An Invitation

Dear reMAKERS,

It’s taken me way too long to work out how to start an article about the public service in a way that sounds exciting and will mean you keep reading. I find people are either furious because of their experiences with Centrelink, the horror of Robodebt or the PWC scandal, or they just don’t think it’s very interesting.

But. I think the public service could be something we actually get excited about.

And I need your help.

Imagine if the purpose of our public service in 2024 and beyond was to ensure that we all had what we needed to care and be cared for, to connect with people and place, and to contribute locally and nationally to our communities.

Imagine being confident that our bureaucracy ensured people were truly seen for their needs, that decisions were made for the long-term, and communities had real agency in that decision-making.

Imagine if our relationship with government was not just at the polling booth, or begging for help from Centrelink… What if government wasn’t a force that happened to us, but a partner that collaborated with us?

And imagine if… in the process of reforming the public service… the public played a key part?

With a federal government actively engaged in public service reform and a public seeking more and better engagement on these issues, now is the time to create not only a vision of a public service for the public good, but a pathway to bringing that vision to life.?

That’s why over the next few months we’ll be talking with a diverse range of people across the country about what a public service for the public good looks like. We want to hear from current public servants (policy makers, teachers, nurses, cleaners, anyone in the public sector), from people who access government services (whether that’s Centrelink payments, healthcare, etc) — as well as from civil society, academics, unions and anyone else with an interest.?

We have also begun an ‘inside track’ dialogue, working with senior public servants and retired public servants who are passionate about reform, and keen to hear what the public and other stakeholders think. When ready, we want to bring members of these two groups together, to better understand each other and help reMAKE what our public service can be.

Find out more and get involved.

Thank you to those who have already filled out the expression of interest form on our website — you’ll hear from us soon.

We’re looking forward to reMAKING with you!

Millie, for the Australia reMADE team