When government fragments, what holds the public service together?

What happens when public servants must support ministers from different parties, navigate competing priorities across interconnected portfolios, and still provide frank, impartial advice while keeping government delivery on track?

It is 2030. Australia is governed by a three-party coalition government, with key portfolios divided across parties with very different priorities.

For the public service, there may no longer be one settled position to work from. Advice is being prepared while governing parties are still negotiating, assumptions are shifting, and departments may be planning for several possible outcomes at once.

Then the stakes escalate.

A major incident involving an autonomous AI platform used by government triggers a fast moving national crisis. The consequences cut across portfolios, public confidence comes under pressure, and government must respond while its position is still being negotiated.

At the IPAA ACT Hypothetical: Fragmented government, rising threats: The public service in 2030, moderator Tony Jones will guide our panel as they step into roles within this fictional scenario and respond as it unfolds live.

As the situation develops, you will see how pressure travels through government: how political compromise shapes policy, how differing agendas affect delivery, and what it takes to maintain impartiality, accountability and coordination when the environment keeps changing.

Expect serious insight, difficult trade offs, unpredictability and plenty of humour along the way.

Panel

• Professor the Hon. Bill Shorten
  Vice-Chancellor & President, University of Canberra
• Tony Cook PSM
  Secretary, Department of Education
• Letitia Hope
  Deputy Secretary, Department of Social Services
• Zoe Daniel
  Speaker, Consultant, Author, Journalist and Former Federal MP
• Professor the Hon. George Brandis KC
  Professor, National Security College, Australian National University
• Professor Deborah Blackman
  Associate Dean Lifelong Learning, Professor in Public Sector Management Strategy, Public Service Research Group, UNSW Canberra
• Andrew Tongue PSM
  Former Deputy Secretary, Biosecurity and Compliance, Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment

• Recognise emerging workforce, capability and governance challenges that could shape the public service in 2030.
• Evaluate how external pressures and political fragmentation may affect organisational decision-making and performance.
• Explore leadership strategies for maintaining momentum, trust and accountability during periods of competing priorities.
• Identify actions they can take now to build more adaptable and resilient teams and programs.

Who should attend?

• Designed for mid to senior public sector professionals working across policy, programs, delivery, ministerial advice, communications and media, as well as researchers and academics focused on public administration and government.

Ready to be in the room?

Join us on Tuesday 20 October 2026 at the Australian War Memorial for the IPAA ACT Hypothetical.

Register now.

For a taste of what you’re in here for here is a trailer from our very first Hypothetical in 2025

If you work for the federal or ACT public service, or in the broader public-for-purpose sector, you’re most likely already a member of IPAA ACT. Check our membership list if you’re not sure.

Brought to you by our Premier Series Partner Holding Redlich.

Supported by our Series Partner Sententia.