Peter Shergold

Peter Shergold is chancellor of the University of Western Sydney. He was secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet between 2003-2008. He has been secretary of the Department of Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business and the Department of Education, Science and Training, CEO of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission and Comcare, and commissioner of the Australian Public Service Commission.

Articles by Peter Shergold

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Speaking truth to power: Shergold’s final speech touts importance of professional public servants in a world of weakened democracy

September 30, 2019
By Peter Shergold

Features

Following ‘Shergie’s farewell tour’ last year, Peter Shergold gave his final performance as outgoing IPAA National president at the association’s conference in Darwin last week. He reflected on the public service’s ability to moderate the damaging impulses of politicians and the importance of non-partisan actors in democratic government.
Public sector innovation: why it’s so difficult, why it’s so important

April 15, 2019
By Peter Shergold

Career Advice

Here is Peter Shergold’s full speech delivered at the Public Sector Innovation Show in Canberra on 26th March 2019. As an enthusiast and occasional spruiker
Peter Shergold: modern mandarins, fearful and politicised

October 27, 2014
By Peter Shergold

Features

Have senior bureaucrats become politicised? And what do new demands of ministers and media mean for the way they function? The nation’s former top public servant muses.
Peter Shergold: ditch the old public service model

July 20, 2014
By Peter Shergold

Features

A different type of public service is required, the former top public servant argues. And it can’t just be an improved version of what already exists.

Peter Shergold

Articles by Peter Shergold

Speaking truth to power: Shergold’s final speech touts importance of professional public servants in a world of weakened democracy

Public sector innovation: why it’s so difficult, why it’s so important

Peter Shergold: modern mandarins, fearful and politicised

Peter Shergold: ditch the old public service model