Less than 20/20 vision: reflections on the Reid Inquiry

Abstract

Background • Field of public administration • A reflection on involvement in public sector reviews over nearly 40 years, emphasising how much circumstances typically change between commissioning and delivery Research Contribution • An argument about the nature of public service reviews, with the optimistic hope that good ideas, even if rejected by one government, will catch the attention of successors, and eventually be introduced Significance • The article was written on completion of Our Public Service Our Future, an 18 months review of the Australian Public Service submitted to Prime Minister Morrison in late 2019. It was written in anticipation of likely government reaction, but without knowing how the report would be received. As it turned out, the strike rate reflected earlier experiences - some recommendations were accepted but many key findings were rejected, particularly those relating to departmental head appointments, ministers, ministerial staff and the need for enhanced integrity mechanisms within Commonwealth public administration. Perhaps, following the logic of the argument, they will find favour with future administrations.