating the community on of Transport, Planning and Local option by physically moving to different progress and continuing the conversation Infrastructure (DTPLI) and industry areas in the room. The ratings ranged about short-term solutions. Questions representatives from the Victorian from ‘love it’, ‘like it’, ‘live with it’, to from attendees were often fuelled Transport Association (VTA), including ‘loathe it’. Continued.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 27 Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B TAKE THE NEXT STEP INTO THE HALLS OF POWER
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REPORT TAKE THE NEXT STEP INTO THE HALLS OF POWER
TRUCK BREAKTHROUGH Maribyrnong Leader, Melbourne,14 Oct 2014, by Bridie Byrne If you’re preparing to take the next step with a career in STRICTER TRUCK CURFEW FOR INNER WEST Age, Melbourne, 09 Oct 2014, by Adam Carey NEW TRUCK CURFEW A ‘GOOD START’ Maribyrnong Weekly, Melbourne, 15 Oct 2014, by Benjamin Millar politics and policy analysis then now is the time. SOLUTIONS TO TRUCK TRAFFIC Maribyrnong Leader, Melbourne, 07 Oct 2014 Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Professional Political Practice When members of the community also addressed the audience, signalling that Listening to a range of views and ideas in provides applied, up-to-date knowledge, in conjunction and the VTA met halfway on a number by working together, short-term solutions order to understand, test, and arrive at a with a strong professional development focus for those of options, we knew we were getting could be found. The Somerville Road suitable compromise can be a challenge working closely with government. close to real progress. By the end of the protest organised for later in the month but is always worth pursuing. While the meeting, there was hope that options was then cancelled. main truck curfew changes announced IT’S RELEVANT could be agreed prior to the third open will begin early this year, the partnership The course was designed in consultation with representatives house community forum. continues to engage the community on As Chief Executive of this important issue. from industry, government and private enterprise. New truck curfews VicRoads, John Merritt, announced Lessons learned / top tips announced each IT’S FLEXIBLE At the third forum, VicRoads announced When your issue reaches a standstill, initiative, the With cloud learning, on-campus intensives, and both full a number of initiatives to the community. bring government agencies together at audience applauded. and part-time study options, the course is designed to fi t The partnership had agreed on curfews a senior level. on Moore Street that involved a night Engage with the community as a united around you. ban for through trucks, a curfew around The success of the evening was the partnership, focused on making a difference. school times in Somerville Road and IT’S TIME result of comprehensive community Have independently facilitated speed limit changes in Francis Street. and stakeholder consultation, enhanced Choose a Graduate Diploma of Professional Political Practice As Chief Executive of VicRoads, John workshops with all parties to seek further through agency partnership. A common understanding and test options. from Deakin University. Merritt, announced each initiative, the sense of purpose prevailed in every audience applauded. discussion. It wasn’t easy, but perseverance Don’t let different agendas drive the outcome. Work to find the middle ground. REIMAGINE TOMORROW The Mayor of Maribyrnong, president of proved effective community consultation MTAG and a senior VTA representative could be achieved. Be resilient and transparent. Apply now at deakin.edu.au/politics PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 29 REPORT
Geek engagement reaps big benefits GovHack 2014 attracted more than 1,300 participants, sponsorship from all levels of government, and some of the biggest brands in Australian technology – a superb example of a very modern form of community engagement. Today reports. So, what is it, really? GovHack is now video, prototype, and descriptive team framework. This first-hand, honest and arguably Australia’s largest platform for page that becomes a permanent record for frank communication is refreshing for both enabling collaboration, where government the world to reference and build on. government and members of the growing is able to tap into skills and ideas across Collaboration and GovHack community. the whole of society to develop new ways engagement drive The corporate sponsors gain the to respond effectively to new challenges GovHack’s success opportunity to demonstrate their and opportunities. The success of this event is strongly expertise and tools, identify talent, and The event attracts the best and brightest linked to its ability to allow free flowing align themselves with the civic hacker in the country with the opportunity to interchanges between participants and movement in Australia. work with government data to make a supporting government agencies. Not From this perspective, GovHack provides better society. It encourages and celebrates restricted by the traditional bureaucracy a low risk environment where people technical creativity in Australia by the participants choose their interests, working with government can make connecting citizens with government to undertake investigation and are able to ask mistakes, generate myriad ideas, and achieve great outcomes that build social and work with government subject matter enable innovation to flourish. The overall and economic value. experts to refine a data set or brainstorm event is one that acknowledges creativity GovHack is not just a competition. It ideas to shape a solution. without significant risk to either party. is a vision for a more participatory and Navel gazing and effective democracy and public service in They brainstorm problem solving Australia. It provides a new framework that can aid government decision-making, ideas, design solutions, Datasets and problems for solution inspire innovation, and drive more build, and create. range from extremely complex science efficient and effective uses of public or geospatial datasets and data services, to visually appealing ways to mash resources. It is an important part of a With minimal boundaries for what can up various datasets, tools that enable broader civic movement of geeks who be achieved other than ‘use a particular government to do its work in a new or want to make the world a better place, and data set’ or ‘help us build a better service’, innovative fashion, through to website have the skills and motivation to do so. competitors are able to challenge existing redesigns and basic public information Working at any level in the public service approaches or simply build something services. The datasets may contain a range today means finding ways to collaborate, that has only a slight tangible link with of images, spatial and scientific data, consolidate, and be creative in finding the supporting agencies’ guidelines. budget information and much more, solutions to everyday problems. GovHack Government agencies support a wide with supporting agencies not limited in enables that by providing a platform that variety of submissions for their categories. what they can contribute. brings together government, industry, Over the course of the 48-hour weekend A nation of civic hackers does more than academia and civil society to achieve agencies gain the benefit of creative hackers some navel gazing and awesome projects amazing things. doing some navel gazing and problem though. Over the years GovHack has In the space of one weekend, participants solving on their behalf. Agencies’ subject inspired several significant and interesting are given hundreds of datasets, example matter experts can find out what inspired changes in government. problems to solve and competition goals participants to take a particular approach, to aim for. They brainstorm ideas, develop or build using a particular technology. For instance, in 2012, the ‘Open Budget’ teams, meet and talk with government Participants have the opportunity to project took a lot of hard work, sweat and agencies, identify obstacles to overcome, solve real problems and quiz agencies tears to show government how much more design solutions, build, and create. Team about why they store data in a particular valuable budget data could be. In its first entries consist of a three-minute pitch way, or why a service uses a particular year in the competition, the team behind
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NATIONAL Excited hackers watch the live stream of 2013 awards’ ceremony PHOTO Sharon Scott the project spent hours figuring out ways Hackers take many forms – nationwide, with such a varied range of to extract data from the federal budget PDF growing the community skill sets and backgrounds and who care documents. They were then able to visualise passionately enough about the country to Perhaps the most successful element of the data to provide an interactive user volunteer their time to help it solve the GovHack is the motivated and skilled experience for digging deep into budget problems it faces. cross section of the community it has allocations across the government. enabled government to engage with. Canberra Grammar School has brought its This year the Open Budget team worked ‘Code Cadets’ program to GovHack every formally with the Department of Finance GovHack 2014 saw teams of people from year since 2012. With a focus on enhancing and The Treasury with the first formal technical, hacker, and maker communities, and building basic programing knowledge machine readable budget data release on international consultancies, private the school sees GovHack as an opportunity data.gov.au. The data enabled journalists enterprise, budding entrepreneurs, the to pitch its students against seasoned veterans to quickly quantify and communicate public service, high schools, universities, in a friendly, but competitive, environment. and professional developer communities. budget allocations, civic-minded groups Matthew Purcell who teaches Information to analyse how the budget would likely A nation of civic and Software Technology at Canberra impact their interests and supported start- Grammar School highlights the importance ups looking to use government budget hackers does more than of engagement opportunities like GovHack. data in their businesses. some navel gazing. ‘Coding and programing within schools Since the inception of the Open Budget used to be something in which only the entry, we have seen a rise in government They all had skill sets ranging from coding, most serious of geeks would engage. Over using infographics and data visualisations to user-centred and graphic design, the past few years, however, the advent of to improve how it communicates often visualisation, writing, project management, apps and ubiquitous nature of technology, complex policy and budget matters. For 3d printing, and data analysis. particularly in terms of mobile devices, has example, the Tax Office this year released a shown the power of technology to help It is a rare occasion where government detailed breakdown of how much individuals improve everyday life for ordinary people. can attract the attention of 1,300 people pay towards particular public services. Continued.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 31 REPORT
to come back. Additional feedback from participants Surprisingly describes the benefits of networking and for some, it’s meeting new people, the acknowledgement largely not and opportunity to drive change in about the prize government through real world challenges. money. Based That influences how the GovHack on the feedback, organisers take on and communicate with CO-WORKERS Local hackers collaborate onsite at Canberra’s Event 29 co-working space PHOTO Sharon Scott organisers its government supporters. Participant are able to feedback tells GovHack that when and ‘Being involved in tech is no longer say participants enjoy the community if agencies support the event, it isn’t so niche – particularly in schools, it’s the atmosphere, showing off their skills much the money that’s important, it’s cool thing everyone wants to do. The against the technical challenges and the the meaningful and fun community challenge is how to engage students professional development they can’t get in development and engagement. in meaningful ways, teaching them the office. And, of course, the event is fun. If government agencies are creative, practical skills combined with providing collaborative and take the small risk of real-world opportunities to apply these exposing new and important data, or skills. GovHack allows that real world It is a rare occasion provide never-before-seen access to the experience for my students. where government can inner workings of government, the benefit ‘Unlike other events in which students attract the attention of of their involvement is increased two or three fold. When they expose the new participate, GovHack is not just a school 1,300 people nationwide, event – it is for civic hackers from all and unknown they gain more interest and backgrounds ranging from professional to volunteer their time more innovative ideas than just increasing developers and designers through to to help it solve the the prize money for something participants passionate hobbyists. This provides problems it faces. can usually access on their own. relevant and authentic context for our It is these sought after insights that students to further develop and apply make GovHack organisers wonder if their skills. The students learn to work GovHack provides a ‘sandpit’ for perhaps government in general doesn’t collaboratively, engage with other teams, experimentation many employers don’t need to rethink its entire procurement seek assistance from subject-matter provide. Their office’s benefit though and engagement approach. There experts … and get to be involved in a – participants return to work from are entire start-up communities and major, nationwide event. GovHack with new knowledge and emerging industries that pride themselves ‘One of the most valuable aspects of skills they can use to improve and solve on creativity and innovation with a GovHack for our students is the freedom problems in their every day jobs. secondary focus on money, that find traditional procurement and engagement to make whatever apps, visualisations, or Increasingly companies are encouraging approaches by governments too mashups they like – while conforming this kind of innovation in-house. For cumbersome to bother with. these to prize categories, providing some instance, Google has a play time policy, guidance and focus for their projects,’ where employees can use 20 per cent of Building innovation Matthew said. their working time to work on whatever back into government – Feedback provided to GovHack projects they want. The result: many of no easy task organisers each year helps them better Google’s key products have emerged as a Longevity of all that creativity is still one understand what works and doesn’t for result of allowing their geeks to do what of GovHack’s biggest challenges. While the event and why competitors continue they do naturally and innovate. the event stimulates initial innovation,
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HOST As host for the NSW node of GovHack in 2014, OPTIVER opened its doors to more than 150 hackers PHOTO Gavin Tapp
finding sustainable means to encourage and embed data analysts or hackers as part of sponsors, VIPs, and, most importantly, each government to take those next steps is an ‘in residence’ program to work alongside other. Winners are announced for major still a trial-and-error process. public servants on the job. The aim of the categories in an X Factor-style broadcast As an initial incentive all entries are to program is to drive innovation with fresh ceremony, with participants around the be open sourced. This means all code and ideas, and provide the incumbent experts country tuning in live. It is an awesome concepts are available for others to build on. with the ability to explore new concepts and exciting celebration of technical and feed them back into the organisation. excellence in Australia. Supporting the open source community is a foundation stone of the ethics of GovHack. Recognition and history The feedback is two way, participants are With all those ideas available it means Showcasing what comes of such hard able to identify issues they came across in government has an established ideas base work is the final and most important step their descriptive videos and team pages to reference as a permanent piece of its in the complex GovHack framework. submitted as part of their entries. They innovation infrastructure. are also able to use mechanisms such as the GovHack Data Rating Tool to In experiments with more structured It isn’t so much the money grade the quality of the data provided by longevity models, different wings of that’s important, it’s government. It all helps public servants GovHack are trialling mechanisms to better understand how to improve their encourage ongoing support after the event. the meaningful and fun community development offerings to the broader Australian public. For instance, ‘Unleashed Adelaide’ in GovHack was initially run in 2009 for South Australia has a Premier’s Prize and engagement. the Gov 2.0 Taskforce. It was established that funds ongoing development of an to advise government on policy reforms, entry via financial winnings as well as The event makes a great effort to ensure technology innovations, and service mentorship via local corporate sponsors. as many people are recognised as possible. This requires considerable energy and improvements that would advance GovHack also partners with other coordination. With more prizes than you more open and transparent government community and industry organisations, can poke a stick at, judging for the event practices in Australia. hackfests, and events to support ongoing now takes almost a month. Supporting Revived in 2012 by Gov 2.0 advocates development of the hacker community. government agencies are strongly advised and a volunteer team, the event attracted In Canberra, ‘Entry 29’ – a start-up to take the judging seriously and to provide 150 participants across two cities. In 2013, incubator that supports promising projects feedback to those participants who perform the event tripled in size and almost went with space, resourcing, and a community or create projects of interest. It is planned nationwide. In 2014, GovHack went of like-minded innovators with whom to for 2015 to simplify the competition national with support from all levels of mature ideas, backs the local event. structure to support greater creativity. government and attracted corporate support In 2014, the GovHack team also supported The winners are announced at a grand of some of the biggest global tech brands. a new civic hacking group called ‘Code Red Carpet Awards event, where Information for this article was provided by for Australia’ to get involved. Based on the representatives from each event around GovHack Media through Today’s editorial American model, the group looks to partner the country get to rub shoulders with consultant in NT, Kevin Thomas.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 33 REPORT
Community engagement with early learning Rosie Pizzi on working with the community to ensure access.
In 2011, Victoria’s Department of vulnerable children; builds capacity of Given the complex characteristics of Education and Early Childhood parents to support their child’s ongoing vulnerable families and the potential multi- Development developed Access to Early learning and development and of agency involvement in supporting them, the Learning (AEL) to improve engagement ECEC services to offer quality, inclusive AEL model was developed and continues of vulnerable children and families with programs and environments that engage to be refined in partnership with key universal early childhood education all families, including vulnerable families. stakeholders including families to ensure and care (ECEC) programs. AEL was it is responsive to their specific needs. developed in response to research that Key peak bodies were involved in showed sustained participation in quality Vulnerable children and families experience developing the model, including the ECEC as being especially beneficial for Early Learning Association Australia vulnerable children in improving lifelong a range of individual (formerly Kindergarten Parents Victoria) learning – social and economic. and system-level barriers – representing the interests of parents and Vulnerable children and families in accessing children; the Municipal Association of experience a range of individual and ECEC programs. Victoria – representing local government; system-level barriers in accessing ECEC and the Victorian Council of Social programs. AEL addresses the points of Services and Centre for Excellence engagement with the service system that And, it supports early childhood in Child and Family Welfare – both create barriers for vulnerable families to educators to develop skills and knowledge representing the interests of vulnerable access these services. It improves access to respond to the needs of vulnerable children and families. The Department of to quality early education and care for children and families. Human Services was also a key partner.
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ENGAGED AEL Ballarat educators and key facilitation and family services workers
These organisations continue their drew on intensive interviews to develop education and care; families reported involvement through the AEL Evaluation these case studies in order to better increased capacity and confidence in Reference Group set up to monitor the understand and illustrate the impact of the supporting their child’s education and implementation of the program. model on families and practice change in learning and negotiating with education Parents’ voices were specifically captured both the early childhood and the family and care services; and that greater levels through KPMG’s formative 2012 support services. of service collaboration were emerging evaluation, which included site visits to through multidisciplinary approaches kindergarten services and consultation Parents reported feeling across the early childhood, family support and child protection sectors. with educators and parents. Through increased confidence one-on-one interviews 16 parents gave and support by AEL is currently based in seven local detailed feedback about their experiences government areas across Victoria. participating in AEL. Parents reported participating in AEL. Continued engagement with families, feeling increased confidence and support service providers and key stakeholders by participating in AEL, with one parent Three digital stories were produced; one in these communities, through ongoing saying she now felt supported, and as a focusing on the transformative nature of evaluation, will be critical to ensuring result, was gaining confidence in her own the educational experience for the family; AEL remains effective into the future. parenting skills. The formative evaluation a second focusing on the governance and feedback from lead agencies, structures and partnerships required to Access to Early Learning Program was a educators and parents has also been used maximise the interaction between the AEL finalist for Service Delivery in the 2014 IPAA to inform the revision and expansion of components; and the third on an early Victoria Leadership Awards. the model. childhood service and the collaborative Rosie Pizzi is Manager, Early Learning The experiences of families, educators practice that occurred with other agencies. Participation & Cluster Management, and lead agencies involved in delivering KPMG’s formative evaluation of AEL Early Childhood and School Education AEL, was also captured through digital identified that found: children had Group, Department of Education and Early stories, filmed with participants. DEECD high levels of sustained participation in Childhood Development.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 35 REPORT Best of breed … Australian Awards for Excellence
The Victorian Two Commendations Department of were made – to the Human Services Western Australian ‘Services Connect’ North Metropolitan initiative won Health Services for the Gold Award Graylands Hospital WELCOME ‘Acute Care Service’ TO COUNTRY for Excellence Aunty Agnes Shea in Public Sector initiatives and the Management as well as the Innovation Sydney Harbour Federation Trust RETIRING From left, distinguished guests Award in the 2014 Australian Awards for for its ‘Delivering a Leading Foreshore Ian McPhee – Australian Auditor General, Stephen Sedgwick – Australian Australian Excellence in Public Sector Management. Park’ program. Public Service Commissioner. For IPAA ACT administers these pre- Steve Sedgwick’s retirement speech visit: The awards were presented in November Livestream.ssc.gov.au/ipaa/december2014 by Senator Eric Abetz, Minister assisting eminent public sector awards that aim the Prime Minister for Public Service, at to encourage and recognise better In presenting the awards, Senator Abetz the National Press Club in Canberra. practice and innovation at all levels of said governments at any level would not Australian government. achieve anything without the hard work and The Australian Government’s Department dedication of federal, state and local public of Human Services myGov Digital Awards Coordinator IPAA ACT’s sector employees. ‘The enthusiasm and Services won a Silver Award and the Kerry Kennedy said the awards professionalism of Australia’s public sector Collaboration Award, with another Silver honoured achievements of public workers is absolutely second to none,’ he said. awarded to the Department of Industry sector work groups, units and teams for its ‘Business Online Services’ initiative. rather than individuals. National President of the Institute ‘They focus on specific initiatives and of Public Administration of Australia are based on demonstrated success Terry Moran said it was gratifying that against four criteria – Plan, Implement, commonwealth, state and territory public Monitor and Measure, and Sustain’, he sector organisations around Australia said. This was part of a rigorous two- recognise the significance of these awards stage assessment that also included the and of nominating areas of excellence, principles of the IPAA Excellence in innovation and collaboration. Public Sector Management Model. Kerry For further information about the awards said thirty nominations for this year’s and how to enter visit www.act.ipaa.org.au/ awards had been received from almost Australian-Awards-for-Excellence-in-Public- every state and territory as well as from Sector-Management/2014-award-winners- AWARDS COORDINATOR Kerry Kennedy commonwealth agencies. media-release.html
WITH QUEENSLANDERS From left, Minister Abetz, Andrew Chesterman, Public Sector PRESIDENTIAL HOST IPAA ACT Commission; Ross Musgrove, Public Sector Renewal; Scott Peut, Department Premier and President Glenys Beauchamp Cabinet and Mick Keelty, Consultant
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now Public Sector’s ‘night of nights’
About the winners GOLD and report back to COAG; and improve INNOVATION awards information available to business’. Victoria’s The result is an integrated service Human Service providing a seamless end-to-end ‘Services business solution heavily used by Connect businesses in all states and territories. initiative’ uses Both ABLIS and ABA are fully COLLABORATION AND SILVER AWARDS a streamlined Australian Department of Human Services – integrated into business.gov.au with model to tailor myGov Digital Service Group more than 3.5 million visits a month services to meaning businesses and business GOLD Lisa Buckingham, The new system provides customers with unique needs, start-ups can learn about and use the Services Connect, convenient secure access to government Victorian Department goals and services that reflect their position in services through a single account with of Human Services aspirations their business lifecycle. one username and password. Citizens of each client and their family, with an access the services they need, when they COMMENDATIONS emphasis on building their strengths and need them, and without having to use capabilities to move out of disadvantage. alternative channels such as telephone and In 2011, the department’s Human Services: face-to-face. myGov has developed the the Case for Change outlined the narrow capability for a co-ordinated response to focus on immediate problems and an future changes and opportunities within inflexible system that did not target effort the digital economy. where it was most needed. In response, the COMMENDED AWARD SILVER Carmel McGregor, Andrew Marshall department transformed the service system Hays, Senator the Honourable Eric Abetz to address client needs more appropriately, accepting on behalf of Graylands Hospital efficiently, effectively and in areas where Acute Care Service Initiatives disadvantage is most pronounced. The Western Australian North The new client support model at the heart Metropolitan Health Service’s of Services Connect was designed to deliver Graylands Hospital Acute Care Services human services that support people to initiatives allow people experiencing achieve lasting positive change in their lives. acute episodes of mental illnesses to SILVER Australian Department of Industry – receive professional care and treatment SILVER and Business Online Services Initiative COLLABORATION awards in an appropriate environment. Sydney Harbour The myGov digital services project, the single The Department of Industry’s Business Federation Trust login for government services currently Online Service initiative is an innovative has transformed involves seven service delivery agencies approach to connecting businesses to historic former with 4.1 million active accounts linked to government grants and advice, including Defence lands at least one member service. An average of ‘Smart Forms’. on the harbour – 34,000 new accounts are created daily. The 2006 Council of Australian with significant myGov provides a whole-of-government Governments took up a recommendation environmental digital service framework designed to of the Rethinking Regulation Report that and heritage significantly improve access to digital the commonwealth should ‘work with the COMMENDATION values – into services in response to high demand from states and territories to streamline business AWARD financially citizens for easier access to online services Susan Culverston, name, Australian business number and Sydney Harbour sustainable public and the government’s own digital agenda. related licensing registration processes and Federation Trust parkland.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 37 SPEECH – TUTORIAL
How young people – especially women – should ‘navigate’ their careers
Just three days before IPAA’s International Conference in Perth, Carmel McGregor graciously agreed to deputise for the national president in giving the opening keynote address. Fortunately, Carmel still had her notes from an address given to the YWCA Canberra. She gave those notes exclusively to Today but we do acknowledge her speech was similarly covered by the YWCA Newsletter and Women’s AGENDA.
Having a daughter and knowing her a different thing to just be the negative Without them, many major projects enthusiasm and optimism for the future of naysayer. Make a contribution to the come unstuck. The message is you need the world and her place in it, I hope for whole … don’t just voice a view… share different skills and perspectives. her and other young women that she can an opinion, debate it. But at the end of all Similarly, men and women bring continue to pursue her dreams and think the deliberations, be part of the decision different approaches. So we need a big about her contribution. I hope she and support it. balance of gender and, equally, we need can derive happiness and satisfaction from young people and those from different her career. I am a long-term public cultural upbringings, to bring richness to I have often been asked for advice on servant and have been decision- making and approach. Allow what has influenced my career and them all to speak freely. lucky to benefit from a what I would suggest to others. I am a Work on something important, long-term public servant and have been varied career in many connect it to the end game. Sometimes lucky to benefit from a varied career in different workplaces and the challenge may be daunting, but I urge many different workplaces and on many on many different topics. young women in particular to ‘put their different topics. My advice applies equally hand up’, ‘volunteer’ and ‘say yes’. Don’t to private and community sector women doubt your abilities or wait until you are but does have greater relevance for the As you climb the management ranks 100 per cent ready - the blokes don’t! My public sector and those in team-based and have responsibility for people, best boss of all time used say to us: ‘Fake it environments. So, it goes a little like this: build a team that has diverse skills. till you make it!’ The McGregor Taxonomy! By this I mean diversity of gender, Related to this, do different things background, thinking, age, and different A career means many different where you build a variety of experience cultural backgrounds. I’ve always found things to people and is often not as and breadth across a range of issues. planned or deliberate as one would expect that different views and perspectives Specialising too early in a career can at the outset. That’s my first piece of generate a much better result. We all need have limitations. Although, having said advice – certainly have a goal but don’t to be challenged and not be surrounded that, ensure you become known for over plan it so you close off opportunities by people exactly the same as ourselves. something, which itself requires a degree that will help you grow and test the skills I have deliberately sought out people of specialisation. you may not yet know you have. I started who think differently, people who are Work for someone credible who you out to be a psychologist – never practised good at ‘closure and completion’ – who will learn from. Observe them in a it but my interest has never waned and my also often are the quieter voices. In the range of situations and take note of what studies have helped in the very different work I’ve been involved with, we can be you like about what you see. Note how paths I pursued. oversubscribed with people who push they handle a pressure situation, how they Have an opinion but use it for results and dream up ideas. But there deal with disappointment, rejection … constructively. I am sure you know is often a dearth of people who quietly and how they share success. These are key what I mean by the term ‘constructively’. achieve and make sure all the ‘i’s’ are moments where you will learn and realise Many people have an opinion, but it’s dotted and the ‘t’s’ are crossed. the leader you want to be.
38 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION SPEECH – TUTORIAL
Seek mentors. However, be careful as sometimes prospective ‘mentees’ view a mentoring relationship as one that assures them instant promotion and recognition. It’s not about that but about finding someone you can learn from, who can advise you on all manner of things. So it cannot be a contrived relationship. It needs to be one where there is mutual respect and support and where growth is the positive outcome. INSPIRATIONAL LEADER Carmel McGregor I have personally benefited from mentors, others as well, they will be there for you Those moments when a little voice makes but the relationship has always emerged in the hard times. They will know that the most sensible comment are important. ‘organically’. I sought them out, but I you are a credible, reliable person and At the time it might seem quite small in can say I had runs on the board and had speak up for you. And of course you need impact but if they hadn’t spoken up, it demonstrated a commitment, which, if I to be that same sort of advocate in return. would have meant we would have pushed can humbly add, then meant they thought As you take responsibility for a forward to a sub-optimal result. That’s I was worth investing in. team, make sure you look after your when I have said to myself: ‘Wow! Thank Also observe the bosses who are not people. That means ensuring they’re able god that person was there.’ And it can be so good and if they are not credible or to contribute optimally … but in times a chilling reminder as to why diversity in lack integrity, get out of there as fast as you of stress and hardship look out for their teams is so critical. can. I know this from personal experience needs and find support to offer them. It Finally, have fun and enjoy the fruits as well as observing the damage bad won’t always be you. of making a contribution and being bosses can inflict on their staff. part of something that hopefully Drive your own growth and take makes a difference. responsibility for your own learning Those moments when I have had the benefit of working on and development. Employers have a a little voice makes the great things. Public service affords role, of course, but equally so does the most sensible comment enormous job and personal satisfaction. individual and you need to stay ahead in But it’s also about knowing you are terms of developments and trends in your are important. contributing to a bigger cause that will profession or area of expertise. have community-wide impact. Join professional associations, read Learn from the down times. A career I have worked with wonderful people widely and keep up with what’s happening is not all plain sailing. I’ve learnt more and on ‘big stuff’. And I am grateful for in your profession and the world. from difficult projects, things that didn’t that. However, we always need to remind go well and from adversity. Look out for ourselves: ‘It’s not about you (me)!’ Build strong networks and work those moments and reflect on what you at them continuously. There will be learnt about yourself and how you could Carmel McGregor recently retired as Deputy many networks you can build throughout … and should, change. Secretary, Defence People Group and Policy your career and you will derive strength in the Department of Defence and Australia’s and support through listening to and Use courage, integrity, work hard, representative and vice chair of the OECD’s understanding the challenges that others and generate ideas. Public Governance Committee from 2008- face during similar times. Use honesty and optimism and be 2012. She has held many other senior Networks are a mutual benefit. When I authentic. You have to be yourself or positions in a long and distinguished career. think about the difficulties I’ve faced in people will instantly see through the facade. Carmel is a Vice President of IPAA ACT, a my career, networks and support groups Be curious and challenge the status National Fellow and was awarded the Public were key to me getting back on track quo. I love people who say, ‘What if? Service Medal. She was the driving force and succeeding. If you invest in these Why have we always done it this way?’ behind IPAA’s National Conference when the throughout your career and support But who then go on to offer a solution. ACT division hosted it in 2013.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 39 MEMORIES – REPORT
Here are memories for the more than 500 who attended and a taste for those who couldn’t. Well done and thank you IPAA WA and Perth – it was brilliant! You can share it all in text, photographs, video and audio through the ‘Resources’ gateway at www.wa.ipaa.org.au As National President Terry Moran says on page 5 IPAA’s annual conference is ‘one of the ways it engages with its own community’ … and … ‘in an increasingly digital world … there is still something special about the nature of a face-to-face meeting’. Don’t miss Sydney in 2015 (see page 50 and visit www.nsw.ipaa.org.au). ‘The Shape of Things to Come’
40 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION MEMORIES – REPORT
that was IPAA’s October 2014 International Conference
PHOTOS Abigail Harman PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 41 SPEECH SUMMARY
Recovering the ‘craft’ … of public administration in network governance. Professor R.A.W. (Rod) Rhodes had them rolling in the aisles at IPAA’s International Conference in Perth. More importantly, his address was absorbing and important. Here is a summary, sans most of the jokes; you should have been there for those.
What is the role of the state, especially Strategic plans and KPIs abound. So the state must work with and through public servants, in network governance? One of the problems with my subject is a plurality of organisations drawn for the We have seen a shift from traditional that we are always looking for the next public, private and voluntary sectors. The boundary between state and civil society is public administration to the new public big sexy new reform. management (NPM) and, latterly, to the being redrawn. The clarion call is ‘joined-up Reform succeeds reform with no time new public or network governance. government’, or ‘whole-of-government’. for the intended changes to take place, The role of the public servant is to The shift was driven by economic crises, no evaluation … so no clear evidence of ‘metagovern’; that is, manage the mix the rise of neo-liberalism and the ever- either success or failure. Rather, we are of bureaucracy, markets and networks increasing complexity of public policy- left with the dilemmas created by the by: campaigning for a policy (policy making. There has been an endless search overlapping residues of past reform. We entrepreneurs); creating inclusive policy for public sector reform. The Conference have the ‘civil service reform syndrome’ in narratives; acting as boundary spanners; asks where next? I reply we need to look which ‘initiatives come and go, overlap and and facilitative leadership, including back to move forward. ignore each other, leaving behind residues alliances with politicians. The craft of traditional public of varying size and style. The inoculation administration remains essential. It is not theory of reform does not work – you are I do not dispute that the public service a question of traditional skills versus the not immune after one bout. need the new skills of managing and new skills of new public management networking. But it is a step too far to or network governance. It is a question We have a shift talk of these new skills requiring ‘a full blown cultural transformation’. Part of of what works, of what skills fit in a from government to particular context. The pendulum has the problem is this call for transformative swung too far for too long towards the governance … from cultural change. new and the fashionable. The pendulum rowing to steering. Recovering the craft needs to swing back towards bureaucracy Why do we have the civil service with the craft of bureaucrats as part of the Do not think these changes are limited to reform syndrome? repertoire of governing. the Anglophone or core NPM states of Reform has had a chequered history Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand Waves of reform not just because public servants obstruct and the USA. Introducing private sector New public management it. Politicians are part of the problem. management techniques in the public They lack the political will to sustain 1. Managerialism and the ‘3Es’. sector is an international trend. reform, preferring symbolism to the long 2. Marketisation: contracting out, New public governance (NPG) slog of action. privatisation. Managing networks lies at the heart of More important, reform stutters not 3. Choice. NPG. We have a shift from government because civil servants are ill trained, stupid Public servants are now managers. to governance … from rowing to steering. or venal, or because of a lack of political
42 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION SPEECH SUMMARY
will and ministerial inability to resist What is a craft? Counselling intervening. It is because such private To call something a craft rather than Including: policy advice; common sense sector management techniques do not a science is to accept the importance based on experience; counterweight to fit the political context and can be of practical knowledge that is not partisan interests; speaking truth to power neutered by: systematised; learned on-the-job, is both is dangerous; the task is to challenge, the • Bureaucratic games. complex and tacit and is often secret. skill is forensic interrogation. • Party political games. Stewardship The art of judgement lies Not entrepreneurs but conservers. • The demands of political accountability. in weighing the merits of Public leadership is analogous to • The media spotlight, which pick competing stories and ‘gardening’, requiring time, patience, up relatively trivial problems of experience and political awareness. They implementation and threaten the spotting the snags. are ‘quiet leaders’ who are in ‘for the minister’s career. long haul’ and their craft is compromise. There is a failure to recognise the continued What is the craft of the Much government is about coping, the appearance of rule and keeping things relevance of the old, craft skills. Public service public servant? going … about stewardship. reform is characterised by contingency, Without pretending to be exhaustive, Prudence guesswork, context, and personal experience. I suggest there are seven key attributes: It is a sphere of knowledge in which practice, counselling, stewardship, prudence, Refers to ‘practical wisdom’, a experience and local knowledge – craft probity, judgement, diplomacy, and combination of intellectual capacity and skills are at a premium. political nous. personal characteristics. Continued.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 43 SPEECH SUMMARY
IPAA 2014 facts and figures
700+ delegates (at various times over the two days) 70 speakers and facilitators 27 sponsors and displays Diplomacy The public servant may be neutral between political parties but they are 7,872 views on Twitter Diplomacy may be an old-fashioned word not neutral either in the service of their during the week of IPAA 2014 but the arts of negotiation and persuasion department or their minister. 240 active users on the remain current. IPAA 2014 App The political antennae point out the hole Sponsors and major supporters to the minister before he or she falls in. included: The Sir Walter Murdoch School The pendulum has They pull him or her out of the hole of Public Policy and International Affairs; afterwards … and then argue that he or EY; Melbourne Business School-Mt Eliza swung too far for too Executive Education. long towards the new she never fell in. The art is coping. The aim is survival. Ed: This is the 4th national conference and the fashionable. Their work is ‘about stability. Keeping covered for Today. Brilliantly curated, I argue for the pendulum Perth’s conference for IPAA nationally, things going, preventing anarchy, and was – quite simply – as good as it gets! to swing back towards stopping society falling to bits. Still being bureaucracy and the here tomorrow.’ This wisdom comprises: traditional skills of Conclusions: It’s the mix of old and new that matters. 1. Mastery of their craft; they are expert. bureaucrats as part of the repertoire of governing. Reducing the craft of the public servant 2. Practical learning. to six skills over-simplifies. 3. A sense of identity; esprit de corps. The diplomatic virtues are: truthfulness; 1. We do not know what we do not 4. Taking responsibility for the exercise precision; calm; good temper; patience; know – tacit knowledge and of one’s craft. modesty; and loyalty (to the government one ethnographic research. Probity Judgement serves). The budding diplomat is advised that: 2. The separation of the skills is artificial. Involves the appreciative system or ‘above everything, do not allow yourself to In practice, they are warp and weft. departmental philosophy; the web of become excited about your work’; ‘patience Where does diplomacy end and beliefs about reality and the values through and perseverance are also essential to any judgement begin? How do you counsel which public servants understand their successful negotiator’; and: ‘personal vanity a minister without calling on your world. It provides the everyday theory and breeds self-satisfaction which leads to a loss political nous? shared languages for storytelling; and is the of adaptability and a decline in imagination’. 3. The most important skill of all … the collective memory of the department … a We have several everyday expressions to ability to choose between and manage the mix of skills. retelling of yesterday to make sense of today. cover this skill. We talk of sitting in the A craft involves judgement based on other person’s chair, standing in the other Managerialism seeks to enhance economy, experience because science cannot provide person’s shoes and looking at the world efficiency and effectives. It is like mum the answers and the art of judgement through other peoples’ spectacles. and apple pie … everyone agrees it is a lies in weighing the merits of competing good thing. Who wants to defend waste? Political nous stories and spotting the snags. Indeed, Network governance requires new these skills can be seen as their distinctive Public servants practice ‘politics’ with skills in managing both the mix of contribution to the analysis of policy. a small ‘p’. bureaucracy, markets and networks and
44 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION SPEECH SUMMARY
Public Administration, New Public Management and New Public Governance compared Resource Paradigm/key Theoretical allocation elements roots State tradition Unit of analysis Key focus mechanism Core beliefs Public Political science Unitary/Federal The political- Policy advice and Hierarchy Public sector craft Administration and public policy administrative implementation (PA) system New Public Rational choice Regulatory The organisation Management Markets Efficiency, Management theory and of organisational competition and (NPM) management studies resources and the market performance New Public New Institutionalism Differentiated The network Negotiation of Networks Trust and reciprocity Governance and network theory values, meanings (NPG) and relationships
Source: Compiled from Osborne 2010; and Rhodes 1998
in steering networks. In adopting these Critics of the public service for its slow let me suggest that NPM is about the low new skills, we must not forget that pace of change should look instead to politics of implementation and the craft traditional skills remain essential. It is a ministers as the main wellspring of change is about the high politics of serving the question of what works … of what skills in government to explain the tardiness. It minister. We have had an era of thinking fit in a particular context. The pendulum is not public service reform that should small. It is time to think big again and has swung too far for too long towards be at the top of the reform agenda but return to the craft … to statecraft. the new and the fashionable. I argue for ministerial reform to ensure they have the the pendulum to swing back towards array of skills necessary for high office. Postscript: sample humour bureaucracy and the traditional skills of I’m from Yorkshire. When I give a bureaucrats as part of the repertoire lecture there, if they like it, they don’t of governing. We have had an era clap, they let me live! So, I hope you let Why are the traditional skills important? of thinking small. It is me live at least long enough to drink a The short answer is because the time to think big again Margaret River chardonnay … an Evans & Tate Redbrook Chardonnay 2011 will traditional craft assumes the primacy and return to the of politics and ministers need them. do nicely. craft … to statecraft. They live in a closed world of overlapping R. A. W. (Rod) Rhodes is Professor of roles and responsibilities. It is a cocoon of Government, University of Southampton, UK; willed ordinariness that exists to protect Between 1854 and the 1950s, Britain’s and Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia. the minister. Private offices, staffers and top public servants were seen as ‘statesmen He was an extremely popular, international top public servants exist to domesticate in disguise’ for the counsel they provide keynote speaker at IPAA’s 2014 International trouble, to defuse problems, and to take their ministers. Given that we so love Conference in Perth. For a fuller text enter the the emotion out of a crisis. dichotomies like steering not rowing, ‘Resources’ gateway at www.wa.ipaa.org.au
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 45 ANZSOG in 2015 Towards Strategic Leadership Apply now for 2015
ANZSOG Annual Conference 2015 conference.anzsog.edu.au Executive Workshops
Managing Regulation, Enforcement and Compliance Professor Malcolm Sparrow 8 - 13 February 2015, Sydney
Applying Behavioural Insights Dr Rory Gallagher and Owain Service 24-26 February 2015, Melbourne
Women in Leadership Christine Nixon and Amanda Sinclair 3-6 March 2015, Wellington
Navigating Asia Professor Michael Wesley 11-12 March 2015, Melbourne
Partnerships in Infrastructure Professor Tony Gomez-Ibanez 15-20 March 2015, Melbourne
Recognising Public Value Professor Mark Moore 16-17 March 2015, Canberra
anzsog.edu.au REPORT
Making community governance work Tony Lawson reports the start of IPAA SA’s efforts to engage with its communities of interest – this time exploring community governance.
One of the key strategic directions for community governance are seen as have been significantly reshaping the IPAA SA in 2014-2017 is to add value resulting from organisational initiatives. opportunities and challenges for all by building sustainable partnerships Rather than being a means of organisations and communities from the and collaborations with all tiers of conceptualising the different ways very small to the largest. The roll call is government and the not-for-profit sector. in which organisations are working familiar: demographic change, the rise of This workshop, held in October 2014, with their communities, community metropolitan centres, globalisation and the was IPAA SA’s first foray into this new governance may instead reflect an impact of technology. and challenging area. increasing predisposition within Council of the Future In sponsoring this innovative workshop communities to play a greater role in how The ‘community governance’ concept with international keynote speakers from decisions are made which affect ‘their also was a very important topic examined the USA and NZ, IPAA SA wanted place’ and the options open to them for by the Local Excellence Expert Panel in to expose participants to new ways of how they live, work and play. their report to the Local Government thinking about community governance. Association of South Australia – It also was cognisant of the new approach Innovations in community The Council of the Future - Strengthening by the SA Government to community South Australian Communities in a Changing engagement through the ‘Better Together’ governance are seen World (December 2013) www.lga.sa.gov. program and its six key principles. as resulting from au/webdata/resources/files/LEPanel_ So, what does ‘community governance’ organisational initiatives. FinalReport_December%202013.pdf mean? It is normally discussed in terms of The Expert Panel made recommendations how organisations – government agencies, on two inter-related and connected local government authorities or not-for- It also may be a necessary component themes – the establishment of Regional profit organisations – make decisions of any effective response to the changes Councils and Community Governance. for their communities. Innovations in in the external environment that Regardless of the form of a Regional Council, the Expert Panel noted it was imperative the model adopted be appropriate for the circumstances and strengthened by embracing community governance. A Regional Council may be formed by several existing Councils, but the communities governed by the present Councils must continue to enjoy and develop governance over those community matters of direct concern to them. The Expert Panel noted it was important to observe that effective sub-council governance arrangements will be a prerequisite to Local Government being able to act on behalf of its communities in bringing together state agencies and other stakeholders, and its communities, GOVERNANCE WORKSHOP From left, Tony Lawson with Peter McKinlay in regional partnerships. Continued.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 47 REPORT
Fundamentally, the research makes it clear that a modern Local Government system should include provision for some form of effective sub council governance: ‘not just good engagement mechanisms, but some form of infrastructure at the community level capable of delivering an on-going involvement and involving individual communities in decisions about their preferred futures, including local place shaping’. There is an increasing realisation that effective responses to the changes now confronting our communities are going to be far from a ‘one size fits all’ handed down from a higher tier, or tiers, of IN SESSION Community governance workshop government. Instead, although higher association and district coalition and • Engaged community members and tiers of government will continue to play serving on many citywide advisory groups community resources as part of the solution an extremely significant role – partly by and policy committees. He also served • Engaged the broader diversity of the informed choice, partly by inertia – more for eight years as the research director of community – especially people who and more communities will need to find the City Club of Portland – coordinating have not been engaged in the past their own solutions, and have the freedom citizen-based public policy research. He • Increased public understanding of and to do so. recently completed a PhD exploring support for public policies and programs The emerging reality is that community the efficacy of citywide community governance is an opportunity for all involvement systems and drawing on the • Increased the legitimacy and organisations, individuals and groups experience of Portland. accountability of local government actions. of individuals. In terms of structural and organisational arrangements Paul set out how it worked. The IPAA SA workshop focused on Community governance community governance by providing an Local and District Neighbourhood overview of good practice internationally is an opportunity for all Organisations: and nationally, looking at both statutory organisations, individuals • 95 neighbourhood associations – and non-statutory forms of community and groups of individuals. self-defined, independent governance. It showed how different – Must meet basic requirements to be stakeholders are taking the lead formally recognised by city government. ranging from councils, to higher tiers At the workshop Paul outlined the shift of government and the private and that occurred in Portland over some • Seven neighbourhood districts – community sectors – all focused on 40 years. Moving from the traditional governed by the community, funded by working with communities to improve top-down/expert-driven (‘adult:child’) the city government to provide support community outcomes. form of relationships between local to neighbourhood associations Paul Leistner government and the community, to a – Communications/outreach, leadership community governance approach of a training, organisational management, The key facilitator was Paul Leistner, partnership between community and local strategic planning, information Neighbourhood Program Coordinator government (‘adult:adult’). and referral, fund raising, dispute for the City of Portland’s Office of resolution, community organising, Neighbourhood Involvement. Before Paul said community involvement was and policy advocacy. joining the city, Paul served as a important because it; neighbourhood activist in Portland for • Ensured better local government decisions City Office of Neighbourhood more than 17 years, holding leadership that more effectively respond to the Involvement: positions in his neighbourhood needs and priorities of the community • Funding for community partner
48 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REPORT
organisations, strategic planning, and • Accountability. For example, Peter produced a report advice to local government agencies. In closing Paul outlined the different stages for the Local Excellence Expert Panel City Agencies: on the journey to Community Governance: on forms of community governance in Australia and internationally. • Formal notification to neighbourhoods. • Traditional governance – little or no • Budget advisory committees. community involvement. There was also an interesting discussion on the role that the Bendigo • Neighbourhood needs process. • Formal public notice and public hearings. Adelaide Bank plays through its • Outreach and community • Use of community outreach and community banking model which involvement strategies. involvement techniques for the development enables local communities to develop • Project advisory committees. of policies, programs, and projects. much needed community facilities and • Local government boards and infrastructure and to take control of their commissions. The workshop financial destiny. Based on their experience Paul indicated provided an excellent Tony Lawson hosted the day and that people define ‘community’ in understanding of a range facilitated a question and answer session. different ways: of issues and concepts. A pleasing aspect of the day was that • Geographic (e.g. neighbourhoods). participants from State and Local Government and the not-for-profit • Shared identity (e.g. ethnicity, age, • Creation and support of a formal disability, etc). sector took the opportunity to network citywide neighbourhood system. and discuss options for working together • Shared issues/interests (e.g. environment, • Creation of a broader system that to improve community engagement arts, sports, housing, transportation, etc). recognises and supports involvement by outcomes between the sectors. Based on the above the City Office many types of communities (geographic, The workshop provided an excellent of Neighbourhood Involvement identity-based, and interest-based). understanding of a range of issues and identifies and supports different types of • Development of a broad strategy that concepts for participants, including community via the following methods: builds capacity in the community and learning how community governance can • Support people in organising with in local government to work together as assist the better management of programs others with whom they feel connected. true community governance partners. and expenditure, improve relationships • Encourage more people in these with citizens and communities, and enable To learn more about Portland’s experience visit communities to be involved in civic life better outcomes for them. www.portlandoregon.gov/oni or contact Paul and activities. by email at: [email protected] IPAA SA intends to host more of • Build skilled leaders and strong community these events with the key objective of organisations and help groups connect Peter McKinlay enhancing cross-sector partnerships and with other community organisations. Paul was well supported at the workshop collaboration between governments • Help groups have an impact on local by New Zealander Peter McKinlay. He and the not-for- profit and community government decisions that affect has worked for many years as a researcher sectors, as these all aim to achieve their community. and adviser on local government and improved community governance. The City of Portland Public Involvement local governance and is working closely Information for this article was sourced from Principles include: with the NZ Institute of Governance material produced for the workshop by Peter • Partnership. and Policy Studies, developing a research McKinlay, Executive Director of McKinlay program on local government and local Douglas Pty Ltd. www.mdl.co.nz/About+Us/ • Early Involvement. governance. In pursuing his interest Our+People/Peter+McKinlay.html • Building Relationships and in local governance, Peter has worked Community Capacity. Tony Lawson is Today’s SA Editorial extensively with the Commonwealth Consultant and currently Interim Executive • Inclusiveness and Equity. Local Government Forum and been sole Director of IPAA SA. He also consults to all • Good Quality Process Design and or lead author of a number of reports spheres of government and the NFP sector. Implementation. on community governance for both www.lawsonconsulting.com.au • Transparency. Australian and New Zealand peak bodies.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 49 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 REPORT – PROMOTION It’s on – FED UP! – NATIONAL Sydney October 14-15 CONFERENCE SYDNEY 14 & 15 OCT THE HILTON, SYDNEY – 488 GEORGE ST, SYDNEY
The sunlight glints just so off the water, especially near that angle where the Opera House mainsail dips to the point where the Bridge soars away to the north shore; and at that point where the Luna Park clown’s gaping smile through its span welcomes revelers and thrill seekers.
Sydney – gateway to Australia for – a theme that offers great scope for delegates and relevant, quality exhibitors. most foreign visitors and a magnet for interesting points of view and lively debate. The Conference is an opportunity for domestic tourists. By the time you’re reading this you should public administrators from all levels of government and all geographic locations, It was a famous Australian PM who said: be able to learn more and register your plus those who support and study it to ‘If you’re not living in Sydney, you’re interest at www.ipaa2015.org.au. But you come together, compare notes, debate camping out!’ Many of us wouldn’t go could have known that by reading the ad the issues that matter and network for that far, indeed many do say: ‘It’s a great in this feature. Well, at the time of going to mutual benefit. It’s ALWAYS an excellent place to visit but I wouldn’t want to live print, details were a bit sketchy but we can professional development opportunity. there!’ But try telling the average Sydney- tell you the conference menu shouts that sider that! topics for discussion will include: And you just know that Sydney and the • What the public wants. canny New South Welsh will attract some of Fact is, Sydney is a great place to visit – the best public sector thinkers, speakers and one of the world’s great harbour cities. • How Australia compares to facilitators to lead a range of new, innovative And – like London, Paris and New York, other countries. and interactive conference sessions. et al – you can always find plenty to do. • What this could mean for State, Local But – even beyond the excellent It’s a big international city – and once and Federal Governments. visited it draws us back again and again. professional development opportunities • How to streamline, simplify and clarify – Today sees another, perfectly valid The good news is Sydney is the venue for state and federal relationships. opportunity for our readers – to have FUN! IPAA’s National Conference in 2015 – • How governance arrangements October 14-15 is a Wednesday, Thursday actually right in the heart of town at the are evolving. combination. Even with a single RDO JOIN US to connect with some of the best public sector Sydney Hilton on October 14 & 15. • Productivity and the new challenges. or annual leave day that gives you the thinkers, speakers and facilitators and participate in a range The details are still being worked through opportunity to stay over in Sydney and or under wraps but what we can tell you • The capabilities required of the public enjoy everything it offers. By diarising of new and innovative Conference sessions. is this: the quirky theme is FED UP! sector in this changed world. the dates now you also might be able But before you leap to the conclusion Along with the Australian Awards for to obtain some annual leave and give that IPAA New South Wales has jumped Excellence in Public Administration, yourself a longer stopover, before or after To learn more or register your interest: into protest mode, the FED UP! slogan IPAA’s National Conference is the the conference. So, we decided to give is shorthand for ‘FEDERATION nation’s premier public sector event. you a long-range foretaste of what’ll be WWW.IPAA2015.ORG.AU REFORM: Impacts and Opportunities’ It invariably attracts more than 500 happening in the ‘Big Smoke’. Continued.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 51 REPORT – PROMOTION
And the proverbial ‘much, Anything Goes Sydney Spring much, more!’ Sydney Opera House Racing Carnival www.anythinggoesmusical.com.au www.theraces.com.au Ride a ferry, or a speedboat, or a yacht on our prettiest harbour. Fish or swim in it – or in Sydney’s wonderful harbour-side pools. Run or jog along its banks, through the central park and gardens – even through the spectacular CBD. Or, take a birds-eye-view helicopter ride PHOTO Ethan Rohloff, Destination NSW PHOTO Hamilton Lund, Destination NSW over the lot – incomparable? Cole Porter’s smash hit musical The world-class, six-level Queen Choose from a bewildering comedy is a stunning nautical Elizabeth II Grandstand and array of restaurants, bars, cafes, favourite. For decades, Anything surrounding facilities at Royal nightclubs and cuisines. Goes has captivated millions with Randwick Racecourse has recently its delightful story of madcap Stroll the Rocks, the Cross or been extensively renovated. The antics aboard the S.S. American. Paddington. Tempt yourself in venue spans more than 200 acres This dazzling musical celebration a tiny gallery, or a big one. with 15 unique indoor and outdoor features a hilarious tale of topsy-turvy spaces.The luxury racecourse offers See the historic sights of relationships, mistaken identities and a spectacular setting with a unique Australia’s birthplace, or take foiled plots, peppered with some of backdrop of trackside and cityscape in a contemporary show. musical theatre’s most memorable views, high-class cuisine prepared by Hang at a jazz bar or take in an standards, including You’re The Top, award-winning kitchens, free parking opera at our incomparable Opera I Get A Kick Out Of You, and of course and state of the art technology. House, or just stop for a drink or the title song, Anything Goes. snack at its open-air bars. Good Food Month Sea Life Sydney And, given Sydney is a giant www.goodfoodmonth.com magnet and many Sydney-siders Aquarium were born elsewhere, it’s often a www.sydneyaquarium.com.au chance to catch up with family or friends. The list of possibilities is endless – like London, someone who tires of Sydney is tired of life!
PHOTO James Horan, Destination NSW Australia’s largest food festival, PHOTO Pierre Toussaint, Destination NSW The Sydney Morning Herald ‘Good City side of Darling Harbour, Sydney Food Month’ invites food lovers in Aquarium houses over 12,000 animals Sydney as well as visitors to celebrate from 650 species, including sharks, Australia’s extraordinary culinary scene dugongs, turtles, stingrays, penguins, throughout October. Signature events and platypuses. include the iconic, Asian-inspired Night
52 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REPORT – PROMOTION
Noodle Markets in Hyde Park, the Harbour Bridge Climb Art Gallery of NSW Shoot the Chef culinary photographic www.bridgeclimb.com www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au competition, and numerous other special lunches and dinners, pop-ups, parties and hands-on cooking classes, all at special rates.
Taronga Zoo www.Taronga.org.au
Established in 1871, the Art Gallery of PHOTO Bridgeclimb Sydney NSW presents finest international and With your Climb Leader as your guide, Australian art in one of the most beautiful step-by-step you’ll ascend the arches art museums in the world. Modern and of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge contemporary works are displayed in and enjoy marvelous views of Sydney, expansive, light-filled spaces, offering situated in one of the most beautiful stunning views of Sydney and the harbours on earth. Throughout your harbour, while its Grand Courts are PHOTO Pierre Toussaint, Destination NSW climb, your Climb Leader will entertain home to a distinguished collection of you with stories about the history of colonial and 19th-century Australian Taronga Zoo is just 12 minutes from the Bridge – from its construction, to works and European old masters. There Sydney CBD by ferry – one of the its opening in 1932, right through to are also dedicated galleries celebrating world’s best – with breathtaking views its place in modern-day celebrations. the arts of Asia and Aboriginal and of Sydney Harbour plus free shows And the view from the summit – top of Torres Strait Islander art. and keeper talks throughout the day. the arch! Royal Botanic Garden Museum of Australian Museum Contemporary Art www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au www.australianmuseum.net.au www.mca.com.au
An oasis of 30 hectares right in the PHOTO James Horan, Destination NSW heart of the city, the Royal Botanic Garden occupies one of Sydney’s Located on one of the world’s most Located centrally at the southern end most spectacular positions wrapped spectacular sites on the edge of of Hyde Park, Australia’s first public around Farm Cove at the edge of Sydney Harbour, the Museum of museum was established in 1827 and Sydney Harbour. Established in 1816, Contemporary Art is dedicated to grown to an internationally recognised the Garden is the oldest scientific innovative programming, with ground collection of over 18 million cultural institution in the country and home breaking exhibitions of contemporary and scientific objects. There is always to an outstanding collection of plants art from Australia, the Asia Pacific at least one special exhibition running. from Australia and overseas. region and around the world.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 53 REPORT
What’s in a name? Lesley van Schoubroeck, left, outlines the challenges for mental health commissions and the approach by Queensland’s to be judged fairly for its performance. Mental health collaboration have supplemented or Responses might range from concern commissions and replaced interagency committees as a they simply create paper work, or they commissioners structural response to inter-related and get in the way of the ‘real work’, to are flourishing complex issues, so too has the focus on an appreciation they are necessary to in Australia and their effectiveness. Cross government get agencies to work together, to an overseas. All have policy offices are an agent for change, a expectation they should take carriage of similar titles and high expectations but temporary input to a complex system to and resource all the interagency effort that some have very different mandates. Most disrupt the status quo, help systems realign otherwise falls between the gaps. Indeed, have a whole-of-government, strategic and then move on as the wider system to do all the things that we expect that focus on mental health problems. How will adjusts and settles. mythical ‘someone else’ to do. their success be judged and by whom? Ministerial offices tend to be more The emergence of mental health The offices most appreciative but want to avoid getting commissions is reminiscent of the 1980s respected within the involved in the turf squabbles that so and 1990s when offices of women’s policy, often arise. They appreciate the different youth affairs, disability and seniors flourished public sector are those policy views but ultimately their loyalty across state and commonwealth jurisdictions. whose leaders know is generally to the department heads Departments, offices and authorities for they get their own responsible for front line service delivery Indigenous affairs continue to form and achievements through and the portfolio budget. re-form. All these entities had one thing in the success of others. The offices most respected within the common – they were expected to bring a public sector are those whose leaders whole-of-government, strategic focus to bear know they get their own achievements on a problem of inequity or social justice, to It is easy to avoid an evaluation of through the achievements of others. As improve outcomes for a particular segment of effectiveness of a committee or taskforce. such their successes can pass unnoticed the population variously described as special, It is not so easy to avoid evaluation of the by the very community groups for whom marginalised, vulnerable, or equity groups. effectiveness of a separate entity with its they hope to achieve better outcomes and If we want to know how the success of our own leader and staffing structures, be it may be downplayed by bureaucrats whose emerging mental health commissions will part of a larger department or a separate policy positions they challenge. agency in its own right. be judged once the excitement over their An essential prerequisite to their creation abates, perhaps we should look to Often the key tool for collaboration is success is political support, interpreted history. Perhaps by looking back over the a whole-of-government strategic plan by some as being attached to the first last 30 years, since the emergence of other and evaluations of the effectiveness of minister’s department. For others the whole-of-government social policy offices, such units tend to look to the outcomes political support of a respected minister lessons can be learned about what success of the collective effort of all agencies is a preferred option. Everyone knows, looks like, what strategies led to that through which the effectiveness of the however, that political support can be success and what resulted in sustainable coordination unit is an integral part. transitory and dependent on positive improvements in citizens’ lives. A conversation with leaders in any large feedback from trusted public sector and Effectiveness of government agency is sure to reveal a community leaders. policy offices range of responses to the effectiveness of Others argue that a legislative mandate, As stand-alone entities responsible for the various coordinating policy offices transparent budget and full independence cross government and cross-sectoral they have encountered. from the ‘parent ministry’ are essential.
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Whatever their mandate, cross- by four deputy commissioners and The most recent announcement came government entities need the responsible to the Minister for Health. from South Australia. Its June 2014 administrative capability to keep things The Commission’s reform tool was a budget provided $9 million over four moving, keep all stakeholders engaged, whole-of-government coordination to be years for the establishment and on-going without being seen to increase the articulated through a strategic plan. funding of a mental health commission. bureaucracy or red tape. Yet without the Next came the Queensland Mental The model is currently being developed, necessary administrative structures and Health Commission, similar to New with a focus on improving services for routines, no amount of good ideas can be South Wales, established as a separate consumers, carers and their families. translated into sustainable reality. agency in July 2013, legislation, headed None are commissions of inquiry with Australia’s mental health by a chief executive titled Commissioner, fixed terms of reference. commissions responsible for whole-of-government Meeting expectations Australia’s first mental health commission, coordination to be articulated through a strategic plan. Expectations of commissions vary and established in Western Australia in mental health commissions in New Zealand, March 2010, was greeted with acclaim In July 2014, the Victorian Government’s Canada, Ireland and many other countries from advocates across the country. Its Mental Health Complaints Commissioner have the same name, some common key tool for system-wide reform was began. The role is established in legislation functions and their own specialities. control of the budget for mental health but is very different from the other services delivered by government and commissions. Its Commissioner will The very establishment of these non-government agencies through the accept, assess, manage, investigate and commissions by governments signals a health portfolio but not those delivered endeavour to resolve complaints about political will to ‘do something’ to improve through other portfolios. The direction mental health service providers. A mental health and wellbeing. This concern for change was articulated through a common expectation among consumers also is reflected in community surveys whole-of-government strategy. It was and their families of other mental health and economic studies both nationally and established as a department of state, titled commissions is that they will address internationally about the contribution of a Commission and its chief executive complaints with services. None of the mental health disorders to the burden of officer likewise titled Commissioner, others do that. As time passes, it will disease and to the cost of social services reporting to a Minister for Mental Health. be interesting to see if this separate and lost productivity. It has survived one election but as yet no complaints body can be more effective Most stakeholders however are not students change in government. than general health complaints bodies of public administration. Most don’t concern Next off the starting line was the National in overcoming the reluctance of mental themselves about the details of mandate and Mental Health Commission, established as health consumers to lodge complaints resources. They look to a name. They hear an executive agency in the Department of in the first place, let alone have their ‘mental health commission’. Prime Minister and Cabinet. Leadership complaints satisfactorily resolved. Continued. in the National Commission was vested in nine Commissioners and a CEO. It defined its direction through the development of a national road map. Since a change in government in 2013, the focus of this Commission has turned to a review of mental health programs across state and commonwealth governments. It has changed its chief executive and the terms of several commissioners have expired. This commission initially reported to a Minister for Mental Health reporting directly to the Prime Minister but since the change of government to the Minister for Health. In July 2012, the New South Wales Mental Health Commission was established by legislation as a separate
agency headed by a chief executive ENTERTAINERS Deaf and hard of hearing members of the Richmond Fellowship Community officer, titled Commissioner, supported Choir who provided the morning’s entertainment for the end of year thank you morning tea
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They expect that their own particular In the end though, the parliament passed Its key enablers for enduring change, like problems with the existing system will be legislation for a modest agency with a that of any policy agency, are its credibility, solved, whatever those problems might be. strategic policy agenda reporting to the ability to foster networks, focus on So many consumers and their families Minister for Health as part of its wider outcomes for people living with mental expect complaints about services and portfolio reforms. The policy, planning health issues and the sustainability of the and oversight of publicly funded mental service providers will be resolved. That collaborative mechanisms introduced. health services remained squarely in the there will be more services when and As governments and citizens expect Department of Health. At the same time, where they want them. The community more focus on outcomes and better it downsized its policy capacity in both expects the intractable problem of value for money we have become much mental health and drug and alcohol, as well suicide will be addressed. Mental health better at defining and measuring this for as its capacity to support consumer, family professionals expect their resources will service delivery and even for regulatory and carer involvement in service reform be quarantined from the demands of the agencies. However, those agencies with and delivery. Role clarity was therefore general health budget. Human rights more intangible deliverables often remain vital if the Commission was to be seen advocates expect commissions will join unaccountable to the community and as ‘successful’ in an environment where them in arguing for a more enlightened importantly to the very agencies whose some functions for the Health Department approach to legislation. Police and schools outcomes they aim to influence through had been transferred to the Commission, expect additional investment to meet their policy and funding levers. some had been transitioned to area health their workload that comes from working services, and others continued with A comprehensive literature review, with people with mental health issues. reduced resources, or discontinued. evaluation methodology and the results of And politicians expect they will now a first community survey are now on the be able to reduce demand on expensive Commission’s website. While the specific in-patient services without significant Most stakeholders, tools for measuring the effectiveness of upfront investment in early intervention. however, are not students agencies varies, the methodology adopted Meanwhile, those many solutions not yet of public administration. by Queensland was based on a thorough supported by governments re-emerge review of the literature and should with their proponents seeking support provide food for thought for others The effectiveness of the Queensland from this new entity. wanting to hold themselves to account for Mental Health Commission is to And every achievement of one commission their contribution to a collaborative effort. be reviewed within three years. Its becomes a new expectation of others. effectiveness needs to consider two Since the community survey was completed Because they are all called commissions. And important aspects – the contribution of the Queensland Mental Health, Alcohol every disappointment with one commission the combined effort of all contributing and Drug Strategic Plan was launched and a becomes a disappointment with others. agencies to making a difference to number of high-profile reports completed. Because they are all called commissions. the mental health and wellbeing of An element of the evaluation process Understanding success Queenslanders; and the contribution of for 2015 is to gauge the extent these are influencing policies and behaviours in Queenslanders can be forgiven for the QMHC to that difference. other government agencies. having very high expectations of their The Commission has now put in place commission. In the two years prior to its a process that will form the basis for Dr Lesley van Schoubroeck, Queensland’s establishment, widespread community evaluating the second of those questions. first Mental Health Commissioner, has a consultation nurtured expectations of a In doing so, it will also guide the agency long-standing interest in understanding the very significant role with both legislative in determining the strategies that will effectiveness of policy coordination bodies. and financial levers for reform. actually make that difference. www.qmhc.qld.gov.au
THANKS Queensland Mental Health and Drug Advisory Council with Minister for Health and Commissioner. From left, Gracelyn Smallwood, Debbie Spink, Ailsa Raynor, Luke Terry, Mitchell Giles, Amelia Callaghan, Minister Springborg, Kingsley Bedwell, Jan Kealton, Harvey Whiteford, Lesley van Schoubroeck and Etienne Rous
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The ripple effect Peter Wilkins, John Phillimore and David Gilchrist, from left to right, discuss their research into the ‘positive contribution of independent watchdogs to Australian government practice’ … and ask for help.
The research by Main Roads WA. The Public Accounts should enhance Committee followed up the Auditor understanding of the General’s report and reviewed additional information provided information from the agency. The Integrity agencies can provide valuable by these reports; identify benefits of Committee ended its involvement in insights into collaboration between considering groups of reports and increase 2012 having been assured by the agency it public and private sector entities and the readership by emphasising their utility would evaluate the success of the changes governance issues and lessons to be learnt and availability. It will assist the public and identify lessons learned. sector to get the most out of the work from their assessments. The Auditor General’s report – its of integrity agencies. These reports also can drive the focus information and analysis – is publicly of agency personnel and bring into Case example available for use by researchers and the daily discussion and thinking of A case example illustrates the purpose those responsible for management and executives issues that might not otherwise of the project. accountability in the public sector. The be brought to light. That is because undertaking of the review meant the there is so much to consider in the day- Auditor General was able to instigate a to-day management of a public sector The discussion rippled discussion across the public sector that organisation rather than the intent or throughout the public magnified the impact of his report and disengagement of agencies. sector where lessons increased focus on the issues raised, Curtin University’s John Curtin Institute learned were considered regardless of the purpose of contracts let by other agencies. In other words, of Public Policy and its Public Sector in other areas. Accountability and Disclosure Research the discussion rippled throughout the public sector where lessons learned were Cluster have been funded by the Australia In 2009, the Western Australian Auditor considered in other areas. and New Zealand School of Government General tabled a report in parliament (ANZSOG) to undertake a research called Maintaining the State Road Such reports also allow parliament to program aimed at evaluating public sector Network. It examined and evaluated access independent information and collaboration and governance based on outcomes achieved by Main Roads WA analysis and oversee the executive the work of integrity agencies. in adopting a novel, outcomes-based – promoting accountability in ways A sample of reports by Australian contracting approach, aimed at increasing not otherwise available to most Auditors General and Ombudsmen will efficiency in the maintenance of the main parliamentarians; an equally important be reviewed to develop a broader and roads network. The approach changed the outcome that parliamentary committees deeper understanding of the common agency’s role from that of maintenance can enhance through follow-up. Again, governance issues identified through provider to maintenance purchaser. integrity agencies’ reports serve to address the issues examined directly but also to oversight programs. While shifting to an outcomes’ focus may instigate and widen the discussion, as The research will examine reports’ seem a fairly pedestrian and common parliamentary committees are able to outcomes in relation to collaboration; process in today’s Australian public sector extrapolate from the report’s discussion make observations and suggestions for – certainly the rhetoric about this type of and findings to wider oversight issues. enhancement; analyse the causes of these change is ubiquitous – the transformation issues and identify possible remedies. saw a number of challenges developed as The researchers – all Curtin University The substance of each report and its a result of the agency’s new approach. The professors – welcome suggestions on particularly recommendations will be examined along Auditor General assessed effectiveness, valuable or informative reports from integrity with the broader discussion instigated as a efficiency and contract management agencies across Australia that look into result of the investigation process and the issues and his findings informed the collaborative governance. Contact John subsequent publication of the report. development of maintenance contracts Phillimore at [email protected]
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Housing scheme success Peter White, left, says Tasmania’s public and not-for-profit sectors are working together for better results. Since the end of The emphasis on accommodating those Work done by Housing Tasmania identified the Second World in greatest need created significant a need to implement the following War, Housing financial pressure on Housing Tasmania. strategies to meet these objectives: Social housing operates under an income Tasmania has • Establish community-housing based rental model. As the proportion of been responsible organisations in Tasmania with the ability tenants on low income increased, rental for social housing to operate at scale and access new finance. under the Homes Act 1935. revenues fell. That was not supported by any commensurate funding increase • Create a common social housing Since then, the environment for housing through the Commonwealth State waiting list from which those assistance has changed considerably. Post war Housing Agreement. organisations could allocate tenancies. housing development supported growing industrialisation with homes developed • Obtain support from tenants to a change for working families in areas such as The reform agenda in management from Housing Tasmania to community housing organisations. Warrane, Chigwell and George Town. focuses on increasing the Since the mid-1940s, the State • Release to the market proposals that role of the community- provided an opportunity for community Government has built over 27,000 homes, housing sector. or 15 per cent of the state’s total housing housing organisations to demonstrate stock – many sold to occupants under their capacity. purchase contract arrangements, with a As a consequence, fewer funds were National directions number retained as public housing – and available to maintain and upgrade stock Under the National Affordable Housing also provided loans to thousands of people and new housing construction declined Agreement, which began on January 1, 2009, to build their own homes. markedly. Homes were sold to fund all governments, including Tasmania’s, Through the 1960s and early 1970s operating costs, resulting not only in a committed to reforming social housing wages were high, with unemployment reduction in overall stock but it became systems to improve efficiency and down and low interest rates. The Housing older and less suited to tenants’ needs, as effectiveness and provide more sustainable Department then sold two-thirds of the smaller households replaced families as and equitable models. The reform agenda homes it built, the balance increasing the Housing Tasmania’s key client group. focuses on increasing the role of the public rental supply. By 2010, Housing Tasmania estimated it community-housing sector, which is able Prior to the 1970s, most people who had a deferred maintenance liability of to access Commonwealth Rent Assistance received housing assistance were families $80 million. It also identified that over (CRA) and leverage private finance to where the main source of income was a 30 per cent of its portfolio was not aligned increase supply. wage. From 1970, the profile of clients to need, such as bedroom configuration When the Nation Building Economic began to change. There was an increase in and universal access. The average age of the Stimulus Plan (NBESP) was signed in single parent families headed by women portfolio was almost thirty years old. early 2009, additional commitments to and a continued growth in the number of Sources of additional funding were grow community housing were included. older clients. The proportion of unemployed needed to tackle the maintenance liability, Approximately $134 million was invested in people increased steadily. Allocation policies reduce the need to sell homes to meet the development of over 530 new dwellings became more targeted such that by the mid- operating expenses and enable investment across Tasmania. The funding required at 2000s the main income source for over 80 in new homes to better meet social least 75 per cent of that stock to be owned per cent of tenants was government benefits. housing needs. or managed by the not-for-profit sector.
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BETTER HOUSING FUTURES’ From left, BHP South, East Devonport and BHP North Parcels States also were required to transfer to Transfers rates, and tenancy management costs. community housing providers by mid-2014 The transfer of title to vacant land within Given positive NBESP outcomes, in up to 35 per cent of all public housing the communities was also included. October 2011, the Tasmanian Government stock, approximately 4,000 homes. Half the proceeds from house sales were agreed to transfer approximately 4,000 also shared. The organisations also are These commitments agreed at the homes to the not-for-profit sector under required to invest all surplus funds into the national level complemented the strategy the ‘Better Housing Futures’ scheme - community through a range of programs, that Tasmania had already developed and implemented in two stages. Lessons learned including new housing, employment, social provided a platform for action. in the first were considered prior to the infrastructure and property upgrades. Engaging with community rollout of the second. housing providers Under the management agreement with Housing Tasmania, the organisations would Tasmania’s approach to establishing a Tasmania was able to seek to sign existing and new tenants to community-housing sector with the scale leverage the development lease agreements, with tenants becoming and capacity to manage substantial stock of approximately eligible for CRA weekly payments of up transfer began in earnest with the NBESP. 15 per cent more homes to $60. Those are added to their rent so The state called for expressions of than it would by directly the tenant pays no more than when they interest and selected community-housing were tenants of Housing Tasmania. The organisations to develop and/or manage investing in public housing. additional revenue offers greater scope for housing. Two organisations that emerged the community housing organisations to keen to drive growth and achieve scale – Financial modelling showed a community- upgrade homes or provide other services Centacare Housing and Housing Choices housing organisation needed a portfolio that can benefit tenants and the community. Tasmania – were given funding and stock of at least 500 units to operate a viable to manage, giving each the opportunity to Participating organisations were expected business model, so the first stage involved a establish a significant presence in the state. to implement asset management plans to tender to transfer management of around address deferred maintenance liabilities The response validated the capacity 500 tenancies in two southern Tasmanian and respond to daily maintenance of the community-housing sector and suburbs with high densities of social requests, provide more accessible tenancy demonstrated the benefits it was able housing: Clarendon Vale and Rokeby. management by locating their offices to deliver. For example, based on a Stage 2 was of three portfolios of between within portfolio areas, develop master management agreement for 138 units, 1,000 and 1,200 dwellings, including in plans for each community, initiate urban Housing Choices Tasmania agreed to suburbs where social housing density was renewal programs and construct new develop 40 additional new homes. By social and affordable housing. engaging with the community-housing as high as 60 per cent. sector, Tasmania was able to leverage the Organisations were offered a ten-year Under the tender process organisations development of approximately 15 per cent management agreement with retention were required to provide submissions that more homes than it would by directly of rental income but responsibility for all demonstrated a clear vision and pathway investing in public housing. property outgoings including maintenance, Continued.
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for achieving the target outcomes sought expectations, the project deliverables may In July 2014, Community Housing from the Better Housing Futures initiative be adjusted over the contract period to Limited took over management of a in Tasmania; understanding of the social maintain viability. portfolio of almost 1,200 properties in the housing system in Tasmania and capacity This risk-sharing approach recognises northern suburbs of Ravenswood, Waverley, to manage, or partner with those who a number of key variables that could Rocherlea, Mayfield and Mowbray. manage, a high volume of social housing not be accurately predicted prior to Each organisation is part of a larger properties and tenancies; experience and entering agreements. As a result, there national housing organisation, providing capacity to undertake strategic planning are mechanisms that protect both parties Tasmania with access to board and and development of land parcels to deliver if the financial situation after the initial management expertise and the ability to high quality, affordable housing on time two-year period suggests commitments raise significant capital. The organisations and budget; experience and capacity to made during the tender process cannot now collectively employ over 50 full time establish a positive profile and develop be fulfilled without risking the financial equivalent staff across Tasmania. and sustain community partnerships viability of the organisation. and engagement; capacity to establish From the time they were publicly robust governance structures at both Results announced, the organisations worked board and operational levels, suitable There are now four community-housing with Housing Tasmania to explain the for a large-scale social housing provider organisations managing approximately 3,900 changes to tenants and how they and their operating in contemporary human public housing properties across Tasmania. communities could benefit. Interactions resource management frameworks; and included community days, fact sheets, mail financial viability, strength and capacity The approach adopted outs, door knocking of tenants, meeting to successfully fulfil all the obligations, worked extremely with key stakeholders, including councils, responsibilities and liabilities associated neighbourhood houses and peak bodies with delivering the target outcomes. well, with very positive and social media campaigns. There was a feedback on services minimum of four months between when Applicants were required to submit a tender outcomes were announced and the financial model showing projected cash provided by community organisations commenced management. flows over the ten-year period and the housing organisations. number of new homes proposed for The approach adopted worked extremely development. Those were evaluated Since March 2013, Mission Australia well, with very positive feedback on against Housing Tasmania’s own model’s Housing has successfully managed a services provided by community housing conservative assumptions. portfolio of 500 properties in Clarendon organisations. To date, more than 1,000 tenants have signed leases with the In order to demonstrate the nature of the Vale and Rokeby. In May 2014, Centacare partnership that Housing Tasmania was Evolve Housing began managing a organisations – more than a quarter of the seeking to develop with each organisation, portfolio of more than 1,000 properties total and well ahead of initial projections. the management agreement contains a in the southern areas of Bridgewater, An estimated $60 million in CRA payments two-year review clause. It allows for the Gagebrook and Herdsmans Cove. will be collected over the ten-year period, to key variables in each portfolio – including In June 2014, Housing Choices Tasmania be re-invested into Tasmanian communities. rate of CRA take-up, maintenance costs started managing 1,175 properties in the The revenue streams will support an and sales revenues – to be reviewed northwest suburbs of Somerset, Shorewell estimated $39.5 million in property against the base case established from the Park, Acton, West Ulverstone, East upgrades and repairs and maintenance tender process. If cash flows are below Devonport and Latrobe. of approximately $81 million.
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©iStockphoto.com @bjeayes
Better Housing Futures will result in a housing stability for people needing and involving residents in decisions significant increase in the supply of social assistance, with easier access to housing about their community and helping and affordable housing. and support services; improved housing each other; reduced housing stress, with condition through more property greater diversity of housing and more Over the ten-year term it will deliver a upgrades and maintenance works; reduced opportunities for social and affordable total of 101 new social housing dwellings, social isolation by partnering with rental or home ownership. and 220 new affordable housing dwellings existing or new community initiatives that, by agreement, must be retained as Tasmania is so far the only state to have social or affordable housing for a period met the target to transfer 35 per cent of its social housing stock to community of 30 years. Tasmania is so far the housing organisations. The experience to A ‘social return on investment’ is being only state to have met the date suggests that when government and developed for each portfolio to quantify target to transfer 35 per the community sector come together better the economic and social benefits that arise cent of its social housing results can be achieved for our clients. from the scheme. stock to community Peter White is the Director of Housing Expected improved social outcomes housing organisations Tasmania in the Department of Health and include healthier lifestyles and improved Human Services.
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Australian Capital Territory Reducing the burden of rules ACT’s monthly seminar for October 2014 ‘Better Regulation: carrots, sticks and a light touch’ was a great success with speakers receiving many questions from an engaged live and online audience. The event featured Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Josh Frydenberg, the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary BETTER REGULATION From left, Robert Milliner, Tamara Cutcliffe, Josh Frydenberg Medicines Authority (APVMA) Kareena and Kareena Arthy Arthy and the Business Council of Robert Milliner emphasised the gains consideration process when assessing the Australia’s and the B20’s Robert Milliner. that business will make from deregulation, safety of chemicals. Josh Frydenberg discussed the explaining that efficient, effective and Participants were directed to government’s agenda to define acceptable predictable regulation encourages investment. www.cuttingredttape.gov.au to read more risk and assess the impact of regulation Kareena Arthy spoke about the APVMA’s about the deregulation agenda. on business decision-making. He said imperative to achieve regulatory A webcast of this seminar, including the aims were to cut red tape, protect excellence. She said the challenges tweets, can be viewed at: investment in Australia and encourage faced by her agency included ensuring Livestream.ssc.gov.au/ipaa/october2014 business to build wealth and create jobs. economic benefits were not part of the
Canberra – Hot bed for innovation The National Portrait Gallery was the of rigid appropriation and procurement The resounding messages from the innovative venue for IPAA ACT’s Young structures … a clear insight to the challenges speakers were to be brave and put forward Professionals Innovation Breakfast in many government bodies face when aiming new ideas to attract funding and support November 2014. to do business in new and better ways to … and be prepared for failure and accept This new event, showcasing young ACT assist the community, while impeded by that as part of the learning process. And entrepreneurs heard from keynote guest some traditional business processes. that ‘Canberra is now officially the hot Katy Gallagher, the ACT Chief Minister Entrepreneurs speaking at the event bed of innovation in Australia!’ who spoke about how innovation and were Jessica May, founder and owner of Around 140 guests attended, many of technology had been used to cut costs Enabled Employment; Zakaria whom had not previously been to an and provide better services to citizens. The Bougettaya, co-founder of QuicklyPay.it; IPAA ACT event. Chief Minister also provided an articulate Lachlan Blackhall from Reposit Power KEYNOTE SPEAKER Below from left, IPAA summary of how innovation is hampered and Dr Sarah Pearson, CEO of the CBR ACT President Glenys Beauchamp and guest, in the ACT Government by the existence Innovation Network. the then ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher
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New South Wales Q&A: Responding to Gus O’Donnell: Changing of Leadership, change and performance the guard The Secretary of NSW’s Department of Justice, Andrew Cappie-Wood, below, has returned to the IPAA NSW Presidency. Prior to joining the Department of Justice in December 2013, Andrew was Head of the ACT Public Service and Director- General of the Chief Minister and Treasury Directorate for six years. In this capacity he led the Directorate and public service in advising and serving the Chief PANEL From left, Glenys Beauchamp, Lord Gus O’Donnell, Andrew Metcalfe and Stephen Parker Minister and government of the ACT and This third Q&A forum was hosted by IPAA Metcalfe and Professor Stephen Parker, Vice was active in IPAA there. ACT and facilitated by Martin Stewart- Chancellor of the University of Canberra. Weeks, Principal of Public Purpose Pty Themes discussed included: Ltd, in the National Library of Australia’s Brindabella Room on November 10. • What should government do to improve the quality of people’s lives? The format had been used effectively during the IPAA 2013 National • Threshold issues – impact, what works, Conference and in April 2014 with the what doesn’t and how do we know? event ‘Rising above Clichés: How to build • Professionalism and resilience of the a high calibre public service!’ public sector … in spite of pay levels, Keynote speaker was Lord Gus O’Donnell, changes in technology and new skills whose distinguished public service career required include commissioning. Andrew, previously spent 10 years as Director General of several NSW included being Cabinet Secretary to This premier early-evening event – Government departments, including the British Prime Minister John Major. supported by Cisco, Deloitte and Telstra – Departments of Education and Training Responding to Lord O’Donnell’s was well attended by senior public servants and of Housing. He also established the reflections were IPAA ACT President and and those passionate about improving NSW Department of Ageing, Disability Secretary at the Department of Industry public administration. More Q&A events and Homecare. Glenys Beauchamp; EY partner Andrew are being planned for 2015. He has served as chief executive officer to a number of ministerial councils, Tony Blunn gets his gong chaired a number of national and state Tony Blunn has been instrumental in companies and boards and is a past getting the ACT IPAA National Fellows President of IPAA NSW. together each year for the past three years Immediate-past President Peter and has taken a real interest in annual Achterstraat announced at the November proceedings for growing the fellowship. 2014 AGM he was standing down and His one complaint over those three years Andrew Cappie-Wood was co-opted by … and possibly much longer … was council to serve out Peter’s term. that he had never received his certificate. Carolyn Burlew and Madeline Culbert This year IPAA ACT Vice President were also re-elected for a further term as Carmel McGregor – with thanks to IPAA Vice Presidents. National for its assistance – took great pleasure in ending Tony’s ribbing, by Members approved changes to the
presenting him with his Fellow certificate OVERDUE Carmel McGregor presents Constitution – for more information dated June 2008. Tony Blunn with his award download the Explanatory Statement.
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10th National Investigations Symposium
SPEAKERS Assistant Commissioner Peter Gallagher – Commander of Professional Standards, ANSWERS Mark Goode, Investigative NSW Police, Geoff Earley, AM – Inspector General, Australian Defence Force, Gail Furness SC – Consultant & Ian Edwards, Workplace St James Hall Chambers, Prof Tim Prenzler – Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence Misconduct Professional in Policing and Security, Griffith University, Kate McClymont – Investigative Journalist, Sydney Morning Herald The National Investigations Symposium Centre of Excellence in Policing and – a biennial event for public sector Security School of Criminology and investigators and complaint-handlers run Criminal Justice, Griffith University; by the NSW Independent Commission Murray Kellam, Chief Commissioner, Against Corruption, NSW Ombudsman Integrity Commission, Tasmania; Professor and IPAA NSW – was held in November AJ Brown, Centre for Governance and 2014 at Sydney’s Four Seasons Hotel. Public Policy, Griffith University; Kate Speakers included investigative journalist, McClymont, investigative journalist, author and host of the ABC’s Media Sydney Morning Herald; and the Inspector LEADER Assistant Commissioner Peter Watch, Paul Barry; Professor Tim Prenzler General of the Australian Defence Force, Gallagher, Commander of Professional from the Australian Research Council Geoff Earley. Standards, NSW Police Force
FULL HOUSE The audience at the 10th National Investigations Symposium Staff changes IPAA NSW also has recruited a new eight years, most recently as the Business NSW chief executive officer John professional development team for 2015. Development Manager at the Law Society Carnegie described Craig as ‘a fountain New Director, Marketing and Business of NSW. of knowledge and will be missed’. John Development Jemma Still has been IPAA NSW veteran and highly regarded said, ‘we wish him all the best in his future endeavours’. We concur. Ed. actively involved in the management editorial consultant to Today, Craig of professional associations for the past Boaden, is leaving the team after 11 years.
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Gen X: The generation born not to rule Following its fabulously successful a cohort often referred to as the ‘forgotten’, & Development Policy Branch, NSW ‘Generations@Work’ event in late 2012 – or ‘Prince Charles’ generation because the Office of Environment & Heritage – which explored the many opportunities workplace and media spotlights so often and for Generation X: Oliver Jones, and some of the challenges of having five fall on Baby Boomers (1946-1964) and Economics, Policy and Regulation Team generations in the workplace – IPAA Gen Y (1981-1994). Lead Australia and New Zealand, Ernst NSW held another event in the series, A panel facilitated by Kerry Chikarovski, & Young; while the Baby Boomers were in November 2014 at Sydney’s McKell formerly Leader of the NSW represented by former Director General Building Conference Room. Parliamentary Liberal Party included of the NSW Department of Environment This time the focus was on Generation X – for Generation Y: Dominik Nicholls, and Climate Change, Lisa Corbyn. – those born between 1965 and 1980 – Principal Policy Officer, Conservation
GENERATIONS From left, Oliver Jones, John Carnegie, Kerry Chikarovski, Lisa Corbyn, Dominik FOR GEN X Oliver Jones Nicholls and Daina Aspin, Co-convenor of the Young Professionals Network (with his Movember mo)
2014 Spann Oration
PANEL Graeme Head, Lord O’Donnell, IPAA NSW CEO John Carnegie and Andrew Cappie-Wood Spann Orator Lord Gus O’Donnell has had a long and distinguished career as Virtually take a civil servant culminating as Cabinet Secretary and head of the UK civil service me with you from 2005-2011. You can read He was the distinguished speaker who Public Administration gave the annual Spann Oration in Today online. November 2014 at The Pavilion, in There are free sample pages but if you Sydney’s Darling Park. are an IPAA Member and obtain the Following his Oration, a panel with necessary codes from your division you Public Service Commissioner, Graeme can read all of Today in full, glorious Head and Secretary, Department of Justice colour for free – from your screen. and new President IPAA NSW, Andrew www.act.ipaa.org.au Cappie-Wood, stimulated discussion. 2014 SPANN ORATOR Lord Gus O’Donnell
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Northern Territory Shift happens! The NTPS – 2014 Design thinking and Challenges and Hawke’s Oration disruptive innovation Opportunities On November 13, This keynote A breakfast 2014 entertaining presentation, presentation on journalist and held on October the challenges broadcaster 8 in Darwin, was and opportunities Annabel Crabb, by Jamie Pride, facing Northern left, gave IPAA left, author of State Territory public NT’s annual Shifters: Helping servants was given Hawke’s Oration Big Business Loosen in Darwin on in Darwin. up and Startups October 3, 2014 One of Australia’s most popular political Grow Up! by Craig Allen, commentators, Annabel – known for her Jamie addressed market disruption, key above, the Commissioner for Public distinctive observations and analysis on technology trends leading disruption and Employment. political events of the day – presented how to unlock creation and innovation to Craig has a strong commitment to The Missing Link: Future Steps Towards thrive in disruptive times and build great leading strategy that improves Gender Equality. customer experiences. organisational performance.
South Australia Remembering Don Dunstan IPAA SA proudly presented Greg Greg Combet is well known for his former Combet, right, Chair of SA’s Automotive public roles as leader of the Australian Transformation Taskforce and former Council of Trade Unions and Labor federal government minister, as its annual Government Minister. He was a key player Don Dunstan Orator. in numerous high profile issues, including the 1998 waterfront dispute, the fight to Greg is a proven leader, strategist, complex Held on October 8 at the prestigious recover the entitlements of former Ansett problem solver and crisis manager with Ian McLachlan Room of the newly employees, obtaining compensation for extensive, hands-on knowledge of renovated Adelaide Oval, the venue was victims of James Hardie asbestos products, Australian industry. He was awarded a fitting for this historical event, to pay leading the campaign against the Howard Member of the Order of Australia in 2006 tribute to Don Dunstan. The old cricket Government’s WorkChoices laws and and currently works in superannuation scoreboard – ignoring the infamous delivering Labor’s carbon pricing and and as an adviser to the South Australian ‘devil’s number’ of Australian cricket, renewable energy legislation. government on its response to the closure proudly proclaimed: ‘IPAA SA, celebrating of the automotive manufacturing industry. In the Oration, Greg touched on 87 years since October 1927!’ parts of his less well known public life, Greg sold copies of his recently As Premier of South Australia, Don which highlighted his knowledge and published book The Fights of My Life, Dunstan set new directions for public experience accumulated while growing and the audience was delighted with the administration that had far-reaching up in a winery, as a mining engineer, an personalised book signing opportunity. national impacts. Shortly before his death economics graduate, community activist, Chris Oerman, Executive Director of the in 1998, Don Dunstan gave IPAA SA the superannuation trustee, bank director, Government Services Group, Department honour of facilitating an annual oration industrial negotiator and advocate, of the Premier and Cabinet facilitated the on Public Administration in his name. communicator and campaigner. 2014 event.
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Best news Big Data and Smart Government Welcome news out of IPAA SA was its On November prevalence of sensors – the forum very healthy net surplus of $242,194 for 20, 2014, attracted many South Australian public the year ended June 30, 2014. Carnegie Mellon sector employees. The excellent financial result was one University (CMU) Curiosity drew crowds to hear how of many highlights outlined in the collaborated government could utilise technological division’s annual report, presented to with IPAA SA advances and analytical tools through policy acclaim at its annual general meeting in to present ‘Big and innovation and how government can November. Interim Executive Director Data and Smart harness big data to foster smart governance. Tony Lawson said ‘It’s great to be so Government’. Professor Ramayya Krishnan addressed solidly in the black and we intend to The morning session – held at Wallmans these questions through examples and maintain that by giving members more Lawyers, Adelaide – one of IPAA SA’s analyses of big data’s potentialities. He said of what they want’. key partners – featured Professor this ‘immensity of data’ could be used to Tony said the annual report also Ramayya Krishnan, above, Dean, Heinz ‘create actionable information leading to highlighted his facilitation of a new College and WW Cooper and Ruth F timely and more informed decisions’. strategic plan for the SA division for Cooper Professor of Management Science Some of his other words of wisdom the 2014-17 period, which emphasises and Information Systems at Carnegie included: ‘By coupling roadway sensors, ‘exploration of new opportunities Mellon University. traffic cameras, and individuals’ GPS devices, we can reduce traffic congestion to promote the value of public Professor Krishnan visited Adelaide to and generate significant savings in time administration and the public service launch the Business Intelligence and Data and fuel costs’. ‘From all of this data,’ to the community. Analytics (BIDA) program of Carnegie he added, ‘we derive knowledge, which ‘We will offer opportunities to develop, Mellon University Australia, so IPAA SA then leads to action. We can transform explore and challenge progressive engaged him to lead this forum. formal and informal education, engender ideas on public sector management With the world now being in the ‘Age of economic development with mobile and administration. We will become Data’ – enabled by mobile phones, social banking in rural markets; and save lives thought leaders.’ media, email, videos, images, click streams, by developing methods of accurately Internet transactions and increasing predicting natural disasters’.
Assertiveness Skills: Strategies for effective workplace communication
This new ‘sold the workplace, the event offered practical tips Participants were given the opportunity out’ workshop - for healthy living. It included questionnaires to network with people in similar roles led by Broomhall for self-audit learning to equip participants from the public sector and develop Psychology with skills for psychological wellbeing. strategies for dealing with conflict, director, Samantha Public Sector employees looking to criticism and negative feedback; effective Young, left - improve their ability to be assertive application of the techniques and complemented the and communicate effectively at work practices in their workplace: to resolve Health and Well- left feeling more confident in setting grievances, manage anger, improve being for Public boundaries and asserting themselves written and verbal communication, define Sector Employees Series. It was held at appropriately at work and in their assertive behaviour, mindsets, identify Flinders University’s Adelaide Campus on personal life. The workshop also guided common misconceptions and irrational October 28. participants in knowing what to say beliefs about assertiveness. Designed as a ‘master class’ in developing and and what not say in difficult situations This very successful workshop will be practising assertiveness skills, to explore the involving conflict, anger, grievances and followed by many in 2015 under the concept of stress, burnout, resilience and self- negative feedback and helping improve ‘Health and Well-being for Public Sector care in the context of mental health issues in overall communications effectiveness. Employees Series’ banner.
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Tasmania Q&A – New President David Nicholson Today ( ) interviews David Nicholson (DN), below, IPAA Tasmania’s new president.
I recognise there has been some good I have no problem with that, and timing in my career to date and even indeed see many situations where the lucky breaks … literally! I had to be ready public sector is not the best provider when those opportunities arose however, of a particular service. For me it’s not and focused on the development of my an ideological matter. It’s simply about skills to achieve that. I’m really grateful public sector managers being smart and for the opportunities I’ve had. pragmatic about working out where the best internal or external capability exists : Why forge a career in the to get something done. I suspect this public sector? will be a vital skill set for public sector DN: Having worked in the private, managers well into the future. political and government sectors, I can : How can IPAA contribute to reflect on the many-shared challenges. this future? There are fantastic people working in these environments and we can learn a DN: IPAA in Tasmania can play a key lot from each other. role in supporting the development and new skills our public sector leaders need However, one of the key differences : Where and when did you begin for this future. Tasmania has many service that sets the public sector apart is in the your career in the public sector? challenges, but we have some fantastic concept of public value – the common people and a strong public sector culture DN: I had a chance encounter with good if you like. In the public sector to support us. That’s why I’m so excited the public sector. After a few years in we engage in complex trade-offs every about the emerging leaders focus IPAA has Melbourne working in management day between private value (say an applied recently. Through our emerging consulting after undergrad study, I was individual patient’s experience) and public leaders’ forums we have a great opportunity back in Tasmania to save for overseas value – the need to adjust, fund and to help develop the next generation of travel. I went skiing in New Zealand organise a health system for the whole leaders … to have them learn from the best and it blew my savings plan to shreds, population (patients and non-patients our state service and the wider Australian so I applied for and got a job as a junior as well as the community at large). public service can offer. agriculture adviser to a State Government This is a big challenge and it’s in that Minister. I planned to do it for a short notion of balancing the collective and time, but within a year I’d been moved the individual that I find a lot of joy in to Hobart, subbed into the Environment my work. I love the political interface portfolio … after a colleague fell from a and the often-brutal reminder that our ladder and broke his leg and nominated permission environment is not a stable me to replace him … and my career board with a direction set over multiple expanded from there. years. It is ministers, elected by the people, I wasn’t interested in running for politics, and things can and do change quickly. however, and became increasingly Thinking on your feet, being adaptable interested in public sector management. and applying good thought processes is I set about learning from key public sector a constant challenge. leaders and continued study and took Reflections on the role of the public service… good career opportunities when they presented. I guess my lived experience For most of my career, we have seen is that a career is something to adapt for significant trends away from direct service rather than to ambitiously plan. delivery in parts of the public service. OUTGOING Greg Johannes
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IPAA Tasmania Political Forum: Working with the public service – the first six months and beyond
The need for a short timeframes’. He re-iterated his the Premier said. ‘It’s dangerous for bold, innovative awareness and support of the objectives politicians to make those calls.’ public sector, a of the Tasmanian public sector: for good The Premier’s speech was followed commitment to governance, to improve the lives of by questions from the audience and reducing Tasmania’s Tasmanians and to build a stronger Tasmania. Professor Adams on a range of concerns public sector wages Following the revised estimates report and surrounding service delivery, public bill, and setting the the April 2014 release of the Tasmanian perceptions of the state service, achieving state’s budget on a Department of Treasury and Finance’s efficiencies, encouraging a culture of sustainable footing Analysis of Budget Risks report, one of innovation and structural reform. were the overriding the central tenets of the new Hodgman The challenge ahead for the new messages emerging from IPAA Tasmania’s Government is the sustainable management Political Forum with Tasmanian Liberal Hodgman Government in order to of Tasmania’s budget. The Premier outlined achieve its objectives now lies in Premier Will Hodgman, above. a $1.1 billion cumulative budget deficit, harnessing the wealth of support and Hosted by David Adams, Professor of a net debt projected to increase to more information that Tasmania’s public sector Management and Innovation at the than $400 million and an increase in has to offer. University of Tasmania, the Forum was government spending by more than three an opportunity for members of Tasmania’s quarters of a million dollars over budget, state service to engage with the Premier as the rationale for the policy agenda. Excellence Awards in a discussion based on his government’s As many in the audience would have Congratulations are in order for two first six months in office, and the future heeded, Tasmania’s public sector pay freeze members of Tasmania’s Department of the public sector. is critical to meeting the government’s of Premier and Cabinet who took out In the wake of Tasmania’s 2014 election budget objectives. The controversial pay awards recently at IPAA Tasmania’s Public where the Liberal Party received its best freeze is expected to halt a rise in public Sector Excellence Awards. electoral result in 60 years that ended 16 sector wages that, according to the Premier, The awards recognise excellence and years in opposition, the Premier was quick had increased by more than twice the rate outstanding contributions in public to highlight his achievement of broad of the CPI over the past decade. administration and management. They community support for both the recent Further cuts are expected to be identified are further recognition of the positive Tasmanian budget and public sector wage by heads of agencies entering into new difference that members of the public cuts. ‘In a recent public opinion poll’, performance agreements together with sector make to the lives of Tasmanians, he said, ‘Tasmanians have indicated they relevant ministers to deliver on specific and are only awarded when it is deemed believe the government has struck the performance objectives including: there are worthy winners. right balance’. election commitments, budget and savings This is the third year IPAA Tasmania has The Premier emphasised his government measures and organisational performance presented the awards, and this year saw had wasted little time in delivering indicators. Heads of agency and relevant the addition of the new category: ‘Public all commitments of its 100-day plan, ministers will be expected to report Sector Young Professional of the Year’. including important reforms in health, progress at the end of the 2014-15 It recognises the valuable contributions education and in establishing Tasmania’s financial year. made by young professionals under the Department of State Growth. The Premier detailed a strong role age of 35, whose expertise and professional The event also was an opportunity for for heads of agencies, in particular abilities are vital to both the current and Premier Hodgman to acknowledge concerning the balance between future success of the public sector. Winners and thank those within the Tasmanian employee management, service delivery of this award must have demonstrated State Service who had provided advice and meeting Tasmanian community on-going commitment to learning, strong and support to the new government, expectations. ‘Sensitive decisions such as leadership, have instilled pride, passion and ‘often delivering high standards within these should be made by heads of agency,’ professionalism Continued.
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in their workplace and exemplified Having spent a large part of the core values and behaviours of a his career working with the professional public service. Department of Police and The inaugural award in this category was Emergency Management, made to Ross Hinkley, Strategic Projects later becoming the State Director in the Department of Premier Service Commissioner and and Cabinet. In the same department then Director of the State Frank Ogle, Director, State Service Service Management Office, Management Office won the President’s Frank Ogle was nominated Award for Excellence in the Public Sector. for this award by Tasmania’s Police Commissioner, Darren Criteria for the President’s Award were Hine. Frank is renowned for an outstanding contribution to public supporting and promoting administration and management over others’ development and, a substantial number of years, being an since 2007, has been pivotal in exemplar of best practice within the leading and implementing a role for which candidates are being number of industrial relations nominated, upholding and promoting and human resources reforms. professionalism, integrity and public sector values at all times and, leaving a Congratulations Frank and Ross. legacy of improvement to the public HONOUR Frank Ogle accepting the President’s Award sector or service delivery in Tasmania. from Premier Will Hodgman
Victoria Government data – changing the default setting Greg Gough, Manager of the DataVic and stimulate growth in the Victorian The most evident manifestation of the Access Policy at the Victorian Department economy. He is also enhancing access DataVic Access Policy is the recently of Treasury and Finance – one of the to and sharing these information-rich redeveloped Victorian Government Data policy’s principal architects – addressed resources to support evidence-based Directory, at www.data.vic.gov.au that the July meeting of IPAA Victoria’s ICT decision-making in the public sector. now hosts more than 3,300 datasets in Community of Practice. The challenging journey towards machine-readable format for download. Datasets containing geospatial information In recent years, the open data movement complete openness and transparency in are particularly important, as these can be has grown in profile and popularity government data requires a fundamental combined with other data more easily. and the DataVic Access Policy is the change of both culture and attitude. Victorian government’s own mandate to Government data is often sensitive and These static datasets are just the departments and agencies to promote the access is frequently governed by statute, beginning, however, as most value can be release of data for the public good. so its historical default position has been derived from data that can be extracted to err on the side of caution, restricting and interpreted in real-time, via an Since joining the department in 2007, access unless specifically required to do Application Programming Interface (API). Greg has developed and promoted otherwise. The DataVic Access Policy turns For example, the release of data via Public the tools that support government this position on its head, with the first Transport Victoria’s API has been the and industry to make better-informed principle being ‘government data will be catalyst for a range of web and mobile decisions. His latest challenge is to made available unless access is restricted applications and development in this enable public access to government for reasons of privacy, public safety, security area continues. data to support research and education, and law enforcement, public health, and Continued page 71. promote innovation, improve productivity compliance with the law’.
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Continued. To promote the use of Ultimately, we are the custodians of • Increases productivity and improves government data, a range of initiatives public data, and it’s our responsibility to personal and business decision-making has been undertaken and continue to make it available to improve efficiency based on improved access to data. be planned, including ‘Meetups’, ‘Hack and drive innovation. • Improves research outcomes by events’, competitions and challenges. The 2014 report Open for Business: How enabling access to primary data to Greg and his team are always looking Open Data Can Help Achieve the G20 researchers in a range of disciplines. for opportunities for ICT teams across Growth Target, led by Nicholas Gruen, left, government to partner in such events. • Improves the efficiency and effectiveness of Lateral Economics and commissioned of government by encouraging better The DataVic by the Omidyar Network, estimates the management. Access Policy total potential value of open data at $64 sets a range of billion a year. As a contribution to Australia’s • Practices and use of the data. expectations cumulative GDP that figure is estimated at • Grows the Australian economy by an on departments $16 billion each year, or approximately one extra $16 billion annually if government and agencies, per cent of GDP over the next five years. agencies make most of their data freely to identify, Benefits of open data available to the public. release, manage and report on • Stimulates economic activity and drives their datasets. innovation and new services to the community and business.
Behavioural Insights: new approaches
Dr David improve the way government services Previously David was Chief Analyst Halpern, are provided, often at little cost. in the UK Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit left – CEO (2001-2007). He led numerous reviews, David said behavioural insights are of the UK’s including the UK government’s strategic of interest to both sides of politics in Behavioural audits and recent policy reviews; set up the the UK. Recent financial pressures Insights Social Exclusion Task Force and drafted on government and a growing sense Team and its action plan; and authored many of the that traditional legislative approaches VicHealth’s Strategy Unit’s most influential papers, inaugural sometimes struggled to create the such as those on life satisfaction, personal Leading desired behavioural change had responsibility and behavioural change. stimulated this interest. Thinker Before entering government, he held – spoke Dr Halpern gave fascinating examples tenure at Cambridge University’s Faculty to a packed audience at Melbourne’s of how the use of behavioural insights of Social and Political Sciences. He Convention and Exhibition Centre in could significantly improve government also has held posts at Nuffield College, September 2014 about the new tools performance. Adding just one line of Oxford; the Policy Studies Institute, that behavioural insights could create text to a standard letter from the Tax London; as a Visiting Professor at the for public administrators. David has Office, noting the proportion of people Centre for European Studies, Harvard been leading efforts to use behavioural in a local area who pay their tax on and was the Founding Director of insights to improve public service time, had significantly improved rates the Institute of Government. He has delivery across government. of payment. His discussion focused on published widely including the books From increasing retirement savings to the potential of using control groups Hidden Wealth of Nations (2009); Options making healthier eating choices, many and experimenting with different for a New Britain (2009) Social Capital of the outcomes that public administrators formulations of language across different (2005); Options for Britain: a strategic policy are keen to encourage depend on citizens locations and among different groups of review (1996); and Mental Health and the changing their behaviour. citizens. In further examples, he discussed Built Environment (1995). A combination of psychology and experiments to improve attendance at His presentation – including the results economics, behavioural insights and hospital appointments and employment of behavioural insights experiments ‘nudge’ techniques are now recognised opportunities through the language used conducted on the audience – can be seen as having the potential to significantly in SMS reminder messages. at vimeo.com/105847626
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Western Australia
Sue moves east; Sven steps up MOVERS From left, Sue McCarrey and Sven Bluemmel Popular IPAA WA President Sue of the Premier and Cabinet and Learning for Life program and the McCarrey – so capable as host of Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Advisory Committee of The Big Issue. October’s International Conference in Department. Sven also practised law in Sven holds a Bachelor of Laws with Perth – announced to delegates she was the private sector in Melbourne and Honours and a Bachelor of Science, both moving to Adelaide to take up a new Perth, where he was recognised in the from the Australian National University. appointment as CEO of the Office of the national publication Legal Profiles as IPAA WA Councillor and WA Auditor National Rail Safety Regulator. In WA a leading lawyer in information and General Colin Murphy, was elected as a she was Deputy Director General of the privacy law. Vice President and Josephine Harrison- Department of Transport. Sven has been a contributor to a Ward, Management Consultant at the To fill the void Secretary Sven Bluemmel number of Australian and international Public Sector Commission to the vacant was nominated as the new IPAA WA publications, particularly in the areas position of Secretary. President and elected unopposed. of information and technology law. They join Vice President Dr Yvonne Currently Sven is Western Australia’s He is an alumnus of Leadership Western Haigh, from Murdoch University and Information Commissioner and Australia and actively participates in Treasurer Alan Abraham, Chief Finance previously held senior positions in the the community, including through his Officer at the Department of Lands, as Public Sector Commission, Department involvement with the Smith Family’s the IPAA WA Council executive.
In his speech, Professor Smith addressed distinguished scholar in the areas of politics, 2014 Reid Oration the domestic implications of global trends public administration and comparative shaping Australia and WA’s economy. government. He was Professor of Politics ‘It won’t much matter’, he said, ‘if this century for many years at UWA as well as is described as the China Century, the Asia serving as Deputy Vice Chancellor. From Century, the Asia-Pacific Century, or, most 1984-1989 he was Governor of Western correctly, the Indo-Pacific Century. If Australia Australia. He was made an IPAA Fellow is not a part of it, if Australia does not play and served the WA Division as councillor, a role in its peace, security and stability, Vice President and President. and, most importantly, take its share of the The Oration aims to encourage public prosperity unleashed by the growth in our interest and research into public policy and region for the benefit of our own people’. contemporary thinking – similar to the work of Professor Reid – and is a collaborative Former Australian Defence and Foreign ‘I say the Indo-Pacific Century because venture of IPAA WA and UWA. Affairs Minister, Stephen Smith, above, this inherently acknowledges the rise of delivered the 2014 Reid Oration on China and the ongoing central importance 2014 Reid Orator, Professor Stephen October 6. He is currently the Winthrop of the United States but also the rise of Smith, is a UWA Law and Arts Graduate. Professor of International Law at The India and the emergence of Indonesia. He has a Masters in International Law University of Western Australia (UWA). It also acknowledges that Australia is an from the University of London, is a island continent, which touches not just Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme His presentation focused on ‘Looking the Pacific but the Indian Ocean as well. Court of Western Australia and is a out and looking in - some public policy It also acknowledges the strategic and challenges of change in our region’. Barrister of the Bar of England and Wales. economic importance of the Indian Ocean He is a board member of Perth’s USAsia More than 300 people, including WA’s first rim, including Africa, itself destined to be a Centre and a member of the Advisory female Governor, Kerry Sanderson, attended continent of over a billion people.’ Board of Perth law firm Lavan Legal. the event, held in partnership with UWA. The Reid Oration was established in Stephen was the Member for Perth in the WA’s first female premier and UWA’s 1991 by IPAA WA Division to honour Australian Parliament from 1993-2013 Winthrop Professor, Carmen Lawrence, Professor Gordon Reid’s contribution and Minister for Foreign Affairs and then opened the event. to public life. Gordon Reid, was a Minister for Defence from 2007-2013.
72 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION COMING ATTRACTIONS
Australian Capital Territory New South Wales www.act.ipaa.org.au www.nsw.ipaa.org.au
ETHICS AND THE CHIEF EXECUTIVES’ AND PICNIC IN THE PARK PUBLIC SERVANT YOUNG PROFESSIONALS’ BREAKFAST 30 30 13 05-07 24 9 -11 FEB PM PM FEB AM AM 06 07-09 MAR AM AM 2015 seminar program launches with a topic that examines the ethical duties Featuring Marita Cheng, of public servants in developing and founder of Robogals implementing government policy. and joint winner of the Always current and relevant, so diarise Young Leader category in the date and if you can’t attend join the the 2012 100 Women of live webcast and tweet responsibly. Influence Awards. Hashtag #ipaaethics. Marita Cheng, This KPMG sponsored 50MC THEATRE founder of breakfast provides ACT Robogals MARCUS CLARKE STREET young professionals CIVIC the opportunity to interact directly with It’s FREE! And it’s very popular! Join their CEO. the celebration to welcome the New Marita founded Robogals Global in 2008, Year. Enjoy canapés and drinks while as a response to the traditionally low levels networking with our President and CEO, of participation by women in engineering fellow members and colleagues. Learn and technology. Robogals uses fun and more about IPAA NSW and how we educational activities to teach schoolgirls work to connect people and ideas. about engineering and the difference ROSE GARDEN PAVILION engineers make to our lives. Robogals has ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS MACQUARIE STREET, SYDNEY run robotics workshops for 7,000 girls across 90 schools in Australia and now has IPAA 2015 NATIONAL 16 chapters across Australia, the UK, USA CONFERENCE: and Japan. FEDUP! – FEDERATION GANDEL HALL REFORM: IMPACTS AND NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA OPPORTUNITIES MONTHLY SEMINAR: WINNERS’ SHOWCASE 14 -15 Virtually take OCT 30 30 24 9 -11 The IPAA 2015 National Conference is me with you MAR AM AM Australia’s premier public sector event, attracting more than 500 delegates and You can read Livestreamed – winners of the 2014 exhibitors from around the nation. The Public Administration Australian Awards for Excellence in Conference is an opportunity for people Public Sector Management tell the stories Today online. from within the public service, those who behind their successful nomination. There are free sample pages but if you support it and those who study it to come Hear speakers from the Victorian and are an IPAA Member and obtain the together and debate the issues that matter. the Australian Departments of Human necessary codes from your division you See more on page 50. can read all of Today in full, glorious Services and the Department of Industry. colour for free – from your screen. 50MC THEATRE THE HILTON SYDNEY 488 GEORGE STREET www.act.ipaa.org.au MARCUS CLARKE STREET CIVIC SYDNEY
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 73 COMING ATTRACTIONS
Tasmania South Australia www.tas.ipaa.org.au www.sa.ipaa.org.au
EXECUTIVE FORUM IPAA MENTAL HEALTH AND THE WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP TASMANIA AND VICTORIA WORKPLACE: BULLYING AND HARASSMENT 14 &21 09-12 30 23 09-03 MAY AM PM FEB AM PM 30 17 09-12 8:30am registration, MAR AM PM ‘Re-imagining government, (morning tea provided). re-imagining public administration’ 8:30am registration, It can be motivating and (morning tea provided). inspirational listening to This one-day forum offers local and This course – led by Luke high achieving women international perspectives on rethinking Broomhall from Broomhall describe how they attained public services delivery, the way outcomes Young Psychology – aims career success but it can are measured and services are designed to clarify what exactly is Samantha sometimes leave us feeling Young, Director, inadequate and lost as and features Barry Quirk, Chief Executive meant by ‘bullying’ and Broomhall Luke Broomhall, ‘harassment’ from both to how to translate their of Lewisham Council in London and co- Psychology Director, legislative and behavioural strategies into our lives. chair of the Design Commission’s recent Broomhall perspectives. This workshop – led by Samantha Young, report Restarting Britain 2: Design and Psychology Director of Broomhall Psychology – aims for The course will develop Public Services. participants to become motivated by realising understanding of employers’ and employees’ their potential through skills development, MONA - MUSEUM FOR obligations, examples of what is and what self-analysis, discussion and goal setting. OLD AND NEW ART is not bullying and harassment and what is 655 MAIN ROAD, BERRIEDALE ‘reasonable’ workplace action. The session The course will define barriers to women HOBART will provide practical means of reducing risk reaching their leadership potential, help of bullying and harassment and options for participants conduct self-analysis to formulate people who find themselves the target of their own action plans for success and impart unwanted behaviour at work. key leadership skills in communication, assertiveness, leadership and self-promotion. $160 Professional Member $199 State Government Employee Member $460 Professional Member $199 Corporate Member $495 State Government Employee Member $245 Non-Member $505 Corporate Member $575 Non-Member FLINDERS UNIVERSITY BUILDING 182 VICTORIA SQUARE IPAA, LEVEL 6 ADELAIDE 12 PIRIE STREET, ADELAIDE DIPLOMA OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT
WEEKLY ON 30 TUESDAYS 10 -21 09-4 MAR APR AM PM Effective March 2014, Assessment consists of class work and the Diploma of Project submission of a series of project management Management has been tools and documentation related to the units. upgraded by the Australian Skills Quality Authority The information used will be based on an to an intensive diploma (BSB51413). The new actual workplace project, though the project qualification reflects a much more comprehensive may be at any stage of development. Your and practical application of skill within a range of organisation’s templates may be used and a real-life project management roles and contexts. series of templates is provided. This reflects the demand for skills that align Successful completion of the course and with the increasingly complicated nature of assessments will equip participants with the GOING UP Cylindrical lift and spiral staircase most projects government employees manage. skills to lead a project from start to finish PHOTO Matt Newton Led by Mike Nolan of Mike Nolan and gain the nationally recognised Diploma COURTESY MONA Museum of Old and New Management Services, above, 12 core units, of Project Management (BSB51413). Art, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia held over seven separate days, are highly IPAA, LEVEL 6 interactive and relevant to the public sector. 12 PIRIE STREET, ADELAIDE
74 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION COMING ATTRACTIONS
Victoria Western Australia www.vic.ipaa.org.au www.wa.ipaa.org.au
SALIENT CONVERSATIONS BECOMING A LEADER 2015 IPAA WA MASTERCLASS PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS 30 30 25 9 -4 30 30 MAR AM PM 19 9 -05 12 7 -09 MAR AM PM FEB AM AM Demonstrate skill and confidence in your discussions. Are you a manager aspiring to transition This address in February each year by a into a leadership role? Do you have the senior state government minister will be an • Get your point across assertively. skills to translate strategy into action? opportunity for the public service, whose • Facilitate meetings, engage participants professional responsibility is to serve that Public sector leaders need to adopt a unique and produce clear outcomes. government, to gain understanding of the leadership style that delivers performance • Effectively communicate the benefits policy landscape for the year ahead. This and productivity, together with strategic event also provides guidance to the public of a new process, policy or framework. and visionary leadership. The progression sector regarding the speakers’ perspective • Make uncomfortable conversations from being a team contributor to a leader on the key emerging social issues. comfortable. of others can be a challenging career step. PERTH CONVENTION AND Offering a full day, interactive session, This masterclass enables you to understand EXHIBITION CENTRE three follow-up online coaching sessions and develop critical people skills that will and an email support and advice service. contribute to your long-term career success. RED TAPE: PROBLEM OR SOLUTION The course facilitator is Elliot Epstein Session 1: Performance and Productivity who has run communication skills Session 2: Strategic leadership programs for more than 15 years to over Session 3: Leading Change 19 12 -02 4,000 people in Australia, Hong Kong Session 4: Visionary leadership MAR NOON PM and Singapore. Training too often shies $770 - Personal member In 2013, the Productivity Commission away from giving people the real-life $935 - Corporate member released a report identifying a model for skills that managers and leaders need in $1,100 - Non-member an improved Major Project Development their workplace. To register: www.vic.ipaa.org.au Assessment Processes. This is just one area $935 - Personal Member or call 9653 2000 of potential regulatory improvement and is an important starting point for discussion $1,210 - Corporate Member This course can be credited towards a $1,430 - Non Member as to the other promising areas of reform. postgraduate degree – contact IPAA Join us for an engaging discussion led by the To register: www.vic.ipaa.org.au Victoria for more information. Productivity Commissioner, Peter Harris. or call 9653 2000 LA TROBE UNIVERSITY VENUE TBA STAMFORD PLAZA CITY CAMPUS 111 LITTLE COLLINS STREET LEVEL 20, 360 COLLINS STREET MELBOURNE SHAPING THE VIEWS MELBOURNE AT THE TOP EXECUTIVE FORUM 8 09-12 IPAA VICTORIA APR AM NOON AND TASMANIA 23 09-03 FEB AM PM Young Professionals engage with key decision makers. Leaders present what ‘Re-imagining government, re-imagining public administration’ their ‘ideal’ public service will look like. This one-day forum offers local and co-chair of the Design Commission’s Delegates will be invited to respond - an international perspectives on rethinking recent report Restarting Britain 2: Design incredible opportunity for YPs to have public services delivery, the way outcomes and Public Services. their views heard by senior leaders. are measured and services are designed MUSEUM OF OLD AND NEW ART VENUE TBA and features Barry Quirk, Chief Executive HOBART of Lewisham Council in London and
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 75 BOOKS
Doing good by giving a hand across the water Note to all the NSW Police, to Thailand in one of the When IPAA event international teams tasked with identifying Peter organisers. the 3,945 people who lost their lives there returns Peter Baines, in the Boxing Day Tsunami. to Australia in February left, is an The Thailand bikes rides – each of 800 from his latest Thai bike ride fundraiser, he entertaining kilometres – sell out within two weeks will launch his second book. Doing Good and thoroughly to riders who must commit to raising by Doing Good was written, Peter says, for absorbing $10,000 each for the charity. those in business looking at how to create speaker. Over lunch, Originally established to build one home deeper engagement with their team. ‘It’s after dinner, for orphans – established just 12 months for charity leaders, foundations, directors or in a workshop or conference spot, later – Hands Across the Water now runs of NFP boards and social entrepreneurs.’ his presentation is made with the seven different projects across Thailand, quiet confidence of someone who has including an HIV orphanage. ‘Peter Baines has correctly written that innovation and a sense of the experienced success, knows where he’s Peter was moved by the devastation going and what he still wants to achieve. entrepreneurial spirit are the keys to caused by the Tsunami and particularly the future, irrespective of industry or And, he has a message for the world born the plight of orphaned children. ‘I realised academic discipline. This is advice of his own social conscience – and from I couldn’t do anything about what had offered at an important time in our doing something practical with it. happened to them,’ he says, ‘but I had the collective search for best practices and the truth.’ capacity to change what happened next.’ WILLIAM E. STRICKLAND JR, PRESIDENT AND CEO, ‘Baines makes a highly MANCHESTER BIDWELL CORPORATION practical contribution to how The story of this incredible social initiative the best businesses create value by a remarkable Australian was recorded by having a more positive social in Peter Baines’ first book – named for He says its central themes include impact. And considering his track creating a CSR program based on record of actually doing so, the charity Hands Across The Water. shared experiences and that creates who better to listen to?’ The book looks at how an effective PETER SHEAHAN, AUTHOR, positive returns for the sponsoring FOUNDER AND CEO OF CHANGELABS™ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program can improve lives in organisation and the charity partners; builds engagement within organisational During January Peter will be leading one the community and be good for the of his now famous bike rides in Thailand sponsoring organisation. And, in a nod teams; measures CSR inputs, outputs and that are the main source of funding for towards the theme of this edition of Today impact. It covers how to build an effective the charity he established there. ‘Hands he says ‘shared experiences are the key to CSR program; how shared value can Across the Water’ was founded by Peter building engagement and commitment bring growth and profit to your business; following his deployment, as a member of which leads to results’. and why charities need to change the focus of fundraising and take risks. ‘The book contains case studies of large international corporates, right down to small businesses that are reaping the benefits of getting their CSR strategy right,’ Peter says. ‘I feel more attached to Doing Good than Hands Across the Water but there is value for readers in both. The first book may have provoked the reader into doing something, while this latest one shows you how to bring about the change and importantly why it can, and indeed should, benefit all involved.’
76 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION LIFESTYLE
Our Town In the air or on the road again? Here’s a list of eateries for all budgets and a snapshot of what’s on and where, when you just might be in town.
WHAT’S ON WHAT’S ON WHAT’S ON Perth International Twilight Hawker’s Market Fringe World Festival Arts Festival 2015 Until Apr 24. Perth’s original and biggest Jan 23-Feb 22. The annual arts festival Feb 12-Mar 7. More than 1,000 artists street food market brings the tastiest street features artists and acts from a range of from around the world converge on Perth food from around the globe. Enjoy delicious styles including circus, cabaret, comedy, in February to deliver the largest and most dishes from all corners of the world. music, dance, theatre, film and visual art. diverse Perth International Arts Festival to date. www.twilighthawkersmarket.com www.fringeworld.com.au 2015.perthfestival.com.au
EATING OUT
Bib & Tucker Restaurant WA 18 LEIGHTON BEACH BLVD NORTH FREMANTLE Breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean Duende and picture-perfect sunsets, with a 662 NEWCASTLE STREET menu to complement the idyllic seaside LEEDERVILLE venue. The rotisserie grill is a feature with Perth’s first and original Spanish tapas bar mouth-watering aromas of pork belly – Duende means ‘having soul’. It is also a and chicken. heightened state of emotion, expression and www.bibandtucker.net.au authenticity. The menu provides a true taste of Spanish tapas. www.duende.com.au EATING OUT
WHAT’S ON EATING OUT King Island Black Cow Bistro Long Table Festival 70 GEORGE STREET LAUNCESTON CURRIE, KING ISLAND Open seven days from 5.30pm to late, Black Feb 20-22. This three-day event Cow Bistro is an ‘up market’ steak house showcases what King Island has to offer offering premium dry aged, free range, from paddock to plate - includes farm grass fed, artificial hormone free Tasmanian tours, kitchen sessions and a four-hour beef served in a bistro style atmosphere. ‘long lunch’. Bookings essential. www.kingislandlongtable.logspot.com www.blackcowbistro.com.au
WHAT’S ON
Festivale 2015 TAS 45-55 TAMAR STREET LAUNCESTON Feb 13-15. One of Tasmania’s premier Jackman & McRoss summer events – showcasing the very 57-59 HAMPDEN ROAD best of Tasmanian food, wine, beer, BATTERY POINT arts and entertainment. Staged in A gorgeous cafe patisserie only a short walk Launceston’s historic and picturesque from Salamanca. Friendly, attentive staff offer City Park. a great selections of breads, sandwiches, www.festivale.com.au pies, pastries and salads. Find them on Facebook EATING OUT
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 77 LIFESTYLE
WHAT’S ON EATING OUT
Melbourne International VIC Gradi at Crown Comedy Festival SHOP 25 8 WHITEMAN STREET VARIOUS VENUES SOUTHBANK Mar 25-April 19. The Festival takes over Gradi at Crown showcases the food of Melbourne each autumn with a program of Naples and is recognised as the home of the stand-up comedy, cabaret, theatre, street wood-fire pizza, the original being named performance, film, television, radio and after Queen Margherita of Italy. Last year, visual arts. Celebrating its 29th year and pizzaiolo Johnny Di Francesco, was judged one of the three largest comedy festivals in World Pizza Champion at the Pizza World the world. Championship in Italy. www.comedyfestival.com.au www.crownmelbourne.com.au/Gradi
WHAT’S ON WHAT’S ON Bald Eagles ‘Hotel Cabarfornia’ WOMADelaide ADELAIDE FRINGE ‘CABARET’ March 7-10. Held in Botanic Park over four THE GERMAN CLUB magical days and nights, where people come Feb 20-22. Baldies sound a LOT like their together to celebrate world music, arts and heroes. Now, the Official Inspector of Cabaret dance, with some of the most extraordinary Performances takes them to task for flogging musicians, artists and dancers. themselves as ‘cabaret’, then shows them how www.womadelaide.com.au it’s done. Tickets: FringeTix, or 1300 621 255. www.adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/bald- eagles-hotel-cabarfornia/f8b941f4-e2b1- 40bd-a39a-eddf7c98729b
EATING OUT SA Martini Ristorante 59A THE PARADE NORWOOD Andre’s Cucina & Polenta Bar Casual yet sophisticated, Martini Ristorante 94 FROME STREET ADELAIDE uses fine, delicate touches in layout, lighting Andre’s Cucina is casual, sophisticated, and design to create an intimate Italian lively and prides itself on the true flavours of ambience. The Chef’s Table degustation is regional Italian cuisine. an experience not to be missed www.andrescucina.com.au www.martiniristorante.com.au EATING OUT
WHAT’S ON WHAT’S ON
Impressions of Paris: In the Flesh Lautrec, Degas, Daumier NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA Until March 9. Enthralling and immersive. Until March 15. Each was a consummate Contemporary figurative art exploring the draughtsman whose innovative compositions concept of humanness through the works and embrace of modern subject matter played of ten Australian artists. ‘In the Flesh’ a significant role in artistic development in dwells on the interface of the mind and France over the nineteenth century. the body. www.nga.gov.au www.npg.gov.au PHOTO Polaire from Le Rire by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec PHOTO The Long Awaited 2008, by Patricia Piccinini 1895 lithograph, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra silicone, fibreglass, human hair, plywood, leather, The Poynton Bequest 2012 clothing. Detached Cultural Organisation, Hobart Image courtesy of the artist ACT Photographer: Graham Baring
Black Fire 45/38 MORT STREET BRADDON This latest eatery in Braddon salutes Mediterranean cuisine. A smoking barbecue, selections of cured meats, fire roast or wood-fired oven cooked meats. Salads, wood-roasted vegetables and luscious desserts. Yum! www.blackfire.com.au EATING OUT
78 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION LIFESTYLE
WHAT’S ON EATING OUT Tosca Sydney Food Trucks SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE The motto: ‘Gourmet food on the Until March 17. John Bell has move’. A dozen variously named transplanted Tosca’s story to 1943, and themed trucks – Eat Art Truck, when Mussolini’s successors Al Carbon, Lets Do Yum Cha – rove abandoned Rome to the invading around town serving delicious food German armies. during the day. Download the Sydney www.opera.org.au/whatson/ Food Trucks app for current locations. events/tosca-sydney www.sydneyfoodtrucks.com.au
WHAT’S ON
NSW Food and Wine NSW Festival SYDNEY CELLAR DOOR HYDE PARK SYDNEY Ester Restaurant Feb 7-Mar 1. Celebrate fine produce, 46-52 MEAGHER ST CHIPPENDALE wine, and wine regions. Explore the At his very new and very hot Chippendale tastes of NSW – from dinner to dessert, diner, former Billy Kwong head chef Mat brunch to high tea, plus producer Lindsay presides over a large wood-fired and winemaker master-classes and oven. He also has a mean way with greens. much more. www.ester-restaurant.com.au www.nswfoodandwine.com.au EATING OUT
WHAT’S ON EATING OUT
A Midsummer Night’s Dream QLD Billykart Kitchen ROUNDHOUSE THEATRE 1 ERIC CRESCENT ANNERLEY 6-8 MUSK AVENUE KELVIN GROVE Celebrity chef Ben O’Donoghue’s Feb 7-Mar 7. A wildly original take on licensed café is open seven days in a Shakespeare’s magical romantic comedy. revamped old corner shop. Billykart Director Benjamin Schostakowski Kitchen offers a fresh and seasonal transplants Shakespeare’s enchanted menu that changes regularly. It also lovers, fools and fairies from the wilderness offers fresh bread, milk, papers and of Athens to a nostalgia-tinged vision of other specialty food items. Australian suburbia. www.billykartkitchen.com www.laboite.com.au
WHAT’S ON WHAT’S ON Evolution: A Disrespective Passenger by Rob Brown DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY OF Stopping in Darwin on February 5 as THE NORTHERN TERRITORY part of a huge Australian and New Zealand Until March 29. Twenty years of wicked tour following the release of his new and irreverent reflections by Darwin artist album Whispers. Rob Brown in paintings, prints, drawings www.yourcentre.com.au/shows/ and sculptures. passenger www.magnt.net
EATING OUT NT Seoul Food 31 WOODS STREET DARWIN A recent addition to the Darwin dining Ducks Nuts Bar and Grill scene, Seoul Food offers a mix of Korean 76 MITCHELL STREET DARWIN and Australian cuisine and a selection of Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Korean/International and Australian beers espresso bar is well known for great coffee and spirits. Korean BBQ available. and sweet treats. Next door to the cinema. www.elansohosuites.com/ www.ducksnuts.com.au restaurant-en.html EATING OUT
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 79 MOTORING New Audi plug-in hybrid Motoring writer Ian Crawford reviews.
The A3 e-tron will launch With a fully charged battery, e-tron with a price tag of around owners will be able to travel 50km $60,000 and it marries without calling on the petrol engine. a 1.4-litre turbocharged Once the battery is exhausted, the petrol petrol engine with an engine comes to life to drive the car and electric motor. Both deliver do some recharging. power to the front wheels The e-tron is a beautifully balanced via a six-speed dual-clutch little car with near-perfect front-to-rear transmission. weight-distribution equation of 55:45 – Combine the outputs of better than the 60:40 of the standard A3. Audi is set to take electrified motoring to a both engines and you come up with Despite the added 125kg of the e-tron’s new level with the March arrival in Australia 150kW and 350Nm. Audi describes its battery system, the new A3 is a spirited of the A3 e-tron plug-in hybrid hatch. new baby as three cars in one – a battery/ little hatch with a sprint time to 100km/h Audi claims the e-tron’s petrol/electric electric vehicle, a plug-in-hybrid vehicle of 7.6 seconds. In electric mode the clock hybrid system can deliver a combined and a performance car. stops in just 4.9 seconds. fuel-consumption figure of just The new e-tron uses energy regeneration Audi says the new A3 variant will come 1.6litres/100km. Even in petrol-engine to deliver charge to an 8.8kWh lithium- armed with a comprehensive inventory mode, the figure is just 4.6litres. ion battery pack that is housed beneath of standard goodies. The booming German prestige brand has the rear seat and boot. Initially, Audi will appoint 16 selected tested e-tron technology in various cars Each car will come standard with a dealers in the capital cities and Sunshine over a number of years and if you want charging dock and cables to take power and Gold Coasts as e-tron outlets. confirmation of how good it is, check from a home or office electricity outlet its last three outright victories at the Le and it takes less than 2.5 hours to charge Mans 24-hour classic? fully the e-tron’s battery.
Holden spices up its SUV Ian Crawford reports.
Holden has spiced up its SUV line-up Other standard kit includes air by slipping a 1.4litre turbocharged petrol conditioning, 18-inch alloy wheels, six engine under the bonnet of the baby of airbags, ABS brakes, traction-and-stability the family, the Trax. control, descent control, a rear-vision The spirited little engine delivers 103kW camera and rear parking sensors, the of maximum power and its peak torque MyLink infotainment system with a seven- of 200Nm is on tap all the way from 1850 inch colour touch screen, embedded apps including Pandora, Stitcher smart radio, to 4900rpm. office chassis and powertrain engineers TuneIn radio and BringGo navigation. The resulting flat torque curve endows have worked hard to fine-tune the car for the new Trax iTi LTZ variant with There is also the Siri eyes-free mode, an Australian conditions. They also have been excellent all-round driveability and a AM/FM radio with an RDS display, USB, charged with the responsibility of setting combined fuel-consumption figure of iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, plus up the Trax for other world markets. a leather-wrapped steering wheel with 6.9litres/100km – nine per cent more Holden management is justifiably excited audio controls. frugal than its 1.8litre naturally aspirated about their new baby and it’s no wonder. Trax sibling. The new Trax is a great-handling little Back in 2010 there were seven small SUVs The Trax turbo is a six-speed automatic-only SUV as confirmed on the national on the Australian market. Such is the model and its $29,990 price tag positions media-launch drive program in Victoria’s growing success of the segment there are it $1,500 above the 1.8litre LTZ version. Dandenong ranges and Yarra Valley. now 18 from which punters can choose in With a standard sun roof as well as the new The secret behind its excellent road a market tipped to top 80,000 this year – turbo engine, the extra money is well spent. manners is that a team of Holden head 26,000 units just four years ago.
80 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Thinking Beyond Today
The world is changing faster than ever. To keep up, government and all Australians must be thinking for tomorrow. At KPMG, we have a track record of working with government, business and the community to tackle challenging problems. This makes us the natural choice when government needs insight and analysis to think differently about public service delivery. Together, we’re exploring new opportunities and helping to create solutions that work for the nation today – and tomorrow. To find out more talk to KPMG. kpmg.com.au
© 2014 KPMG, an Australian partnership. All rights reserved.
KPM0017_KPMG_SUB_Campaign_A4_1a.indd 1 27/05/2014 4:17 pm 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