A champion Public Sector

At last weekend’s Public Finance Act at 30 conference I gained an appreciation of how progressive the Act was 30 years ago. The progress and results have meant a quicker rebound from natural and global finance disasters. However, looking at indicators of our well-being and social indicators such as family violence, suicide, child abuse and others, it is difficult to say that the public finance act is a major contributor to our social and economic health.  We do need to look at how policy impacts this and the Act supports policies.  What has worked but more importantly where are the gaps? 30 years ago, this act was a major change and it brought opportunities so let’s be bold and brave again but with wiser heads and kinder hearts.

Collaboration between agencies, and wider with communities seems to be a lesson learned in Wales and leadership across those involved, according to Adrian Compton, Auditor-general for Wales. Stephen Walker, Executive Director for Audit NZ talked about commitment and investment "I believe the larger public entities across all sectors and no doubt in collaboration need to be doing more to invest in and support the development of the public sector accountancy/finance workforce". If collaboration is key, then perhaps the agile methodology that encourages and supports collaboration could also be intertwined with strategy, finance and people. Its not new but it is brave.

And finally, my thanks to School of Accounting and Commercial Law at Victoria University, Wellington for hosting this celebration event and for the 120 delegates from mainly the Public Sector, who where certainly bold on a sunny weekend in Wellington!!