The NSW public has limited visibility over when and how automated decision-making (ADM) systems are being used to support or replace the work of NSW public servants in making decisions. To address this knowledge gap, the NSW Ombudsman initiated this mapping and analysis of ADM use across NSW state government departments and agencies, and local...

The Royal Commission report into the failed Robodebt scheme offered a unique opportunity to reflect on the performance of Australian government institutions. This project, based directly on the evidence presented in the Commission’s hearings and report, focuses on the distinctive contribution of the Australian Public Service (APS), particularly its culture. It selects three general areas...

This guide aims to draw out the principles, behaviours and mindsets that underpin lived experience work. In policy-making, lived experience usually refers to people with personal experience who interact with a policy in their daily lives.

The purpose of this inquiry is to review recurring issues that have arisen in recent years across several government agencies relating to the effectiveness of government policy and program design implementation. The areas the report focuses on across six audit reports are: policy and program design, policy planning and implementation, governance and risk management, and...

In this review, drawing on scores of publicly available reports from a variety of Australian and international research teams, the authors present a comprehensive picture of the state of civic health of Australia.

Futures is a systematic exploration of probable, possible and preferable future developments to inform present-day policy, strategy and decision-making. This primer provides an overview of Futures methodologies and their practical application to policy development and advice.

This inquiry reviewed the Commonwealth Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic to identify lessons learned to improve Australia’s preparedness for future pandemics. The inquiry heard a recognition that Australia was one of the most successful countries in its pandemic response and yet, like other countries, was not adequately prepared for a pandemic.

This speech focuses on the importance of evidence-informed policymaking, which enhances the effectiveness, efficiency, and equity of public interventions. It argues that in a complex policy environment, a focus on evidence can provide a constructive path forward in policy disagreements and help build trust in government decisions.

Government inquiries present a policy window for advocates to influence policy. This article identifies, consolidates and presents a list of features that advocates should consider when writing submissions to government inquiry.

The increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the economy, society and government. While the technology is moving fast, the lasting impacts of AI on the activities of government are likely to be transformational. This policy provides a framework to position the Australian Government as an exemplar under its broader safe and responsible AI...