Have you ever wondered how political leaders decide which issues make it to the top of the agenda?

In this episode of Work with Purpose, host David Pembroke speaks with Professor Liam Smith and Dr Connor Wynn from Behaviour Works Australia to explore how politicians make high-stakes decisions under pressure and what the public sector can learn from the process.

Drawing on extensive behavioural research, Smith and Wynn reveal how political leaders rely on heuristics, or mental shortcuts, to navigate complexity, limited time and competing demands. They explain how community sentiment, emotion, political capital and timing influence which policies rise to prominence, and how these forces shape outcomes across government.

Listeners will learn how understanding the psychology of decision making can help them engage more effectively with ministers, anticipate shifting priorities and design advice that resonates. This is an engaging conversation about influence, timing and the human side of leadership in government, offering practical guidance for anyone working in or alongside the Australian Public Service.

Key tips:

1. Use the “wait and see” principle. Recognise when an issue is gaining traction and be ready to act when political and community momentum align.
2. Seize the moment. Identify windows of opportunity created by events, media attention or public pressure, and present advice when decision makers are most receptive.
3. Think like your audience. Understand how leaders and communities perceive an issue, and frame advice using real-world perspectives and public sentiment, not just technical evidence.

Show notes:

• Behaviour Works Australia – behavioural science research and case studies: behaviourworksaustralia.org
• How the political elite make decisions - Wynn - 2025 - Australian Journal of Public Administration - Wiley Online Library

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What does it really take to lead people well in a world of constant change? In this episode of Work with Purpose, host David Pembroke sits down with Jacqui Curtis, Chief Operating Officer at the ATO and Head of the APS HR Profession, and Eliza Kirkby, Managing Director at Hays, to explore how human resources in the Australian Public Service is being redefined.

From the power of trust and genuine connection to the growing impact of AI and technology, Curtis and Kirkby share honest insights about what it means to be a people-focused leader today. They reveal how curiosity, courage and empathy can build stronger teams, shape culture and help leaders navigate complexity with confidence.

Listeners will also hear how HR professionals are helping the APS evolve by embracing innovation, driving inclusion and belonging, and preparing for the workforce of the future. It’s an inspiring conversation about keeping people at the heart of transformation and leading with purpose when it matters most.

Key tips

1. Lead with curiosity and connection. Build trust through open communication, empathy and genuine listening. Be straightforward, approachable and real.
2. Use technology wisely. Let AI and digital tools enhance people’s work rather than replace it.
3. Create a sense of belonging. Inclusion and psychological safety are essential for high-performing teams.
4. Stay open and ask for help. Strong leaders grow through curiosity and collaboration, not by having all the answers.

Show notes

• Successful Public Governance | Utrecht University
• Speech to the American Society for Public Administration | Crawford School of Public Policy
• Pathways to Positive Public Administration An International Perspective | Book
• Has the time arrived for Positive Public Administration | The Mandarin

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In this episode of Work with Purpose, host David Pembroke speaks with Jamie Lowe, the Merit Protection Commissioner for the Australian Public Service and the Parliamentary Service, about how fairness, transparency and integrity are upheld across the APS.

Described as the Commonwealth’s “workplace umpire,” Jamie and her office review promotion decisions, Code of Conduct inquiries and other workplace matters to make sure they’re not only lawful, but fair and correct. She explains how her team provides impartial review, carefully manages conflicts of interest, and works with agencies to lift capability and strengthen decision-making.

Jamie also shares her career journey as a long-serving public servant, the lessons the APS can take from Robodebt, and why procedural fairness is essential in maintaining trust and confidence across the APS.

Key tips:

1. Document decisions clearly – thorough records ensure fairness and allow meaningful feedback in recruitment and promotions.
2. Empower staff through reviews: Code of Conduct processes give people the confidence to raise concerns and strengthen workplace culture.
3. Own-motion audits, shared case studies and communities of practice improve decision-making and integrity across the APS.

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In this episode of Work with Purpose, David Pembroke speaks with Dr David Gruen AO Australian Statistician and the inaugural head of the APS Data Profession about the transformative role data plays in the public sector.

The APS Data Profession, launched in 2020, it has grown from a pilot into a thriving community of 13,500 members across Commonwealth, state and territory governments. The profession is about more than technical skills. It’s building a culture of evidence-based decision making, giving leaders confidence in using data, and opening career pathways through graduate streams and cadet programs.

Dr Gruen reflects on how communities of practice, the Data Capability Framework, and initiatives like the Data Awards are shaping a smarter, more collaborative public service ready for challenges like AI and machine learning.

Key takeaways:

1. Why data matters in government – the APS Data profession is building skills and a culture that supports evidence-based decisions.
2. How the data profession is growing - from graduate programs to communities of practice, creating a strong pipeline of talent and collaboration
3. What leaders need to know – why senior executives and decision makers must understand data to better shape outcomes for Australian citizens

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How do public servants make smart decisions when time is short and the stakes are high?

In this episode, host David Pembroke is joined by two leading experts in organisational decision-making: Eric Barends, Managing Director of the Centre for Evidence-Based Management, and Alessandra Capezio, Associate Professor of Organisational Behaviour at the Australian National University. Together, they explore how public servants can make better decisions by combining data, research, stakeholder input, and professional experience.

The conversation delves into the challenges of balancing instinct and evidence in fast-paced environments, the risks of relying on heuristics and cognitive biases, and the importance of cultivating a culture that supports critical thinking and evidence-informed practice.

Key tips:

1. Use multiple sources of evidence to support decision-making. Avoid relying solely on personal experience; combine organisational data, scientific research, stakeholder perspectives, and expert judgement.
2. Challenge cognitive biases. Recognise common pitfalls like solution fixation and authority bias, and ask critical questions to uncover root causes.
3. Build capability and culture. Equip teams with the skills and shared language to critically appraise evidence, even under time pressure, and foster leadership that values evidence-based practice.

Show notes:

• Evidence-based tools and resources | Center for Evidence-Based Management website
• Online course on evidence-based management | CEBMa
• EBDM support, short courses and bespoke offerings | Associate Professor Alessandra Capezio via ANU

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Have you ever written to a politician? What did you hope to achieve?

In this episode of Work with Purpose, guest host Andrew Metcalfe AO FIPAA explores the power of personal correspondence in shaping Australia's political landscape. With around 150,000 letters and emails received annually by the Prime Minister, new research is shedding light on how these messages influence policy and public discourse.

Dr Daniel Casey and Dr Marija Taflaga from the Australian National University unpack the findings of Daniel's research into letters sent to Prime Minister John Howard between 1996 and 2000, and discuss broader insights from the POLEVPOP project on how politicians evaluate public opinion.

From heartfelt pleas and policy critiques to unexpected administrative revelations, this episode reveals how everyday Australians have helped shape the national agenda – one letter at a time.

Key tips:

• Write to policymakers – letters from the public are a vital democratic tool, offering depth and context beyond the ballot box.
• Tell your story. Personal stories – especially those that tug at the heart – can leave a lasting impression on policymakers
• Opt for handwritten or emailed letters. Despite the rise of social media, private correspondence remains a powerful and personal form of civic engagement.

Show notes:

• How politicians evaluate public opinion (POLEVPOP) | ANU
• Explore one of the featured letters: Jeffrey Funerals letter to the PM (1996) | via Daniel Casey
• Daniel Casey, 'Dear John...': Letters from the public to Prime Minister Howard | UNSW Library

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Hosted by IPAA National President Andrew Metcalfe, AO FIPAA, this episode of Work with Purpose explores how the public sector might manage an increasingly complex global public sector environment, while maintaining a spirit of humility and empathy in serving the community.

Public administration on a global scale is facing challenges from growing hostility influenced by misinformation and political rhetoric, which is impacting public servants’ morale and the perception of government institutions.

In this discussion, Crawford School of Public Policy Director Janine O’Flynn reflects on her address to the 2025 American Society of Public Administration Conference which highlighted these issues alongside efforts to build a positive narrative for public service and the integration of technology like AI in governance.

This podcast delves into the long-running global debate on the value of public service – a conversation that continues to evolve across different national contexts.

Key tips:

1. Lead with empathy – recognise the emotional toll of uncertainty and trauma on public sector employees. Whether you're a leader or a colleague, approach conversations and decisions with compassion and understanding.
2. Champion positivity – actively highlight the value and impact of public sector work. Sharing success stories and meaningful contributions helps counteract public hostility and rebuild trust.
3. Engage thoughtfully with AI – understand that trust in artificial intelligence depends on more than just technology; it requires ethical oversight, sound judgement, and high-quality data. Advocate for systems that challenge, rather than replicate, existing biases.

Show notes:

• Utrecht University project on Successful Public Governance | Utrecht University, Netherlands
• Speech to the American Society for Public Administration | Crawford School of Public Policy
• Pathways to Positive Public Administration: An International Perspective | Open source book via Elgar Online
• Has the time arrived for Positive Public Administration | The Mandarin
• Automated Assistance in Administrative Decision Making [2004] | Administrative Review Council Reports
• 2025 American Society of Public Administration Conference | ASPANet

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How can public sector professionals keep their skills sharp without committing to years of study? Microcredentials may be the answer.

In this episode of Work with Purpose, host David Pembroke speaks with Professor Deborah Blackman from UNSW Canberra and Kristen Risby from the Australian Public Service Commission about how microcredentials are transforming learning in the public sector.

Explore the co-design process behind new postgraduate offerings as our speakers share lessons from recent pilot programs and highlight how these short, credit-bearing courses are helping public sector professionals build relevant skills without committing to long-form study.

Key tips

1. Choose microcredentials that offer credit – look for courses that meet university standards and contribute to formal qualifications. These are stackable and recognised across institutions.
2. Embed learning into your workplace – apply course content directly to your current role through reflective assessments and practical tasks that reinforce learning outcomes.
3. For those wanting to create a course, co-design with practitioners for relevance – when developing or selecting a course, involve subject matter experts and end users to ensure the content is job-ready and aligned with sector.

Show notes

• Express your interest or find out more about the APS Academy microcredentials | APSC website
• Explore other learning opportunities with the APS Academy learning | APS Academy
• Subscribe to hear the latest news, events and offerings from the APS Academy | APS Academy

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