Analysis

‘Nice but lacking confidence’: what’s wrong with the public service

A series of reviews of federal agencies reveals public servants are being asked to lead but don’t have the capability yet.

Tom BurtonGovernment editor

Oct 26, 2023 – 4.40pm

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It was five years ago that former Prime Minister and Cabinet boss Peter Shergold identified how a crisis of confidence had left the once proud Australian Public Service struggling to reinvent itself for the modern era.

Shergold found the emergence of populism, political and media divisiveness and relentless social media had fuelled distrust in institutions including the public service.

Tom Burton has held senior editorial and publishing roles with The Mandarin, The Sydney Morning Herald and as Canberra bureau chief for The Australian Financial Review. He has won three Walkley awards.