By Nicholas Mortimer - Policy & Projects: Partnerships & Engagement, APS Reform Branch
Addressing complex policy challenges and supporting the evolving needs of business in Australia demands new skills, capabilities, and ways of working across the public service and externally.
The APSC and the Business Council of Australia are partnering on a new Business Immersions Program. The program is designed to give public servants first-hand insights into how businesses operate and what they need to thrive, with a focus on cross-cutting issues such as research and commercialisation, advanced manufacturing, productivity and economic growth.
The inaugural program was hosted this month by medical devices company Cochlear, at its global headquarters located at Macquarie University in Sydney. The event brought together 16 policy officers from 8 departments with related interests and responsibilities. Participants learned about Cochlear’s approach to business strategy and planning, research and development and manufacturing processes as well as the need for government and business to work together to reduce regulatory barriers and share problem solving to advance Australia’s policy environment.
Direct engagement with senior leaders at Cochlear helped participants gain a deeper understanding of Australia’s current economic strengths and the conditions that enable business growth. Hearing from a Cochlear implant recipient brought home the life-changing impact and societal benefits made possible by companies such as Cochlear.
The initiative highlights the importance of close collaboration and engagement. It encourages public servants to strengthen networks both within government and with external partners, helping ensure that policy is grounded in real-world perspectives. Business immersion experiences enable the public service to draw on a broad range of ideas, expertise, insights and resources to develop more effective policy and strengthen public administration, policy, service and program delivery outcomes.
Future events are planned in industries such as food and groceries, digital and technology, transport or infrastructure. For more information about the Business Immersions program, or the APSC’s approach to quality collaboration and engagement with Australian business, please reach out to the team at APS Reform.