On 30 April, we hosted our first IPAA ACT hypothetical event focused on ethics and integrity in the public sector.

Our distinguished panel, led by the respected journalist and former Q&A host Tony Jones, delved into a hypothetical climate refugee scheme for Australia. Each participant portrayed a fictional character in this scenario:

• Andrew Metcalfe AO FIPAA served as the Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs and former chief of staff to Jay Weatherill. He was responsible for implementing the scheme at the federal level.
• Jay Weatherill AO played the role of the idealistic Minister for Home Affairs, determined to advance the scheme despite various obstacles.
• John Bradley PSM FIPAA represented a Victorian local government official who informed Andrew that his government and other premiers were unlikely to support the scheme in its current form.
• Belinda Drew was a Queensland bureaucrat with experience in local Pacific Island worker schemes in Northern Queensland, who raised concerns about financial constraints and community disruption.
• Melissa Coade portrayed an investigative journalist who contacted Andrew’s consultants, uncovering significant human rights issues and disregard for expert advice.
• Natalie Egleton acted as a regional community representative, conveying the affected communities’ challenges and frustrations due to a lack of understanding.
• Peter Woolcott AO FIPAA was the Public Service Commissioner and former ambassador to UNHCR, who advised on the scheme and requested written documentation of the advice.
• Dr Rochelle Bailey was an expert on Pacific Labor schemes, invited to consult and advocate for dignified migration. She reminded Andrew of lessons from past schemes, which were unfortunately overlooked.