Queensland’s digital journey is a blueprint for inclusive development - Chris McLaren - Episode 108

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 - a philosophy for government servicing that is paving the way government is responding to the state's needs, including a world-first first-nations digital services program. Chris McLaren, Queensland Government Chief Customer and Digital Officer For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

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 adoption. Jeremy Read, CEO, The University of Winnipeg Beverlie Stuart, Vice President, Business and Organizational Development, Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology Diane Burelle, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator, City of Winnipeg. For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

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 legal services to meeting the complex justice-related needs of Melbourne’s culturally rich meltingpot, this is a case study in designing an authentically accessible, inclusive and equitable, human-centered user-experience for public servicing.  Richard Hodge, Director, Innovation & Service Experience, Magistrates’ Court of Victoria For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co    

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 organizations. She shares real-world examples from the TTC's initiatives, including their innovative mentorship program and AI-assisted recruitment process. Tune in to discover how modern leaders are balancing technological advancement with human-centered policies to create adaptable, equitable workplaces. Shakira Naraine, Chief People Officer, Toronto Transit Commission For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

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 Chambers, Deputy Mayor, City of Winnipeg & Chair of Innovation and Economic Development and Chair Winnipeg Police Board City Councillor, City of Winnipeg. For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

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 changing the skills required for workers, highlighting the need for workers to upgrade their skills or acquire new ones to adapt to these changes. Tune in to learn about the strategies and actions being taken by Ontario’s Ministry of Labour to ensure a smooth transition for both employers and employees in navigating this digital transformation. Simone Atungo, Assistant Deputy Minister of Workforce Policy and Innovation Division (Employment), Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development   For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

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 healthcare. Tune in for a snapshot from Lance Emerson, Deputy Secretary, eHealth, Victoria Department of Health into how the health sector is using advanced analytics, AI, digital twins and machine learning to transform Victoria and beyond. Lance Emerson, Deputy Secretary, eHealth, Victoria Department of Health. For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

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