Public Sector Podcast

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 collaboratively across government, responding to the changing expectations of customers and taking innovative solutions from the frontline to scale organisation-wide.   Andrew George, Chief Executive Officer, WaterNSW Megan Stiffler, Deputy Commissioner, Fire & Rescue NSW John Cleland, Chief Executive Officer, Essential Energy Alexandra Geddes, Executive Director, Programs & Innovation, NSW Environment Protection Authority.   For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

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 Australia Carly outlines how modern, technologically neutral, robust regulatory protections alongside a new Digital Identity system are key to ensuring business and government can safely innovate and strengthen public trust.   For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

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 Jeremy Fewtrell, Commissioner with Fire and Rescue NSW to learn how the power of leadership, Diversity and Equity initiatives, and a navigation of workplace culture is helping to ensure the agency is ready for - literally - anything. Jeremy Fewtrell, Commissioner with Fire and Rescue NSW For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

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 of unintended consequences. Mike Hill, Chief Data & Information Officer with the UK Cabinet Office discusses how the UK government aims to unlock AI's full potential to revolutionise public services and citizen outcomes. For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

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 effectively, leading to informed decision-making and improved services for Californians. Kim Hicks and Jason Lally deep dive, plus share use cases in housing and water supply shortages in this weeks episode of the Public Sector Podcast. Kimberly Hicks, Deputy Director, Advanced Analytics & Evaluation, California Office of Data and Innovation Jason Lally, Deputy Director, Data Services and Engineering, California Office of Data and Innovation. For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

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 is working towards their mission of being a global cyber security powerhouse in this week's episode of the Public Sector Podcast. David Latina, Deputy Secretary, Industry & Innovation Group, Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry & Regions For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

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 the Canadian Digital Service discusses the Digital Stress Scale, and how leaders must foster divergent thinking, recognising that innovation thrives in collaboration, not isolation in this week’s episode. Daphnée Nostrome, Director, Channel Strategy, Canadian Digital Service For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

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 responsibly experiment with AI tools to pilot initiatives is crucial. Michael Rowell and Fawad Abro of the Australian Taxation Office discuss practical steps to build an AI-ready culture. Michael Rowell, Deputy Commissioner, Data, Integration & Service Management & Fawad Abro, Assistant Commissioner, Enterprise Data & Analytics, Australian Taxation Office For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

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 environments that prioritising well-being, government stands to attract a new generation of talent eager to contribute meaningfully. Achieving DE&I though can't be done in isolation and is definitely not a 'HR Initiative.' Tracy Jones-Grant, Managing Director, Diversity & Inclusion at Halifax Regional Municipality chats to us about how to make equity, diversity and inclusion a part of your organisational transformation. Tracy Jones-Grant, Managing Director, Diversity & Inclusion, Halifax Regional Municipality For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

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 Digital Identity at the ACCC discusses the five elements of success in this week's Public Sector Podcast. Daniel Ramos, General Manager, Digital Identity, ACCC For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co