Quiet achieving projects and unconventional ideas don’t always get auspicious ministerial press releases or case studies in The Mandarin. For the 12 finalists in next month’s inaugural Public Sector Innovation Awards that could soon change.
The partnership between the Institute of Public Administration and the Australian Public Service — specifically the IPAA ACT branch and the Public Sector Innovation Network — seeks to demonstrate and acknowledge the great innovation taking place in the Commonwealth public sector.
Three finalists in each of the four categories were named this week, from a field of 83 nominations, and invited to present their innovation to a panel of judges at a pitch event next week.
The final four winners will be announced at an IPAA presentation ceremony at the end of Innovation Month.
Innovative Solutions
We took an idea and tried something different!
This category recognises a new or improved solution to an existing problem. The solution may relate to process, to service delivery, to programmes, to policy or to regulatory approaches. It may relate to stopping doing something (a process or a service) so that a new approach can be tried.
| Organisation | Name of Innovation |
|---|---|
| Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet | Changing Recruitment in PM&C |
| Australian Taxation Office | Small Business Fix-It Squads |
| Department of Defence | REDWING Project |
Engaging with the Edge
Embracing radical approaches!
This category recognises new methods or new technologies, engaging with new trends or issues that will affect core work in the future, new thinking or frameworks about how core work might be done, or engaging with new partners in new ways.
| Organisation | Name of Innovation |
|---|---|
| Geoscience Australia | Mineral Potential Mapper |
| IP Australia | Patent Analytics Hub |
| Department of Defence | PyroFilm |
Contributing to a Culture or Practice of Innovation
The people part – the key to innovation…
This category recognises initiatives or contributions that help strengthen the culture and capability for innovation. This may be about supporting the innovation process, about engaging or empowering staff, or demonstrating the spirit of innovation.
| Organisation | Name of Innovation |
|---|---|
| Department of Finance | govCMS |
| Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade | The establishment and operation of the innovationXchange |
| Tourism Australia | The World’s Biggest Social Media Team |
Digital Transformation
Digital, online and technology to innovate…
This category recognises initiatives that demonstrate the spirit of digital transformation, including providing better and easier services and interactions with citizens.
| Organisation | Name of Innovation |
|---|---|
| Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission |
Charity Portal |
| Australian Financial Security Authority | Quick Motor Vehicle Search |
| Australian Taxation Office | Cloud Software Authentication and Authorisation |
Upcoming IPAA ACT events
- June 9 — Secretary Series – Peter Varghese — The head of DFAT is stepping down at the end of the month. In his valedictory speech he will reflect on the professional of public service after 38 years in the APS.
- June 15 — EA Series – Launch Event — A panel of executive assistants including the PM&C office of the secretary’s own Sharon McCluskey will discuss the importance and evolution of the EA role.
- June 21 – Secretary Series – Martin Bowles — The secretary of the Department of Health will reflect on the changes and challenges impacting on the department as it continues its role as the pre-eminent advisor to government on health policy.
Any feedback or news tips? Here’s where to contact the relevant team.