Public Sector Podcast

Cyber security is a highly regulated, complex mission. Collaboration among global alliances is an opportunity for Australia to learn from wrong-turns and become a fast-follower. Tune in to this week's episode where Helge Janicke, the Deputy CEO and Research Director for the Cyber Security Cooperative Research Centre, shares how distinct types of collaboration enables both operational updates and s...

Over 1 million Queenslanders don't have access to connectivity either through a lack of resources or education. Digital inclusion has played a critical role in improving Queensland's development and economic outcomes. Tune in to this week's episode where Chris McLaren, the Queensland Government Chief Customer and Digital Officer delivers a case study in inclusive growth that benefits all citizens...

In this panel, three Manitoba public sector executives discussed the current state of digital transformation in Manitoba's public sector. They also highlighted success stories involving AI and Machine Learning, Blockchain, and IoT, etc. The panel also examined the key tech trends shaping the public sector, focusing on the opportunities these technologies present and the challenges faced in their a...

Courts have not historically been innovators of the public service, however COVID became impetus to forgo legacy paper-based records in favor of digitised data governance. Hear from Richard Hodge, the Director of Innovation and Service Experience at the Magistrates Court of Victoria, on how this transformation has affected both performance and service levels. From catering to a diverse range of le...

How can organizations build an agile, diverse workforce in the age of AI and automation? This episode tackles that pressing question with Shakira Naraine, Chief People Officer of the Toronto Transit Commission. Shakira delves into practical strategies for implementing successful remote work policies, leveraging AI to enhance workforce capabilities, and fostering genuine inclusivity in government o...

Markus shares the nine focus point on how to build a future ready public sector of leadership and service-focused excellence: Visionary leadership, citizen-centric approach, talent acquisition and development, technological innovation, collaborative partnerships, agility and flexibility, accountability and transparency, diversity inclusion, and performance measurement and improvement. Markus Chamb...

Over the next ten years, automation is expected to affect half of Canadians' jobs. In this episode, Simone Atungo, Assistant Deputy Minister of Workforce Policy and Innovation Division at the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, explores the profound impact of automation on the future of work. Simone discusses how the adoption of automation is transforming workplaces and ch...

Compared to Australia and other OECD countries, the state of Victoria has the highest access to afterhours care, is comparably one of the top three in care-coordination, one of the highest in follow-up care and lowest in costs. With the aim of becoming the best in the world, eHealth was established in 2024 with a vision to drive excellence in analytics and digital tech to deliver world-class healt...

Innovation can pose a lot of challenges to the public sector. How can state government innovate at the pace of industry? When new technologies can pose a risk as much as an opportunity, how can government respond with innovation in risk-adverse environments? What does it mean to lead innovation strategies from the ground-up?   In four short stories from across NSW, hear how leadership is working c...

In recent research conducted by the Office of Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), 89% of Australians wanted Government to pass more legislation that protects their personal information. In this modern data economy, Carly Kind, Privacy Commissioner with OAIC likens our daily interactions with online privacy allowances as "death by a thousand cuts".    In her keynote session at Innovate Aust...

Workforce planning is a massive juggling act at any time. But throw into the mix a dispersed workforce of thousands that needs to scale up and down swiftly and literal life or death situations and the challenge seems neigh on impossible. Fire & Rescue NSW have taken steps to streamline and optimise their workforce planning initiatives in recent years in a bid to best manage the task. We chat to Je...

In an era fuelled by the promise of AI, the UK public sector stands at the cusp of transformation. Embracing the hype surrounding AI, government leaders navigate the delicate balance between innovation and risk. While the potential benefits are tantalising, the path forward requires a nuanced approach, considering factors like organisational culture, digital maturity, and the ever-present spectre...

The Office of Data and Innovation (ODI) in California is spearheading initiatives to enhance data usability and democratization. Through accelerators like the Data Science Accelerator and Modern Data Stack Accelerator, ODI facilitates the adoption of data science and modern tools statewide. By offering tailored solutions and fostering collaboration, ensures that departments leverage data effective...

The Victorian Government of Australia prides itself on building a vibrant cyber economy to, not only deliver safe and reliable government services, but to make Victoria a cyber safe place to live, learn and work. To achieve this cross-sector partnership with education providers, government entities and private tech-sector operators is a crucial building block. David Latina, discusses how Victoria...

In a world of perpetual change, navigating digital transformation parallels the phases of societal evolution. From galvanizing momentum to the sobering reality of implementation, each stage demands strategic adaptation. Yet, sustaining innovation requires more than initial enthusiasm; it necessitates a shift in mindset towards everyday creativity. Daphnée Nostrome, Director, Channel Strategy at th...

In the last 12 months Artificial Intelligence has gone from a topic relegated to tech functions to a focus of many company leaders. In fact AI, and specifically Gen AI (yes ChatGPT, we're talking about you) has become a dinner table conversation topic for people from all walks of life. With the jump from Science Fiction films to the boardroom, knowing how to strategically, ethically and responsibl...

Globally 48% of public sector professionals agree that talent attraction and retention is their top challenge. While government can rarely compete with private sector peers monetarily, government offers its own unique value proposition - namely by appealing to talent seeking a greater sense of purpose and belonging. By harnessing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives and by fostering environ...

Most citizens are excited by the prospect of greater digital government services and the convenience, speed and ease of self-serve platforms. However questions around government's ability to keep data safe and to use technology, like AI, in ethical ways threaten progress. How then can government build and maintain citizen confidence as we move towards automation and self service? Daniel Ramos, GM...

Companies throughout the world have prioritised Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in recent years, aiming to make a good impact on society and the environment. B Corp accreditation, a globally recognised benchmark for organisations that prioritise both purpose and profit, is one effective approach to demonstrate a commitment to these principles. Recently Public Sector Network, or PSN, was agai...

Community safety is the cornerstone of social cohesion, fostering trust and unity among residents. When people feel secure in their environment, they are more likely to engage positively with one another, leading to stronger bonds and collaborative efforts that enhance overall well-being, resilience, and shared prosperity within the community. In this week's epsidoe of the Public Sector Podcast Ma...

International Women's Day isn't country or organisation specific. It's a day of collective global activism and celebration that belongs to all those committed to forging women's equality. In recent years the narrative around international women's day has changed though, with some arguing that it's become 'corporatised' and 'performative' as to lose all meaning. Which is why in this week's episode...

International Women's Day is a day to recognise how far we've come towards gender equality, and also how far we have left to go. Don't get us wrong - a little over a hundred years ago only a handful of countries allowed women to vote and equal pay for equal work was unheard of. We're making strides in the right direction, but there's still more work to be done. In recognition of IWD we've bought t...

Without proactive project management you'll find yourself constantly firefighting, your team unengaged, and your business unit operating as a siloed lone ranger. All this leads to poor quality deliverables and damage to reputation. The City of Edmonton found themselves in the same boat. Projects faltered and the City operated reactively, without clear alignment or integration with broader City fun...

Travelling to a service centre, waiting in line, operating within standard 'business hours' to submit paper proof of identity documents; none of this aligns with the modern lives people live. Digital credentials however are emerging as a means to help citizens participate safely and conveniently in the digital economy. CJ Ritchie, Associate Deputy Minister and Government CIO with the Government of...

Significant cyber attacks and breaches are becoming more and more common. It's almost a guarantee now that at some point an attack vector will gain illegal unauthorised access to your computer systems and networks. The trick is to; 1. Not panic 2. Have solid security foundations 3. Limit the blast radius.  Derek Robson, CIO at the New Zealand Parliament shares his three step strategy to simplify a...