Public Sector Podcast

In this insightful episode of the Public Sector Podcast, Sylvester Hubbard, Director of Enterprise Application Services at the Virginia Department of Corrections, takes listeners inside the complex world of data-driven corrections. He explains how the Department manages vast amounts of data—from inmate management and facility security to re-entry programs and workforce operations—and the challenge...

When a pre-ransomware cyberattack hit St Vincent's Health Australia, Acting National Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications Elliot Stein found himself leading through uncertainty. In this episode, he takes us inside the tense 72 hours that followed—where every decision, from going public early to engaging government partners, was guided by one principle: trust. Elliot also reflects on th...

In this episode, we explore alongside Ott Velsberg, Government Chief Data Officer, Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, how Estonia—a global pioneer in digital transformation—is redefining what's possible with data and artificial intelligence. As one of the most digitally advanced nations in the world, Estonia is moving beyond e-governance to integrate AI across its economy, p...

  This episode featuring Dr David Tuffley, Senior Lecturer Senior Fellow | Higher Education Academy School of Information & Communication Technology Institute of Integrated & Intelligent Systems (IIIS), Griffith University, dives into the high-stakes world of cybersecurity at major sporting events, where protecting critical systems like ticketing, broadcasting, and athlete data is non-negotiable....

Speaking from the perspective of a non-technologist, Jared Cowley Grimmond, Deputy Director General for Water Resource Management, shares the Department's ongoing digital transformation journey in Queensland. He highlights the importance of getting the foundations right—modernising legacy systems, moving to cloud platforms, and creating online portals—while ensuring services remain accessible for...

In this episode, we catch up with Michelle Simpson, Strategic Technology Advisor, Office of Digital Government, Department of Premier and Cabinet WA as she dives into the biggest hurdles agencies are facing right now—and more importantly, how to tackle them head-on. From the power of transparency and smarter vendor management, to making the most of the Assurance Review and other Digital Government...

Join Amanda Garcia and Dan Wilkins, CISO for the Arizona Department of Economic Security, as they explore the intersection of AI, automation, and collaboration in public sector cybersecurity. Dan shares practical strategies for building a proactive defense, leveraging emerging tech, and fostering the partnerships essential for resilience in an evolving threat landscape.   Dan Wilkens, Chief Inform...

In this episode, Dony Alex, Director of the Data Centre of Excellence with the Government of Alberta, discusses how sustainable data platforms and federated ecosystems can transform siloed information into AI-ready products. He explores the challenges of data governance, the balance between innovation and responsible controls, and how generative AI is democratizing access to insights. Tune in to d...

In this episode, Stephen Woods from the WA Department of Justice explores why cyber resilience is essential for protecting sensitive public data and services. He breaks resilience into four stages—anticipate, withstand, recover, and adapt—emphasising that cyberattacks are inevitable, but preparation and testing make the difference. From regional connectivity challenges to incident simulations like...

In this episode of Public Sector Podcast, we chat with Jocelyn, the Deputy Minister for Environment and Climate Change in Manitoba, about the transformative role digital tools are playing in reshaping government-citizen relationships. From co-creation of policies to fostering two-way communication, Jocelyn shares how Manitoba is using digital platforms like Engage EMB to create more inclusive, tra...

Virginia is leading the charge in digital transformation—leveraging AI and emerging technologies to streamline government operations, tackle complex data challenges, and improve public service delivery. In this episode, we're joined by Robert (Bob) Osmond, Commonwealth Chief Information Officer, Virginia IT Agency whoexplores how the state is using innovation to create more efficient, transparent,...

In this episode, Matthew Craft, Detective Superintendent, NSW Police Force examines the evolving landscape of cybercrime in 2025—what's changed, what's emerging, and what organisations need to know to stay ahead. From rising threat trends to response readiness, the discussion also highlights the importance of national and international cooperation in combating cyber threats. Whether you're in gove...

In this episode of Public Sector Podcast, we are joined by Josh Wagner, Arizona's State Chief Data and Analytics Officer, as Arizona drives forward with data modernization, AI governance and cross agency innovation. Josh will dive into the strategies shaping Arizona's data-driven future and the lessons other jurisdictions can take from their journey. This includes connecting the dots on how data i...

In this episode, Emily Mailes, Chief eHealth Strategy Officer at the Victorian Department of Health, joins us for a fireside chat on navigating digital transformation in healthcare. She shares how Victoria is tackling outdated systems, adopting AI, and reshaping its digital strategy to improve patient care and system efficiency. From managing billion-dollar IT backlogs to building interoperable pl...

In this episode, we sit down with two visionary leaders driving innovation in municipal government: Jan Bradley, Chief Information Technology Officer (CITO) of Calgary, and Scot Barker, Chief Innovation Officer (CINO) of Burlington, Vermont. From AI adoption and cybersecurity to legacy system modernization and equitable digital access, they share candid insights on: Balancing innovation with risk:...

This episode features Mark Lenzner, Executive Director, ICT / Digital Sourcing, Digital. NSW, NSW Department of Customer Service, who explores how the Test and Buy Innovation model is transforming public sector procurement. Learn how agencies can adopt more agile, outcome-focused approaches to tackle community challenges—by prioritising the problem rather than prescribing the solution. From foster...

In this episode, we hear from Joshua McKenzie, Manager, Cyber Governance, Risk and Assurance, Parliament of NSW who explores how government service providers can strike the right balance between compliance, cost-effectiveness, and risk management—without compromising on safety or service delivery. Listeners will gain insights into prioritising tasks through a people-centric lens, applying threat-b...

In our latest episode, Jamey Martell, Senior Director, One Person One Record, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Dr. Julie Maranda, Chief Medical Information Officer, One Person One Record, Nova Scotia Health Authority highlight that as healthcare systems go digital, trust and security must be built in from the start. Our healthcare leaders from Nova Scotia Health and its OPOR (One Person One Record) s...

This episode, Nicholas Davis, Co-Director, UTS Human Technology Institute takes listeners on a deep dive into the transformative world of Artificial Intelligence and the essential guardrails needed to ensure its safe, ethical, and effective application. Drawing on global best practices, emerging domestic trends, and state-level strategies, the conversation explores how NSW and the broader Australi...

The future of government is being rewritten—and it's digital. In this insightful episode, we sit down with  Aneesh Joshi  and  Omar Shabbir  from  Infrastructure Ontario (IO)  to explore how cutting-edge technologies like  Digital ID systems, AI, and Digital Twins  are revolutionizing public services. From eliminating bureaucratic silos to creating seamless, citizen-centric experiences, Aneesh (Te...

This thought-provoking episode invites Jacqui Loustau, AWSN Executive Director, Australian Women in Security Network, Professor Matthew Warren, Director of the RMIT Centre of Cyber Security Research and Innovation, RMIT who tackle the pressing issue of diversity in Australia's cybersecurity sector, featuring Jacqui Loustau and Professor Matthew Warren. They discuss the current under-representation...

In this engaging episode, we hear from Stewart Wong, Vice President of Strategy, Sustainability and Communications, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, as he takes us on a creative and candid journey through one of the hospital's most ambitious challenges: space optimisation during rapid growth. Blending Star Trek metaphors with real-world strategy, Stewart shares how Holland Bloorview...

In our latest episode, Natalie Bekis, Assistant Secretary Health Workforce Planning and Strategies Branch, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, Fiona Notley, Chief Operating Officer, and Vice President, RMIT delve into the pressing issue of the technology skills shortage in Victoria, unpacking the challenges and opportunities that come with building a resilient, future-ready w...

This episode features Dr. Krista Jangaard, President and CEO of IWK Health Centre in Nova Scotia, sharing how her organisation is navigating one of the most ambitious healthcare transformations in the province's history. Dr. Jangaard reflects on what it means to modernise health systems in a time of volatility and opportunity—from integrating digital tools like "YourHealthNS" and a provincial heal...

In this panel discussion, leaders from Colorado public sector sit down together and discuss what their priorities are in 2025 and beyond, and how to ensure they are successful.   Heather Weir, Senior Director of Strategy, Performance and Admin Office, Colorado Governor's Office of Information Technology Andrea Day, Senior Information Technology Director, Customer Office, Colorado Governor's Office...