Today’s fast-paced environment demands that we understand the fundamental elements for advancement and progress, particularly in public service. This year, Public Spectrum takes the lead, providing the crucial role of knowledge management in shaping future policies and decisions.

Check out the insightful opinion pieces shared by our community of experts in the public sector: 

Government’s looming record-keeping crisis

The Australian Public Service (APS) faces an escalating crisis in recordkeeping, threatening governance transparency and accountability. The exponential growth of digital data, in conjunction with outdated legislation such as the Archives Act 1983 and under-resourced record management, has resulted in significant non-compliance, data breaches, and the neglect of cultural heritage preservation. Anne Cornish, CEO of RIMPA, highlights these risks in her article, “Government’s Looming Record-Keeping Crisis,” emphasising the need for modernised legislation and a dedicated task force to reform record-keeping practices.  Collaborative action is essential to secure efficient, compliant, and transparent records management for the future.

Why right now is a critical time for the social and not-for-profit sectors

The upcoming federal election presents a unique and significant opportunity for social and non-profit organisations to secure essential policy commitments and crucial funding.  Angus Crowther, co-founder of Tanck, emphasises the importance of strategic government engagement in “Why Right Now Is a Critical Time for the Social and Not-for-Profit Sectors.” He stresses the need for early relationship-building and alignment with party platforms. To stay relevant in the competitive arena of the upcoming election, we must pursue strategic initiatives, secure cross-party agreements, and adjust our approaches to evolving political agendas. Delaying further will result in an extra three years without progress.

RIMPA global forum sparks dialogue: Urgent reforms needed in aps records management

The Australian Public Service (APS) faces significant challenges in managing the growing volume of digital records, risking transparency and accountability. Anne Cornish, CEO of RIMPA, highlights in “RIMPA Global Forum Sparks Dialogue” the urgent need for reforms, including revising the Archives Act 1983 and empowering the National Archives to enforce compliance. Professionals highlight the need to view information as a vital resource and advocate for proactive strategies and resources, especially for smaller agencies, to safeguard Australia’s archival heritage and foster responsible governance in the digital era.

People are cyber’s achilles’ heel

Cybersecurity remains a critical issue as organisations face the rising threat of human error, with staff unintentionally creating vulnerabilities.  Antoine Le Tard, Vice President at Rubrik, states in “People Are Cyber’s Achilles’ Heel” that while cybersecurity defences are crucial, organisations must adopt an “assumed breach” mentality—preparing for inevitable breaches and enabling rapid recovery. Given the rising frequency of data loss incidents among Australian businesses, LeTard urges organisations to prioritise investments in immutable backup systems and robust recovery plans. This proactive approach allows operations to resume quickly, even when facing cyber threats.

Minimising risks and maximising trust: Protecting customer data in the digital age

As cyber threats rise, companies must prioritise protecting customer data. Anne Cornish, CEO of RIMPA, highlights the crucial lessons from the breaches at Ticketmaster and Ticketek and urges all organisations, particularly non-profits, to implement strong data security measures. Cornish advocates for removing obsolete data, encrypting sensitive information, and maintaining clear breach response protocols to foster trust and security in an increasingly vulnerable digital environment.

A step-by-step guide to introducing AI to a government department

Digitalising government services poses a significant challenge in building citizen trust, as a report highlights a direct link between service quality and public confidence. As demand for impactful online interactions rises, Simon Berglund emphasises the importance of a systematic strategy to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) in government sectors. He calls for the development of a comprehensive governance framework and policy for AI that highlights transparency, accountability, and the protection of sensitive information. This approach ensures that AI technologies enhance service delivery and foster public trust, as detailed in his article, “A Step-by-Step Guide to Introducing AI to a Government Department.“

Voting rights shift impacts business owners

Bill Lang’s article, “Voting Rights Shift Impacts Business Owners,” highlights a significant change in Victoria’s local government election laws that threatens the voting power of non-resident business and property owners. The Victorian government recently decided to mandate proactive voter registration, which has disenfranchised hundreds of thousands. This situation raises concerns about the potential impact on election outcomes and the implications for local businesses. Lang urges property and business owners to act swiftly to secure their electoral influence and protect their communities from harmful governance practices.

Data management and governance in local government: Navigating the technological transition

Vanessa Adams and Sallie Moore-Wood explore the increasing challenges and opportunities that arise from the digital transformation of data management within local government in their article, “Data Management and Governance in Local Government: Navigating the Technological Transition.” Cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics have transformed data into a vital asset. Effective management and governance play a crucial role in mitigating bias, safeguarding sensitive information, and upholding public confidence. Councils must implement robust and transparent data governance practices to ensure responsible data usage while harnessing technology to enhance decision-making and service delivery.

As the public sector faces new challenges, sharing knowledge and expertise will be essential for fostering advancement. As this chapter comes to a close, Public Spectrum continues its commitment to promoting collaboration and disseminating valuable insights that enhance the growth and success of the public sector.

For updates and to access the full range of op-eds, visit our Opinion page. If you’d like to contribute to our growing community of thought leaders, contact us today.

Justin Lance Marcel Lavadia

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Justin Lavadia is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum with a diverse writing background spanning various niches and formats. With a wealth of experience, he brings clarity and concise communication to digital content. His expertise lies in crafting engaging content and delivering impactful narratives that resonate with readers.

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