The Role of Departmental Secretariats : Personal reflections on the breadth of responsibilities today

Abstract

Andrew Podger's monograph, The Role of Departmental Secretaries, Personal reflections on the breadth of responsibilities today, is an important contribution to the broader public policy discourse in Australia. Andrew has been, at times, an unflinching commentator on issues of bureaucratic performance, accountability and responsiveness to government. Andrew's reflections are drawn from his own experiences within the inner circle of Australian policy-making. In this monograph, he presents a highly nuanced portrait of the role of Commonwealth departmental secretaries. Although a 'player' himself at key moments in recent policy history, Andrew is a dispassionate and thoughtful observer of events. This is not merely a memoir: this work is rich in analysis and Andrew offers a number of 'lessons learned' to be heeded (or not) by the present and future generations of policy practitioners. Responsibilities of secretaries -- Know and pace yourself: personal style and time allocation -- Know the boss: working with and supporting the minister -- Know the real boss: support to the Prime Minister and the whole of government -- The lion's den: respecting and working with the Parliament -- It's lonely at the top: management of the agency -- The art of persuasion: management of the portfolio -- Juggling the players: working with external stakeholders -- Fourth estate or fifth column? Working with the media -- Dead poet society duties: promoting APS values and contributing to APS capability -- Secretaries' personal development, support and performance assessment -- Inside or outside the tent: the role of the Public Service Commissioner -- Some conclusions.