Institute of Public Administration Australia (ACT) Limited

Trigger warning: themes of mental and physical abuse

Amaly Khalaf and Dr Steven Munns from the Australian Public Service Commission explore psychological safety in public sector workplaces – from the desk to the frontlines.

Creating workplaces which are both mentally and physically safe is a mission close to Amaly Khalaf’s and Dr Steven Munn’s hearts. On this episode of Work with Purpose, they talk us through how the public sector is working towards this – from exemplary and trustful leadership to processes grounded in evidence.

Amaly, principal psychologist and lead of the APS Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Unit, shines a light on the new ADDRESS program, designed to support public sector agencies and staff in building mentally healthy workplaces. Steven, assistant commissioner, Diversity & Inclusion Branch, then connects this to how psychosocial hazards play out at the frontlines – for example at Centrelink or veteran’s services – and what can be done to support staff exposed to aggressive or abusive behaviour.

Discussed in this episode:

• the difference between psychosocial and psychological safety
• types of psychosocial hazards
• the ADDRESS program
• service-user violence and aggression
• reporting psychosocial hazards
• embedding honest reporting processes.

If you feel distressed during the episode, there is support available to you. Please call Lifeline’s 24/7 support line on 13 11 14 if you need someone to talk to.

Shownotes

• Compassionate Foundations | Australian Public Service Commission
• ADDRESS model | Australian Public Service Commission
• APS Census | Australian Public Service Commission
• Violence at Work: Reducing Assault and Abuse Experienced by Frontline Staff in Public Service Roles | Dr Steven Munns