This book explores a fundamental problem that undermines the integrity, competence and trust in public institutions: the expertise deficit. It aims to contribute meaningfully to public sector reform efforts underway in Australia and globally, particularly with regards to capability development and leveraging diverse forms of expertise in all forms, from all places. It has been written in three parts. 

The book focuses primarily on the Australian public sector, and why internal expertise is such a critical foundation for public institutions to effectively deliver on their mandate and core responsibilities with verifiable integrity. It attempts to identify and address the undervaluing and outsourcing of expertise, which has arguably contributed to an existential crisis in the purpose and identity of public servants and the public sector in modern society.

It also explores the causal relationship between expertise and public trust, given the increasing reluctance globally to trust organisations of all kinds, but particularly those institutions that should uphold democratic, social and economic stability in a society.

Embracing, developing and engaging expertise is necessary to achieve a more adaptive, high integrity and highly effective public sector, one that people can respect and trust.

Book structure

1. Part 1 provides some analysis of where we are today and how we got here.
2. Part 2 provides an optimistic and inspiring vision of what an expert and modern public sector could look like.
3. Part 3 provides a roadmap for how we can get there.