Background
On 28 July 2023, the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet convened a one-day workshop with early and mid-career researchers aimed at identifying mechanisms to enhance collaboration between the research sector and Australian Public Service (APS).
The APS’s ability to work in genuine partnership with other sectors is crucial to delivering better outcomes for Australia. Partnering for greater impact was a cornerstone of the 2019 Independent Review of the Public Service, which identified academia as a key sector with insights into emerging trends and innovative solutions. Priority two of the government’s APS Reform agenda states that ‘genuine partnership and engagement with Australia’s people, communities, non-government sectors, academia, business and industry will help us develop policies and services that reflect the needs and aspirations of the people they affect’.
Over forty participants were invited to the workshop following an expression of interest process. They included researchers from across Australia, Pat Turner and Sir Roland Wilson PhD scholars, and a small number of public servants. A pre-workshop discussion paper prepared by Dr Sarah Ball (University of Melbourne) was circulated to all attendees.
The workshop organisers are very grateful to all who attended and shared their expertise and experiences. This report is a record of the workshop outcomes.