Integrity is essential for building and maintaining trust in public institutions, and fostering a more productive, effective and inclusive society. Australian, state and territory governments are being called on internally and externally to align integrity and ethics with modern business practices and uphold community standards.

We invite you to join us online or in person for this year’s lunch-time Garran Oration, delivered by the first female Auditor-General of New South Wales, Margaret Crawford PSM. In this role she supports the parliament to hold government to account for the effective use of public resources. Her work provides insights that inform and challenge government to improve outcomes for the community.

Margaret’s appointment to this role followed distinguished public service experience with the Australian Government, two state governments, and Australia’s largest local government. She has a track record of success leading and guiding public sector agencies in diverse areas such as housing, homelessness and community services, transport policy and regulation, taxation administration, and gaming regulation. In each role, her key focus has been to transform and improve performance to benefit customers and the community.

An inspiring leader, Margaret is also a trusted partner of colleagues across government, nongovernment organisations and industry bodies, and an authoritative adviser to the parliament, government ministers, and boards. Her most recent experience has further enhanced Margaret’s knowledge of governance, integrity and assurance systems that build trust in public institutions.

Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM FIPAA will be hosting the discussion. Dr de Brouwer is the Australian Public Service Commissioner and was previously professor of economics at the Australian National University. He has over 35 years’ experience in public policy and administration in Australia, including as Secretary for Public Sector Reform.