NEXT Public Sector
Designed for senior leaders preparing to deliver the public sector of the future, this full-day program will explore key issues including ethical decision making, psychosocial safety, digital readiness and change leadership.
The Public Sector program is proudly sponsored by Mentem by UNSW
Thursday 10 August
NEXT Keynote
9.15am – 10.15am
1: THE ETHICAL LEADER
James Comey, Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation (2013–2017)
Throughout his decades-long career in public service, James Comey has been committed to doing the right thing—at the expense of partisan politics, popular opinion, and even personal friendships.
His book, A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership, explores what good, ethical leadership looks like and how it drives sound decisions. He sheds light upon the thinking behind his own decisions and argues that leaders should be laser-focused on a core set of principles, chief among them truth, transparency, and decency.
Comey offers executives – and the people who work for them—a road map for ethical leadership even in the most challenging and uncertain of circumstances.
Speaker appearing via live stream
Proudly sponsored by:
NEXT Recharge
10.15am – 10.45am
Join us for morning tea to connect with colleagues and refuel
NEXT Insights
10.45am – 11.30am
2: THE ETHICS OF ROBODEBT: LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP
Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM, Australian Public Service Commissioner
Rick Morton, Journalist and Author
The highly controversial Robodebt Scheme has shone a spotlight on ethical leadership, particularly in the public service. Using automated algorithms to collect alleged overpayments from welfare recipients, the Robodebt Scheme has resulted in a Federal Royal Commission as it led to false debt claims, harassment, and distress for many vulnerable Australian citizens.
In this session, the ethical leadership implications of the Robodebt Scheme will be explored. The session will examine key lessons that can be learned, such as embedding ethical decision-making, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, and ensuring that leaders are guided by ethical values and principles.
Proudly sponsored by:
NEXT Insights
11.35am – 12.20pm
3A: AUSTRALIA'S ECONOMIC OUTLOOK AND THE IMPACT ON THE PUBLIC SECTOR
David Rumbens, Partner, Deloitte Access Economics
Australia’s economic landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the global pandemic, shifts in trade patterns, and changing consumer behaviour all impacting economic growth and development. In this session, we will explore Australia’s economic outlook and the impact this is having on the public sector.
We will begin by examining the current economic trends and challenges facing Australia, including changes in the labour market, shifts in consumer behaviour, and emerging technologies. We will discuss the impact these changes are having on the public sector, including the need for greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and the importance of innovation and adaptability in the face of changing economic conditions.
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3B: FOSTERING A DIGITAL FIRST MINDSET
David Guazzarotto, Pacific Leader, Digital HR & Technology Advisory Mercer Workforce Solutions
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, embracing digital transformation has become imperative for organizations across various sectors. The Australian public sector, with its unique challenges and responsibilities, is no exception. Join the conversation and learn how to embrace a digital-first mindset and not just ‘do digital’ but ‘be digital’. We will explore the concept of fostering a digital-first mindset within the Australian public sector, emphasizing the need for adaptation, innovation, risk mitigation and collaboration to leverage the full potential of digital technologies.
Proudly sponsored by:
NEXT Recharge
12.20pm – 1.05pm
Join us for lunch to connect with colleagues and refuel
NEXT Deep-Dive
1.05pm – 2.35pm
4A: MANAGING PSYCHOSOCIAL RISK IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR
Kathryn Dent CAHRI, Partner, HWL Ebsworth Lawyers
Dr Michelle McQuaid, Author and Founder of The Wellbeing Lab
Greg Vines, CEO, Comcare
In response to a multitude of factors reshaping the world of work – technological, physical, environmental, and cultural – job requirements are transitioning away from physical tasks towards more mentally demanding ones. While traditionally, organisations are well experienced in managing physical risks in the workplace, many are unprepared when it comes to ensuring a psychologically safe work environment – how are public sector services responding to this new responsibility? Based on new data gathered from government teams around Australia, in this workshop we’ll:
- Discover the most frequently reported hazards in Australian public service teams and the impact they are having on wellbeing.
- Explore the most effective strategies services and leaders are using to minimise psychosocial risks for workers.
- Experiment with an easy-to-use tool to help boost psychological safety in your teams.
- Explore the legislative and regulatory requirements of employers, and how to apply codes of practice to ensure compliance and support your workforce’s performance, wellbeing, and experience.
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4B: EMPLOYEE VALUE PROPOSITIONS - A SHALLOW SLOGAN OR A HUGE OPPORTUNITY TO HELP THE PUBLIC SECTOR WITH AND THROUGH ITS PEOPLE
Mark Puncher, CEO, Employer Branding Australia
In a much-changed world of work, and an uncertain and volatile talent market, a strategic approach to talent is vital. Whether you’re trying to attract new hires or keep your current teams engaged and performing, a positive, differentiated employer brand is key. And a unique, authentic Employee Value Proposition (EVP) is a powerful tool in telling your story and converting this to results. Beware, though – when it comes to EVPs, the devil is in the detail.
In this informative, practical session, Mark Puncher, CEO and Founder of Employer Branding Australia, will show you what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to EVP development, and the steps you should take to discover, articulate and amplify your talent offer and employee experience. You’ll get the latest employer branding insights, practical advice on how to get results, and specific examples and ideas to help you on your journey.
Proudly sponsored by:
NEXT Recharge
2.35pm – 3.10pm
Join us for afternoon tea to connect with colleagues and refuel
NEXT Keynote
3.10pm – 3.55pm
5: LEADING PUBLIC SECTOR WORKPLACE CHANGE
Ella McPherson, Deputy Commissioner/ Chief Operating Officer, Victorian Public Sector Commission
Chris Lamb FCPHR, Deputy Commissioner, NSW Public Service Commission
David Mackie, Commissioner, Queensland Public Sector Commission
As the public sector continues to evolve in response to societal, technological, and economic changes, leaders face the critical task of driving workplace change within their organizations.
This conference session aims to delve into the complexities and nuances of leading change in the public sector, focusing on effective strategies, leadership principles, and practical insights to navigate transformational shifts successfully.
Proudly sponsored by:
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Level 2, 31 Queen Street
Melbourne
Victoria, 3000
Phone: 1300 811 880
Email: [email protected]
