Opinion: Albanese goes back to the future for governing | Chris Wallace
on Tuesday, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek demonstrated ministerial compliance with legal disclosure responsibilities, and a determination to take effective action on problems outlined which have been chronic for years.
This went off like a depth charge in Canberra. While there was no obvious splash, it sent a shockwave through the public service which had tried to make government work as best it could under a prime minister whose passive aggression towards it was not infrequently naked. Few have forgotten the nadir when Morrison called departmental heads – known as secretaries – together after the 2019 election and gave an intimidating speech telling them ministers were boss. Under our Westminster system they already knew that.What had decayed under the Coalition was public servants’ confidence that fearless advice on policy options – the essence of what makes the system so effective – were welcome.
The eventual Thodey Report proposed a strong and cohesive program of APS renewal along traditional Westminster lines, taking into account 21st century digital developments. It defined the modern Westminster principles of government as “an apolitical, merit-based, and open public service, underpinned by integrity, serving the government, parliament and the people of Australia”.
Health Minister Mark Butler is ultimately accountable for the government’s public health performance. There is a strong sense that the Health Department has provided advice at less than the necessary high level during the pandemic, and continues to do so.
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