The jury is still out on the origins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19). What is known is that a new form of corona virus crossed over from animal to human hosts in Wuhan over the final weeks or months of 2019 before galloping across the province of Hubei in December…
Psychology helps us understand why some people resist public health efforts, but it also explains why many people are distracted at work and how we adopt new health-preserving habits. Peter McEvoy If you’re having difficulty concentrating on work at the moment with everything that’s going on in the world, you’re…
My mother would come out with the quaintest of pronouncements. One favourite turn of phrase, after listening to the nightly news on the radio, was: “There. What did I say. You never can tell.” I suspect I took on that oft-repeated statement as something of a challenge when shaping my…
Channelling people’s goodwill in a disaster can prevent well-meaning assistance becoming its own problem, says humanitarian expert Beth Eggleston. Plus, why diversity and community resilience strengthen a crisis response. Beth Eggleston Diversity may not be the first issue that comes to mind during a crisis. But it’s a vital part…
Concerned about the speed at which governments are being forced to respond, the Sydney Policy Lab has developed five principles to guide responses to COVID-19. The coronavirus crisis is fast-moving and requires quick responses from policymakers. Marc Stears But it’s important to keep in mind that decisions made now may…
Emergency management comms specialist Natalie Staaks speaks about getting the right information out in a crisis: “if you wait until you’re 100% sure of the accuracy of the information, then you risk putting people at risk”. Natalie Staaks Crises have a habit of exacerbating the flaws in existing systems. Clearly…
Disaster recovery expert Anne Leadbeater discusses the four-part public communication strategy she used after the Kinglake fire. Be consistent in messaging, rely on trusted spokespeople — and be careful about using fear. Communicating in a crisis is difficult — some people panic, while others are too relaxed, and the job…
Moving from an executive role onto a board means shifting from asking ‘how’ to ‘why’. Victorian EPA Chair Cheryl Batagol and CFA Board Member Gillian Sparkes offer their advice. Dr Gillian Sparkes You’ve spent years building up experience and now you’re thinking about taking on a new challenge and sitting…
There are plenty of examples of excellence overseas but we’re often dismissive of other countries’ experiences, or just too busy to do the research, argues Andrew Wear, author of the new book Solved! Andrew Wear On each of the big challenges facing governments — education, health, gender equality, climate policy…
Most of us think of ourselves as good people. We set out to be ethical, and we hope that in pivotal moments we will rise to the occasion. But when it comes to building an ethical career, good intentions are insufficient. Maryam Kouchaki and Isaac H. Smith explain. Decades’ worth…
Victoria’s sustainability commissioner on why it’s important to measure the economic value of biodiversity, how she got where she is, and her approach to stakeholder engagement. Dr Gillian Sparkes was immensely proud — and a little surprised — to be named an IPAA national fellow late last year. As someone…
The government’s defence of Bridget McKenzie and the prime minister’s call for advice from the head of his department reveal a remarkable misunderstanding (or, less surprisingly, a remarkable misrepresentation) of the respective roles of ministers and administrators. In defending the actions of his deputy, Bridget McKenzie, National Party leader Michael…
For many the annual review is a big source of anxiety. Staff fear what their boss might say, while managers worry how the feedback will be received. Belinda Allen “In a lot of organisations it tends to turn into a tick-box exercise. You have this form from HR you need…
As we’ve reformed one area of our economy and society after another, we followed a formula. We presumed that the more a sector was made to look like a market, the better it would be. In academia, global competition has replaced a fusty, craft-based system. But without paying attention to…
Danielle Wood will take over as CEO of the Grattan Institute in July. She discusses the government’s response to the APS review, why reform isn’t occurring, and the big challenges governments will face in the next decade. If you could choose a time to be taking the reins of a…