Work With Purpose

Monday December 19, 2022

Revisiting ‘What makes a great First Nations public servant?’

The public service offers the opportunity to contribute to positive outcomes for Australian communities and to pursue rewarding careers. It also comes with challenges, obstacles, ethical dilemmas, and racism for some of our First Nations public servants.

In this special re-run of one of our most popular episodes of 2022, we revisit the conversation we brought to our listeners in NAIDOC Week. The conversation explores the push and pull factors for First Nations peoples in the Australian Public Service.

We were joined by Professor Tom Calma AO, Chancellor of the University of Canberra, Kate Thomann, Executive Director, Research and Education, AIATSIS, and Geoff Richardson PSM, First Nations Development Consultant. They shared insights from decades of service in the APS.

Discussed in this episode:

  • Push and pull factors for First Nations people in the APS.
  • Benefits of public sector careers.
  • Dealing with stigma within Indigenous communities of working in the APS.
  • Addressing racism.

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  • Professor Tom Calma AO FFA image
    Professor Tom Calma AO FFA

    Chancellor of the University of Canberra

  • Kate Thomann image
    Kate Thomann

    General Manager of Business Development and Employment at Aboriginal Hostels Limited

  • Geoff Richardson PSM image
    Geoff Richardson PSM

    First Nations Development Consultant

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