EP#91: Connect, care, contribute: Public service for public good

As the Australian Public Service (APS) continues to drive its reform agenda, the importance of community engagement in addressing complex issues becomes increasingly evident. Recent challenges, such as robodebt and the relationship between the public sector and consultants, highlight the intricate balance between public good and how it connects to public service practice. But what exactly does "’public good’ entail? And how can public servants ensure it remains at the forefront of their work?

In this episode of Work with Purpose, we are joined by Dr Millie Rooney, social scientist and co-director of Australia reMADE, and Dr Russell Ayres, associate professor with the Centre for Environmental Governance at the University of Canberra. Together, they delve into the complexities of public service and the essence of the public good. Drawing lessons from the unprecedented challenges of the 2019/2020 bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, our guests explore collective decision-making and question what truly shapes it. Tune in as they highlight the sometimes-overlooked successes of the public service, the essential need for genuine community connections, and the nuanced relationship between public servants and politicians.

Discussed in this episode:

• The concept of ‘public good’ and its role in the public service.
• The relationship between civil society organisations, communities, and public service perceptions.
• Balancing responsiveness to government with community expectations and the current APS reform agenda.
• Envisioning a future where the public good is central to public sector policies and programs.

Show notes:

Australia reMADE

The Mandarin | What do we want the public service to be?

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