Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Sector

In this episode of Work with Purpose, we discuss how a widening gap between external change and internal capability in the public sector is becoming a major threat to both public trust and effective government.
As governments navigate social media distortion, geopolitical instability, cognitive warfare and rapid advances in AI, many public institutions are still operating in rigid, slow-moving ways better suited to an earlier era.

Guest host Michelle Ainsworth, former ABC politics editor and Churchill Fellow, speaks with Sir Geoff Mulgan, Professor of Collective Intelligence, Public Policy and Social Innovation at University College London alongside IPAA National Secretary Samantha Palmer, about why trust in government now depends on more than competence alone.
Australia’s public service stands out internationally for its relative stability, integrity and institutional strength. Our panel discuss how Australia can use this advantage more ambitiously: to test new ideas, design better institutions and build models other democracies can learn from. The conversation explores how governments can respond to ethical failures more effectively, why public services need to become more transparent and conversational, and what it will take to avoid a new wave of AI-related public sector scandals.

Key tips
Trust is built through both competence and integrity. Public confidence depends not just on delivering results, but on being seen as honest, accountable, and guided by clear moral purpose.
Governments need to innovate more systematically. Public institutions cannot afford to remain rigid while technology and public expectations move quickly around them.
AI should be tested, staged, and governed carefully. Strong procurement, user testing, ethical oversight, and in-house capability are essential to avoid costly failures.

Work with Purpose is produced by contentgroup in partnership with IPAA ACT
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On this episode of Work with Purpose, the Hon Patrick Gorman, Assistant Minister for the Public Service, revisits performance, reform, and the future direction of the Australian Public Service.

"It’s an incredibly patriotic thing to be a public servant", says Assistant Minister Gorman. At the same time, it requires consistent, positive frontline interactions as well as acting with integrity every day to ensure people continue to put their trust in the public service. So, what’s the minister’s vision for the future?
On this episode, host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup and Assistant Minister Gorman dive into growing culturally and linguistically diverse representation at senior levels of the APS, and unpack AI‑driven economic change, climate transition, energy security, misinformation, and more.
They also discuss the State of the Service Roadshow, and the importance of celebrating outstanding public sector initiatives, regional and remote service delivery, and engagement across the country through programs such as the Spirit of Service Awards.

Key tips
1. Competent service matters more than high‑level narratives or messaging. Remain consistent, and respectful in every interaction you have.
2. Capability uplift needs to continue, this includes more diversity and the senior level. Empower and encourage those with diverse backgrounds.
3. Use artificial intelligence and digital tools to improve productivity and services, in a secure and ethical way and with strong data governance to maintain public confidence.

Show Notes
Public Service Amendment Act 2024 | APS Reform
APS Employee Census 2025 | Australian Public Service Commission
State of the Service Roadshow: 2026 | Australian Public Service Commission
Spirit of Service Awards | IPAA ACT
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Host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, speaks with APS CALD Champion Jim Betts, Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Art, and Nu Nu Win, assistant secretary at the Department of the Treasury, about cultural diversity in the Australian Public Service and the work underway to create a more inclusive and representative senior leadership pipeline.

Together, they explore how to challenge assumptions and why the APS still has a long way to go in turning commitment into meaningful change. The episode highlights emerging initiatives across the APS, including sponsorship, stronger staff networks and clearer institutional signals to support fairness, inclusion and better outcomes for the community the APS serves.

Key tips:
Start with evidence, then act on it. Strong data helps move the conversation beyond assumptions and shows where barriers are real and where action is needed most.
Leadership signals shape outcomes. When leaders show a visible commitment to fostering inclusion, it positively influences who feels encouraged to apply, grow and see a future in the Australian public service.
Inclusion happens in everyday decisions. Look closely at small moments where choices are made about who is invited in, supported, encouraged or sponsored. These actions can shape long-term career outcomes.
The APS has an opportunity to lead. APS leaders have the unique ability to coordinate, act deliberately, and build a workforce that better reflects the community it serves.

Show notes:
APS Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Employment Strategy and Action Plan | Australian Public Service Commission
Modelling Australian Public Service Careers | Tax and Transfer Policy Institute, Crawford School of Public Policy, ANU
Cross-agency diversity networks (including CALD CONNECT) | Australian Public Service Commission
APSC CALD Action Plan (2025–2028) | Australian Public Service Commission

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What does it take to lead with purpose in one of Australia’s most complex public institutions? In this episode of Work with Purpose, we hear from Rob Heferen, Commissioner of Taxation, about the responsibility of public servants to build trust, improve systems, and deliver better outcomes in complex, high pressure environments.

Rob Heferen looks back on a career spanning tax policy, major reform and public sector leadership, from his early days in customs to leading the Australian Taxation Office.

With host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, he shares what has shaped his approach to leadership and what sets public service apart: the opportunity to work for something bigger than yourself and improve outcomes for the public as a whole.

Rob and David discuss the importance of developing expertise, communicating clearly, working collaboratively, and leading change carefully in environments shaped by complexity, risk and rapid technological change.

Key tips:
Develop deep expertise quickly but always keep sight of the bigger picture.
Communicate clearly and avoid speaking in specialist jargon or code.
Be someone people want to work with: reliable, collaborative and trusted.
Stay grounded in the mission of public service and focus on better outcomes for the public.
In complex, high-risk environments, lead change carefully, but do not lose the confidence to think bigger and act bolder.

Show notes:
Australia’s Future Tax System Review | Australian Treasury
Australian Taxation Office
ATO AI transparency statement | Australian Taxation Department
The Tyranny of Merit | Michael Sandel
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Medicare Urgent Care Clinics offer free, walk-in care for urgent but non-life-threatening health issues. In this episode, we explore how the Department of Health and Aged Care turned a good idea into a service that’s taking pressure off busy emergency departments across Australia.

Since opening in June 2023, Urgent Care Clinics have cared for over 2 million people and grown rapidly from an initial 50-clinic commitment to more than 90, with 137 expected by the end of 2025–26. It’s an impressive example of delivery at pace in the public sector, earning the Urgent Care Clinics team the 2025 Spirit of Service People’s Choice Award.

Led by Adam Nettheim, Chief Customer Officer at Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation, Sarah Sinclair, Assistant Secretary, Urgent Care Branch and Sarah El-Sabagh, Director, Urgent Care Policy and Evaluation from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, this episode unpacks the practical decisions and partnerships behind this scale-up, with lessons you can apply in any service or program. They dive into what it takes to stand up quickly, build confidence with partners and providers, and make access easier for communities.

*The People’s Choice Award is proudly sponsored by Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation.

Key Tips
Design around the user: build services to fit real lives, remove friction, make access simple, and focus on what people need in the moment.
Move at pace by partnering well: strong relationships across the system are the engine room of delivery.
Keep listening after launch: build feedback loops early so you can improve in real time, not “set and forget”.
Stay anchored to outcomes: success is a better experience for people and less pressure on frontline services.
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