It was a packed house with big laughs and leadership lessons at today’s IPAA ACT Secretary Series with Rob Heferen, Commissioner of Taxation. The atmosphere was lively, with the audience chortling at Rob’s trademark mix of humility, candour and humour – including his unabashed love of air-conditioning and chocolate brownies.

In conversation with ATO COO Jacqui Curtis, Rob spoke openly about leadership, purpose and the challenges ahead for the APS. Warm and generous in responding to audience questions, he left participants with both practical advice and food for thought.

Six key takeaways from the session:

1️⃣ Leadership with purpose – “We collect tax so government can provide services to the Australian community.”

2️⃣ Keep the main thing the main thing – avoid distractions and stay focused on core objectives.

3️⃣ Listen to learn – not to win or fix, but to genuinely understand.

4️⃣ Four leadership essentials – expertise, perspective, clear communication, and being someone people want to work with.

5️⃣ Future focus – AI, flexible work and shifting career paths will reshape the APS, but human qualities — authenticity, courage, resilience — remain irreplaceable.

6️⃣ Joy matters – public service is about contributing to something bigger, and resilience is a skill leaders can practise over time.

Rob closed with a challenge to all of us: “Lead where you are… with intention, with heart, and with the knowledge that what you do matters.”

A recording of the event can be viewed below or on the IPAA ACT Vimeo website here.