Work with Purpose | Podcast series

Welcome to the 2021 Work with Purpose series, with the latest episode featured below. Work with Purpose explores the important role the Australian Public Service and supporting organisations are playing in the Government’s response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and priorities for the future. The series is produced in a partnership between contentgroup and IPAA ACT, with the support of the Australian Public Service Commission.

FEATURED EPISODE

EPISODE #53: 'PRODUCTIVITY AND THE HOME OFFICE' WITH MICHAEL BRENNAN AND DR SUE WILLIAMSON

The COVID-driven surge to working from home has given us a taste of what different ways of working look like. Many are enjoying the flexibility, balance, autonomy and other benefits of not working within the constraints of the nine to five office environment. As we come out of the pandemic, many workplaces including in the public sector, are trying to figure how to effectively incorporate working from home into business as usual. How do we stay productive when working from home? How do we ensure parity of experience to colleagues the office? In this episode we're joined by Associate Professor of Human Resource Management at the UNSW School of Business, Dr Sue Williamson, and Chair of the Productivity Commission, Michael Brennan. Takeaways from this episode include:

Policy implications of a home-based workforce.
Considerations including gender equality and team cohesion.
Workplace flexibility beyond the home office.
Happiness and wellbeing in a hybrid workforce.

Transcript - The transcript of this episode will be made available shortly.

LISTEN TO OTHER STORIES FROM THE PUBLIC SECTOR

	EP#52: The Importance of Infrastructure \| 22 November 2021 We're joined by Dr Rachel Bacon from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, and Alison Playford, Director-General of Transport Canberra and City Services, who talk about Australia's post-COVID infrastructure landscape, leadership and working across jurisdictions. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#51: Let's Talk Elections \| 8 November 2021 What is the role of the APS at Federal election time? In this episode Dr Stein Helgeby, Peter Rush, Rina Bruinsma and Katrina di Marco, talk about caretaker conventions, the role of the Parliamentary Budget Office, the relationship between the APS and Ministerial offices and staying apolitical during caretaker periods. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#50: Opening the Border \| 25 October 2021 In this week’s episode we’re joined by Michael Outram APM, Commissioner of the Australian Border Force. He talks about the important work of the ABF, challenges and achievements during COVID-19, and the impending trade and travel landscape as our borders reopen. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#49: The EA Journey \| 11 October 2021 This edition of Work with Purpose is brought to you by the IPAA ACT Executive Assistant (EA) Committee. It brings unique reflections and experiences from three EAs who have provided crucial support to executives and teams throughout the pandemic’s dispersed and uncertain environment. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#48: Stepping towards a more inclusive APS \| 27 September 2021 In this episode we’re joined by Catherine Seaberg, Assistant Commissioner leading the Inclusion group at the APSC, and Cain Beckett FAICD, Assistant Secretary of Policy Projects and Taskforces at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, as they explore how to improve employment outcomes for those with a disability in the APS. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#47: The First 90 Days: Lessons Learned from Public and Private Leadership \| 13 September 2021 Guests Jill Charker, Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company and Stephen Barrow-Yu, Assistant Secretary of Performance, Safety and Integrity at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, speak with Holly Noble, Chair of IPAA ACT’s Future Leaders Committee. They explore the importance of growth and broadening horizons, managing career change and adjusting to new roles, cross sector relationships and leadership learnings from other sectors. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#46: Growth in the Service \| 30 August 2021 In this episode we're joined by Simon Atkinson, Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications who delivers a keynote address as part of a recent IPAA Secretary Series event. His addrees is followed by a conversation with Michael Manthorpe PSM, former Commonwealth Ombudsman and IPAA ACT Deputy President. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#45: Significance of Public Service Medals \| 16 August 2021 We’re joined by Paul Way PSM, Director General, Defence Community Organisation at the Department of Defence, Dr Ros Baxter PSM, Deputy Secretary at the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and Caroline Edwards PSM, former Associate Secretary at the Department of Health and IPAA ACT Councillor. Hosted by journalist and Adjunct Professor at the University of Canberra, Virginia Haussegger AM, the conversation explores the meaning behind and significance of Public Service Medals. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#44: Making an Impact \| 2 August 2021 Chief Executive Officer of the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), Leilani Bin-Juda PSM speaks with IPAA National President, Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM, about how she and the TSRA have made a lasting impact in their region and beyond. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	Special Edition: The Tools we Need - The Launch of the APS Academy \| 26 July 2021 We're joined by Peter Woolcott AO, Australian Public Service Commissioner, Clare Walsh, Deputy Secretary Business Enabling Services at the Department of Finance, and Dr Subho Banerjee, Deputy CEO (Research and Advisory) at ANZSOG, as they explore the inspiration behind the APS Academy, its purpose and how it will build capability across the APS. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#43: Leading through a crisis \| 19 July 2021 In this episode we are joined by Dr David Gruen, Australian Statistician and Dr Ken Henry AC, former Secretary of The Treasury. Hosted by Isabelle Franklin and Megan Aponte-Payne from IPAA ACT's Future Leaders Committee, the discussion explores leadership during the GFC, and now through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It considers what major disruptions can teach us about leadership, and how these experiences influence leadership styles. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#42: Respecting Indigenous Communications \| 5 July 2021 In this episode we are joined by Ray Griggs AO CSC, Chief Executive Officer of the National Indigenous Australians Agency, Letitia Hope, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Indigenous Australians Agency, and Justine O’Brien SCMP, President of the International Association of Business Communicators in Canberra, who explore how to connect and engage with Indigenous audiences. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#41: Putting a stop to international fraud \| 21 June 2021 This episode brings unique perspectives and approaches to international counter fraud, with a focus on UK, New Zealand and Australia. Guests include Julie Read, Director and Chief Executive at the Serious Fraud Office in New Zealand, Mark Cheeseman OBE, Director of the UK Government Counter Fraud Function, and Andrew Walter, First Assistant Secretary at the Integrity and Security Division at the Attorney-General’s Department. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#40: Strategic thinking in a crisis \| 7 June 2021 Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM, President of IPAA National, and Rachel O’Connor, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Education, Skills and Employment, talk about how public servants can draw from their own reserves, skills and experiences to connect with, and develop trust with Australian citizens during times of crises. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#39: A look into the Future: The APS Workforce Strategy \| 24 May 2021 In this episode, we're joined by Mary Wiley-Smith, Deputy Secretary at the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, and Clare Walsh, Deputy Secretary of Business Enabling Services at the Department of Finance who talk in detail about The APS Workforce Strategy 2025. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#38: Women Leaders in STEM \| 10 May 2021 Since the onset of COVID-19, the APS has relied on the minds of scientists and others working in the STEM profession like never before. In this episode of Work with Purpose, we are joined Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM, Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Cayt Rowe, Deputy Program Leader at the Department of Defence, and Professor Tanya Monro, Chief Defence Scientist at the Department of Defence. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	Special Anniversary Edition \| 29 April 2021 To celebrate the one-year anniversary of Work with Purpose, we’ve released a special highlights edition featuring some of the remarkable insights shared with us over the past year with speakers from across the public sector. We share some of the key themes that resonated across the public sector throughout 2020. We also bring insight into the lives of those people who kept the wheels ably turning during these challenging and uncertain times. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#37: A Positive Outlook \| 27 April 2021 It’s safe to say that 2020, for the most of us, was quite the challenging year. With our work, home and day-to-day lives being forced to change at such a rapid rate, people around the globe learnt to adjust. In this episdoe IPAA Future Leaders Committee members, Megan Aponte-Payne and Isabelle Franklin, are joined by Dominic Price, Work Futurist at Atlassian. They talk about resilience, teachings from 2020, reprioritising your life and the importance of having a positive outlook. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#36: Building Confidence in the APS \| 12 April 2021 The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is implementing a program to deliver individualised, self-directed care packages to over a half a million Australians. The increasing influence of digital technology and data to bring value for citizens has never been more important. At the heart of this transformation is the NDIA's mission to make the lives of Australians simpler, safer and better. In this episode we're joined by Martin Hoffman, Chief Executive Officer of the NDIA. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#35: Collecting and Protecting Australia's Memories \| 29 March 2021 The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of being able to find, access, analyse, and share trusted and reliable digital information in a timely and responsive manner. In this episode, we’re joined by David Fricker, the Director-General of the National Archives of Australia, who speaks about how the National Archives is protecting Australia's memory by ensuring that the government's most important records are documented. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#34: Supporting Mental Health in a Crisis \| 15 March 2021 In this episode we're joined by Andrew Colvin APM OAM, National Coordinator of the National Bushfire Recovery Agency, and Christine Morgan, CEO of the National Mental Health Commission and the National Suicide Prevention Adviser to the Prime Minister, who are delivering suport to the Australian people as they deal with the ramifications of the bushfires and COVID-19 pandemic. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	SPECIAL EDITION: Why the APS Professions are important to the sector and to Australia \| 11 March 2021 In this special edition we dive into the APS Professional Streams, and are joined by Jacqui Curtis, Head of the HR Profession, Randall Brugeaud, Head of the Digital Profession and Dr David Gruen, Head of the Data Profession. Our guests, as the Heads of Profession, are responsible for capability uplift in their areas of focus drawing on international best practice. Listen to the podcast, watch the video and read the transcript here.
	EP#33: Flexible Responders \| Taskforce Toolkit and the APS Mobility Framework \| 15 February 2021 This episode features experienced taskforce leaders Simon Duggan, Deputy Secretary at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and Patrick Hetherington, First Assistant Commissioner at the Australian Public Service Commission. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#32: 'A Rising Threat: Cyber Security in the APS' with Hamish Hansford \| 1 February 2021 In this episode we are joined by Hamish Hansford, First Assistant Secretary of the Cyber, Digital and Technology Policy Division at the Department of Home Affairs, who talks about the future of cyber threats in Australia and what the Government, and all Australians, must do to be prepared. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.

We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Produced in partnership between

Supported by

	EP#52: The Importance of Infrastructure \| 22 November 2021 We're joined by Dr Rachel Bacon from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, and Alison Playford, Director-General of Transport Canberra and City Services, who talk about Australia's post-COVID infrastructure landscape, leadership and working across jurisdictions. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#51: Let's Talk Elections \| 8 November 2021 What is the role of the APS at Federal election time? In this episode Dr Stein Helgeby, Peter Rush, Rina Bruinsma and Katrina di Marco, talk about caretaker conventions, the role of the Parliamentary Budget Office, the relationship between the APS and Ministerial offices and staying apolitical during caretaker periods. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#50: Opening the Border \| 25 October 2021 In this week’s episode we’re joined by Michael Outram APM, Commissioner of the Australian Border Force. He talks about the important work of the ABF, challenges and achievements during COVID-19, and the impending trade and travel landscape as our borders reopen. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#49: The EA Journey \| 11 October 2021 This edition of Work with Purpose is brought to you by the IPAA ACT Executive Assistant (EA) Committee. It brings unique reflections and experiences from three EAs who have provided crucial support to executives and teams throughout the pandemic’s dispersed and uncertain environment. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#48: Stepping towards a more inclusive APS \| 27 September 2021 In this episode we’re joined by Catherine Seaberg, Assistant Commissioner leading the Inclusion group at the APSC, and Cain Beckett FAICD, Assistant Secretary of Policy Projects and Taskforces at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, as they explore how to improve employment outcomes for those with a disability in the APS. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#47: The First 90 Days: Lessons Learned from Public and Private Leadership \| 13 September 2021 Guests Jill Charker, Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company and Stephen Barrow-Yu, Assistant Secretary of Performance, Safety and Integrity at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, speak with Holly Noble, Chair of IPAA ACT’s Future Leaders Committee. They explore the importance of growth and broadening horizons, managing career change and adjusting to new roles, cross sector relationships and leadership learnings from other sectors. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#46: Growth in the Service \| 30 August 2021 In this episode we're joined by Simon Atkinson, Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications who delivers a keynote address as part of a recent IPAA Secretary Series event. His addrees is followed by a conversation with Michael Manthorpe PSM, former Commonwealth Ombudsman and IPAA ACT Deputy President. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#45: Significance of Public Service Medals \| 16 August 2021 We’re joined by Paul Way PSM, Director General, Defence Community Organisation at the Department of Defence, Dr Ros Baxter PSM, Deputy Secretary at the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and Caroline Edwards PSM, former Associate Secretary at the Department of Health and IPAA ACT Councillor. Hosted by journalist and Adjunct Professor at the University of Canberra, Virginia Haussegger AM, the conversation explores the meaning behind and significance of Public Service Medals. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#44: Making an Impact \| 2 August 2021 Chief Executive Officer of the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), Leilani Bin-Juda PSM speaks with IPAA National President, Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM, about how she and the TSRA have made a lasting impact in their region and beyond. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	Special Edition: The Tools we Need - The Launch of the APS Academy \| 26 July 2021 We're joined by Peter Woolcott AO, Australian Public Service Commissioner, Clare Walsh, Deputy Secretary Business Enabling Services at the Department of Finance, and Dr Subho Banerjee, Deputy CEO (Research and Advisory) at ANZSOG, as they explore the inspiration behind the APS Academy, its purpose and how it will build capability across the APS. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#43: Leading through a crisis \| 19 July 2021 In this episode we are joined by Dr David Gruen, Australian Statistician and Dr Ken Henry AC, former Secretary of The Treasury. Hosted by Isabelle Franklin and Megan Aponte-Payne from IPAA ACT's Future Leaders Committee, the discussion explores leadership during the GFC, and now through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It considers what major disruptions can teach us about leadership, and how these experiences influence leadership styles. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#42: Respecting Indigenous Communications \| 5 July 2021 In this episode we are joined by Ray Griggs AO CSC, Chief Executive Officer of the National Indigenous Australians Agency, Letitia Hope, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Indigenous Australians Agency, and Justine O’Brien SCMP, President of the International Association of Business Communicators in Canberra, who explore how to connect and engage with Indigenous audiences. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#41: Putting a stop to international fraud \| 21 June 2021 This episode brings unique perspectives and approaches to international counter fraud, with a focus on UK, New Zealand and Australia. Guests include Julie Read, Director and Chief Executive at the Serious Fraud Office in New Zealand, Mark Cheeseman OBE, Director of the UK Government Counter Fraud Function, and Andrew Walter, First Assistant Secretary at the Integrity and Security Division at the Attorney-General’s Department. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#40: Strategic thinking in a crisis \| 7 June 2021 Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM, President of IPAA National, and Rachel O’Connor, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Education, Skills and Employment, talk about how public servants can draw from their own reserves, skills and experiences to connect with, and develop trust with Australian citizens during times of crises. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#39: A look into the Future: The APS Workforce Strategy \| 24 May 2021 In this episode, we're joined by Mary Wiley-Smith, Deputy Secretary at the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, and Clare Walsh, Deputy Secretary of Business Enabling Services at the Department of Finance who talk in detail about The APS Workforce Strategy 2025. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#38: Women Leaders in STEM \| 10 May 2021 Since the onset of COVID-19, the APS has relied on the minds of scientists and others working in the STEM profession like never before. In this episode of Work with Purpose, we are joined Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM, Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Cayt Rowe, Deputy Program Leader at the Department of Defence, and Professor Tanya Monro, Chief Defence Scientist at the Department of Defence. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	Special Anniversary Edition \| 29 April 2021 To celebrate the one-year anniversary of Work with Purpose, we’ve released a special highlights edition featuring some of the remarkable insights shared with us over the past year with speakers from across the public sector. We share some of the key themes that resonated across the public sector throughout 2020. We also bring insight into the lives of those people who kept the wheels ably turning during these challenging and uncertain times. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#37: A Positive Outlook \| 27 April 2021 It’s safe to say that 2020, for the most of us, was quite the challenging year. With our work, home and day-to-day lives being forced to change at such a rapid rate, people around the globe learnt to adjust. In this episdoe IPAA Future Leaders Committee members, Megan Aponte-Payne and Isabelle Franklin, are joined by Dominic Price, Work Futurist at Atlassian. They talk about resilience, teachings from 2020, reprioritising your life and the importance of having a positive outlook. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#36: Building Confidence in the APS \| 12 April 2021 The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is implementing a program to deliver individualised, self-directed care packages to over a half a million Australians. The increasing influence of digital technology and data to bring value for citizens has never been more important. At the heart of this transformation is the NDIA's mission to make the lives of Australians simpler, safer and better. In this episode we're joined by Martin Hoffman, Chief Executive Officer of the NDIA. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#35: Collecting and Protecting Australia's Memories \| 29 March 2021 The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of being able to find, access, analyse, and share trusted and reliable digital information in a timely and responsive manner. In this episode, we’re joined by David Fricker, the Director-General of the National Archives of Australia, who speaks about how the National Archives is protecting Australia's memory by ensuring that the government's most important records are documented. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#34: Supporting Mental Health in a Crisis \| 15 March 2021 In this episode we're joined by Andrew Colvin APM OAM, National Coordinator of the National Bushfire Recovery Agency, and Christine Morgan, CEO of the National Mental Health Commission and the National Suicide Prevention Adviser to the Prime Minister, who are delivering suport to the Australian people as they deal with the ramifications of the bushfires and COVID-19 pandemic. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	SPECIAL EDITION: Why the APS Professions are important to the sector and to Australia \| 11 March 2021 In this special edition we dive into the APS Professional Streams, and are joined by Jacqui Curtis, Head of the HR Profession, Randall Brugeaud, Head of the Digital Profession and Dr David Gruen, Head of the Data Profession. Our guests, as the Heads of Profession, are responsible for capability uplift in their areas of focus drawing on international best practice. Listen to the podcast, watch the video and read the transcript here.
	EP#33: Flexible Responders \| Taskforce Toolkit and the APS Mobility Framework \| 15 February 2021 This episode features experienced taskforce leaders Simon Duggan, Deputy Secretary at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and Patrick Hetherington, First Assistant Commissioner at the Australian Public Service Commission. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.
	EP#32: 'A Rising Threat: Cyber Security in the APS' with Hamish Hansford \| 1 February 2021 In this episode we are joined by Hamish Hansford, First Assistant Secretary of the Cyber, Digital and Technology Policy Division at the Department of Home Affairs, who talks about the future of cyber threats in Australia and what the Government, and all Australians, must do to be prepared. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript here.