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Articles on Public service

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Selection panels interrupt women more than men and ask them more follow-up questions, subtly questioning their competence. Andrey Popov/Shutterstock

Research shows ‘merit’ is highly subjective and changes with our values

The vast majority of managers said they wanted “the best person for the job”. They had less idea of just who that might be, or how to ensure appointments on merit and equity targets co-exist.
Gaetjens was Peter Costello’s chief of staff, and NSW treasury secretary under a Liberal government. Mark Graham/AAP

View from The Hill: New Treasury secretary rolls the dice on his future

The issue is not that a person has served “up the Hill” - something seen as desirable all round - but how long they’ve been there and how strongly identified they’ve become with one side of politics.
Lloyd, a former Australian Building and Construction Commissioner, has incurred the ire of the union movement. Lukas Coch/AAP

Public Service Commissioner targeted over IPA links resigns

Lloyd, who was appointed commissioner by the Abbott government, had been subject to a complaint that he breached the Public Service Code of Conduct.
Some Peace Corps volunteers already provide computer assistance and instruction. Peace Corps

Is it time for a Cyber Peace Corps?

The US could help solve a global security problem and boost its image abroad by helping willing experts share their cybersecurity knowledge around the country and the globe.
As a very young public servant Dennis Richardson handed out how-to-vote cards for the ALP. Mick Tsikas/AAP

Politics podcast: Dennis Richardson on telling it like it is

Politics podcast: Dennis Richardson on telling it like it is
Dennis Richardson was never afraid to tell ministers what he believed they should hear, and any grudges they had as a result they apparently got over very quickly.
The Australian Federal Police will receive $321.4 million over four years for a range of measures. AAP/Lukas Coch

Budget 2017-18 brings welfare crackdown and increased defence and security funding: experts respond

The Conversation’s political experts react to the 2017-18 budget’s key measures in the areas of welfare, foreign aid, defence spending and more.
What’s in the Turnbull government’s first budget for cities, defence, social services, the ABC and more? AAP/Lukas Coch

Federal budget 2016: political experts react

On reform, the 2016-17 budget is a holding one, with tinkering on the sides.
An upbeat Pravin Gordhan, South Africa’s finance minister (left) arrives to deliver his 2016 budget address to parliament in Cape Town. Reuters/Mike Hutchings

South Africa budget 2016: nifty political footwork may not be enough

Cutting the bloated public service wage bill, as the finance minister is doing, is critically important economically. But it is sure to be unpopular with the governing ANC’s powerful labour allies.
Outgoing education department secretary Lisa Paul had been a departmental secretary since 2004. AAP/Mark Graham

Education department secretary Lisa Paul quits

The top of the public service is undergoing an extensive shake-up as a result of both the change of prime minister and personal decisions.
One of Tony Abbott’s first acts on coming to office was to remove Martin Parkinson (left) as Treasury secretary. AAP/Saeed Khan

Review: Political Amnesia – How We Forgot How To Govern

Debate, serious discussion and deliberation are valued highly in a democracy not just for their own sake, but because they are considered essential to testing the quality of ideas and arguments.
Martin Parkinson is expected to be announced as the new head of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, replacing Michael Thawley. Roger Phillips/QUT

Martin Parkinson has last laugh over Tony Abbott and Peta Credlin

The yet-to-be-announced appointment of former treasury secretary Martin Parkinson to head the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet is a tale of justice restored, with a touch of Gilbert and Sullivan…
The secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Michael Thawley, wants the public service to open its doors to the outside world. Lukas Coch/AAP

Message to government: better media access to the public service wouldn’t be so scary

Michael Thawley, surprised at finding so many closed doors – requiring swipe cards – when he became secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, has now opened most of the internal ones…
The Union Buildings in Pretoria, home to South Africa’s government. Public confidence in civil servants has been severely eroded. Thomas Mukoya/Reuters

South Africa needs a professional civil service

Political factors have played a disproportionate role in decisions on the promotion, transfer and performance assessments of government officials.

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