In this special Q&A series, we introduce the members of the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) ACT Future Leaders Committee (FLC) who work closely with us to deliver a series of events throughout the year.
This time, Megan Aponte-Payne talks about exploring her creativity through the committee and supporting young leaders to tackle challenges.

What is your role in the public service and what do you enjoy most about it?

I work in the Office of Supply Chain Resilience in the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, leading its international collaboration work. In practice, this means I work with other governments in our region to improve the resilience of supply chains that are essential to the national interest.

What is your role on the committee?

I’ve been an FLC member for three years. I particularly enjoy assisting the committee and young leaders to explore challenges and opportunities in the APS through speaking and facilitation roles at IPAA ACT events. I’ve been lucky enough to interview some APS heavyweights, such as the Secretary of Home Affairs, and the CEOs of some of our national cultural institutions.

Why did you join the committee?

I joined the FLC because I wanted to get more involved in IPAA ACT events, and I’ve stayed so long because being involved in committee events often gives me a sense of autonomy and creativity that I don’t get to explore in day-to-day APS roles.

What does great leadership look like to you?  

Good leadership requires excellent communication. And being a good communicator means being a great listener first, and then bringing together ideas and people to communicate a clear vision.

(If you have participated, can you tell us your three key takeaways from when you attended the Future Leaders Program?)

I remember being impressed and inspired by the wide array of people and departments being brought together for the program, and being reminded of the amazing work that the APS does.