In this episode of Work with Purpose, we discuss how a widening gap between external change and internal capability in the public sector is becoming a major threat to both public trust and effective government.

As governments navigate social media distortion, geopolitical instability, cognitive warfare and rapid advances in AI, many public institutions are still operating in rigid, slow-moving ways better suited to an earlier era.

Guest host Michelle Ainsworth, former ABC politics editor and Churchill Fellow, speaks with Sir Geoff Mulgan, Professor of Collective Intelligence, Public Policy and Social Innovation at University College London alongside IPAA National Secretary Samantha Palmer, about why trust in government now depends on more than competence alone.

Australia’s public service stands out internationally for its relative stability, integrity and institutional strength. Our panel discuss how Australia can use this advantage more ambitiously: to test new ideas, design better institutions and build models other democracies can learn from. The conversation explores how governments can respond to ethical failures more effectively, why public services need to become more transparent and conversational, and what it will take to avoid a new wave of AI-related public sector scandals.

Key tips

1. Trust is built through both competence and integrity. Public confidence depends not just on delivering results, but on being seen as honest, accountable, and guided by clear moral purpose.
2. Governments need to innovate more systematically. Public institutions cannot afford to remain rigid while technology and public expectations move quickly around them.
3. AI should be tested, staged, and governed carefully. Strong procurement, user testing, ethical oversight, and in-house capability are essential to avoid costly failures.

Work with Purpose is produced by contentgroup in partnership with IPAA ACT

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Work with Purpose, the Hon Patrick Gorman, Assistant Minister for the Public Service, revisits performance, reform, and the future direction of the Australian Public Service.

"It’s an incredibly patriotic thing to be a public servant", says Assistant Minister Gorman. At the same time, it requires consistent, positive frontline interactions as well as acting with integrity every day to ensure people continue to put their trust in the public service. So, what’s the minister’s vision for the future?

On this episode, host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup and Assistant Minister Gorman dive into growing culturally and linguistically diverse representation at senior levels of the APS, and unpack AI‑driven economic change, climate transition, energy security, misinformation, and more.

They also discuss the State of the Service Roadshow, and the importance of celebrating outstanding public sector initiatives, regional and remote service delivery, and engagement across the country through programs such as the Spirit of Service Awards.

Key tips

1. Competent service matters more than high‑level narratives or messaging. Remain consistent, and respectful in every interaction you have.

2. Capability uplift needs to continue, this includes more diversity and the senior level. Empower and encourage those with diverse backgrounds.

3. Use artificial intelligence and digital tools to improve productivity and services, in a secure and ethical way and with strong data governance to maintain public confidence.

Show Notes

Public Service Amendment Act 2024 | APS Reform

APS Employee Census 2025 | Australian Public Service Commission

State of the Service Roadshow: 2026 | Australian Public Service Commission

Spirit of Service Awards | IPAA ACT

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, speaks with APS CALD Champion Jim Betts, Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Art, and Nu Nu Win, assistant secretary at the Department of the Treasury, about cultural diversity in the Australian Public Service and the work underway to create a more inclusive and representative senior leadership pipeline.

Together, they explore how to challenge assumptions and why the APS still has a long way to go in turning commitment into meaningful change. The episode highlights emerging initiatives across the APS, including sponsorship, stronger staff networks and clearer institutional signals to support fairness, inclusion and better outcomes for the community the APS serves.

Key tips:

• Start with evidence, then act on it. Strong data helps move the conversation beyond assumptions and shows where barriers are real and where action is needed most.
• Leadership signals shape outcomes. When leaders show a visible commitment to fostering inclusion, it positively influences who feels encouraged to apply, grow and see a future in the Australian public service.
• Inclusion happens in everyday decisions. Look closely at small moments where choices are made about who is invited in, supported, encouraged or sponsored. These actions can shape long-term career outcomes.
• The APS has an opportunity to lead. APS leaders have the unique ability to coordinate, act deliberately, and build a workforce that better reflects the community it serves.

Show notes:

APS Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Employment Strategy and Action Plan | Australian Public Service Commission

Modelling Australian Public Service Careers | Tax and Transfer Policy Institute, Crawford School of Public Policy, ANU

Cross-agency diversity networks (including CALD CONNECT) | Australian Public Service Commission

APSC CALD Action Plan (2025–2028) | Australian Public Service Commission

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.