Government Matters Podcast

Bringing you inspiring stories from Australia’s public sector leaders

The innovative and redefining work of government officials and public servants too often misses out on its time on the centre stage. The Government Matters podcast shines a light on the work, learnings and insights of some of the public sectors most prominent leaders, offering a window to what inspired and drove the innovation, reform and transformation that have contributed to a better Australia for all citizens.

Join our hosts as they interview a diverse array of public service leaders, diving into their personal career journeys, leadership perspectives, proudest achievements, and how they overcame challenges to drive outcomes that have left an indelible legacy on our nation.

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Season 2

Louise Dudley on leading one of Australia’s largest water providers for a decade

In this episode of the Government Matters podcast, our host PwC Partner Di Rutter sits down with CEO of Urban Utilities, Louise Dudley.

With her career spanning across both the private and public sectors, Louise shares her insightful perspectives on the water management industry and how her career led to being recognised as one of the top 20 most powerful women in water globally.

Adrian Piccoli on equity in education

PwC Partner Di Rutter speaks with Adrian Piccoli in this episode of the Government Matters podcast. Adrian is the Head of Education, Australasia at Korn Ferry and was formerly NSW’s Minister for Education.

With an accomplished career in both the public and private sector, Adrian shares his wealth of knowledge in the education sector. He also speaks about the reform he pioneered "Local Schools, Local Decisions" that placed students at the centre of school decision making.

Andrew Metcalfe on the role of technology in achieving net zero by 2050

In this episode, PwC Partner Di Rutter sits down with the Secretary for the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Andrew Metcalfe.

Having studied to be a lawyer at the University of Queensland, Andrew has forged a diverse and varied career working across both the public and private sectors, including as head of the Department of Immigration for seven years.

Lesley Podesta on positively impacting disadvantaged communities

PwC Partner, Suji Kanagalingam sits down with Lesley Podesta for this episode of the Government Matters podcast. Lesley wears many hats, most notably as Founder at Red Mitten, Head of Government Relations at Phoenix Australia, and Former CEO at Alannah & Madeline Foundation.

Lesley's story is one of courage, resilience, and great perseverance to lead a number of social reforms that have had a hugely positive impact on the lives of Aboriginal communities, improving the protection of children and more broadly made Australia a fairer and more caring place for all.

Season 1

Premier Steven Marshall on collaboration between government, business and community

In the final episode of season 1 of the Government Matters podcast, our host and PwC Partner, Di Rutter, speaks with the Premier of South Australia, Steven Marshall.

As South Australia’s 46th Premier elected in 2018, he has successfully led the state through the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic and reflects on his journey throughout this experience.

Jen Rufati on leading a team of 10,000 to respond to a pandemic

In this episode of the Government Matters podcast, our host, Di Rutter, sits down with Jen Rufati, General Manager of the Smart Centres Operations Division at Services Australia.

Servicing around 23 million phone calls per year, and processing over 3 million claims for Centrelink, Australia’s security and welfare systems, Jen leads over 10,000 full-time employees and is responsible for maintaining operational and service effectiveness.

Christine Castley on how multiculturalism fosters a more inclusive Australia

In episode six of the Government Matters podcast, our host, Di Rutter, speaks with Christine Castley who leads Multicultural Australia as their Chief Executive. Across her 25-year career in government, Christine has delivered significant reform and innovation projects, including for adult and youth justice, disaster management response and recovery and public sector ethics and integrity reform. Christine is a passionate advocate for equal access to justice and services for everyone.

Emma Hogan on creating the world's most customer-centric government

Join PwC Partner, Di Rutter, as she sits down with Emma Hogan, Secretary of NSW’s Department of Customer Service.

Following a 20-year career in the private sector working with iconic Australian brands, Emma made the jump to the public sector in 2018 as NSW’s Public Service Commissioner. In this episode, Di and Emma delve into what it’s like to lead teams of 10,000 and her experience as a transformation leader across customer, digital, people, culture and communications.

Lee Miezis on community and understanding its importance and place

In this episode of the Government Matters podcast, PwC Partner Suji Kanagalingam speaks with Lee Miezis, CEO of Victoria's Environment Protection Authority. Following the devastating bushfires in 2019/2020, Lee was appointed the first CEO of Victoria's Bushfire Recovery agency. In this conversation, you'll hear about Lee’s start in forestry and journey through the public service, stories from the communities he's worked with, what he hopes to achieve at EPA and his advice for those getting into a public service career.

Tammy Labelle on her journey to CIO of Canada’s Public Services and Procurement

Episode three of the Government Matters podcast sees PwC partner Suji Kanagalingam speak with our first international guest, Tammy Labelle. Until January 2021, Tammy was the Chief Information Officer of Public Services and Procurement Canada and continues to work tirelessly, to raise the voices of fellow public servants, driving change today for our collective digital future. In this episode they discuss Tammy's 37-year career in the public service, empowering women in the workforce and the evolution of leaders' since the '80s.

Chris Bennetts on the cornerstones of great leadership to deliver the future of transport

In this episode of Government Matters, Di speaks to Chris Bennetts, Head of Technology and Innovation at Transport for NSW. A recipient of the Public Service Medal, Chris has had a distinguished career working across both the private and public sectors, driving innovations that have positively impacted large parts of Australian society.

Iain Martin on the role of education in moulding the leaders of the future

In the first episode of Government Matters, our host, Di Rutter, speaks to Professor Iain Martin, Vice Chancellor and President of Deakin University Australia. Iain trained as a surgeon before forging a career in the tertiary education sector, working in leadership roles in the UK, New Zealand and now Australia.

Government Matters - Trailer

PwC Australia is pleased to be launching a new series, Government Matters, featuring prominent public sector leaders as they give us an inside look at their stories of innovation, reform and transformation to inspire broader positive outcomes for a better Australia. Subscribe now to make sure you don’t miss a single episode.