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Artwork for The Westminster Tradition

The Westminster Tradition

The Westminster Tradition
Robodebt
Royal Commission
Public Service
Public Service Accountability
Public Policy
Centrelink
Robodebt Royal Commission
Bureaucracy
British Post Office
Essendon Football Club
Horizon IT System
Horizon System
Data Analysis
Record Keeping
Ethics In Public Sector
Risk Management
Public Service Procurement
Social Security
Australian Crime Commission
Behavioral Insights

Unpacking lessons for the public service, starting with the Robodebt Royal Commission. In 2019, after three years, Robodebt was found to be unlawful. The Royal Commission process found it was also immoral and wildly inaccurate.

Ultimately the Australian Government was forced to pay $1.8bn back to more than 470,000 Australians.

In this podcast we dive deep into public policy failures like Robodeb... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes72Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
GovernmentHistory

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Artwork for The Westminster Tradition

Latest Episodes

Few people come to policy officer positions with specific policy training. They might be teachers, lawyers, front-line workers or subject-matter experts. Who teaches us how to do policy work, and what policy actually is? Enter Salli Cohen’s brilliant... more

YouTube

Part 2 of 4 on Mad Cow Disease: In this episode,  the cracks in enforcement are showing, panic is slowly boiling, and the science is catching up. 

What we cover: 

• The panic spike when BSE appears in domestic cats

• The danger of stopping at the l... more

YouTube

We kick off a new series on 'Mad Cow Disease', or Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), and what it teaches us about governing when the science is uncertain, the consequences are enormous, but the risks are very remote.

• Why BSE became a lasting ... more

YouTube

We want to make lasting and meaningful change, but how do we get there? In this special episode Caroline interviews Frances Foster-Thorpe and Jason Tabarias about their insights into the skills and frameworks needed to tackle large, complex and ambit... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Salli Cohen
Policy strategist, storyteller, and author of Rollercoaster: How to be a Bloody Good Policy Officer
Policy Room
Episode: What Makes a Bloody Good Policy Officer?
Tom Loosemore
Founder of Public Digital and significant contributor to the UK’s digital transformation in public services.
Public Digital
Episode: Tom Loosemore: behind the scenes of the Universal Credit Reset
Amanda Vanstone
Former Australian Minister with extensive experience in Federal Parliament
Formerly in Cabinet roles across multiple departments including education and immigration
Episode: The Vanstone Files: Unpacking Ministerial Power
The Honorable Amanda Vanstone AO
Former Senator and managing director at Good Government Advisory
Episode: The Hon Amanda Vanstone AO - Inside the Westminster Machine
Mike Kaiser
Former Director General of the Department of Premier and Cabinet in Queensland
Good Government Advisory
Episode: Ask a Secretary! Mike Kaiser (former) head of the Department of Premier and Cabinet (Qld)
John Hill
Former South Australian Minister and author of 'On Being a Minister.'
University of South Australia
Episode: The Hon John Hill, on being a Minister
Andrew Podger AO
Former Secretary in the Commonwealth and Commissioner of the Australian Public Service, now an Honorary Professor of Public Policy at ANU
Australian National University
Episode: Andrew Podger AO: Is Thodey public sector reform on Steroids or Valium?
Nathan Lovett-Murray
A former player and mentor for Indigenous players at the Essendon Football Club during the supplements scandal.
Essendon Football Club
Episode: The Royal Commission we should have? The 2013 Essendon Football Club supplements scandal
Sue Vardon AO
Inaugural CEO of Centrelink
Episode: Sue Vardon AO, inaugural CE of Centrelink: On lawyers

Hosts

Alison Lloyd Wright
Managing Director of the Good Trouble Group and a recovering public servant, she emphasizes ethical governance and accountability in public service. With extensive experience in policy making, she engages deeply with the conversation on public service failures and reforms.
Caroline Crozaballo
Co-host who brings insights from her experience as a public servant, focusing on the intricacies of public service dynamics and reform advocacy.
Danielle Elston
Managing Director of Good Government Advisory, she contributes her expertise in public service management and reform to discussions around ethical governance and accountability.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 192 ratings
  • The best insights about the public servant

    This is the best podcast about the Australian public service. As a serial bouncer in and out of the service, serving the public is in my genes. I find myself nodding along to everything you say. This is a must listen for anyone - from those just starting, to those who can’t remember when they started, or those who are thinking about a career change and wondering how the mysterious beast works. Thank you!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Serial Recovering PS
    Australia4 months ago
  • New format 👌

    Omg I love Normal Gossip and I love you guys adopting their approach - and love your work always ❤️

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SabdhaC
    Australia4 months ago
  • Amazing

    One of the finest podcasts I have listened to in modern times. Is an institution of democracy. Ms Eliston is a fine artist and an asset to our public service and our nation.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Harry M L
    Australia5 months ago
  • Essential listen for public servants

    This is a great podcast which digs into the details of government failures. So so much resonated with me. The honesty of watching while others pull back the curtain is so affirming.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Canadianstarrynight
    Canadaa year ago
  • This is a very good podcast… but

    As a senior public servant, I am hanging on every insight and observation about improving our practice and accountability. I feel conflicted though that the podcast sometimes obfuscates the real human trauma with glib jokes and too-clever references to frameworks or philosophers (eg the most recent bonus episode from Caroline was hard to listen to). Sometimes misses the right tone for the right topic.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    podcastsislikemyfamily
    Australia2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Feedback highlights the value of transparency and accountability within public service, resonating well with professionals in the field.
Listeners appreciate the critical examination of government failings, particularly in high-profile cases like Robodebt, indicating that the content is both engaging and informative.
The hosts' blend of humor and serious analysis is frequently praised, suggesting a unique approach to public policy discussions.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#133
United Kingdom/Government
Apple Podcasts
#6
Australia/Government
Apple Podcasts
#73
New Zealand/Government
Apple Podcasts
#228
Israel/Government

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Regulator/policy cage fight: ANZSOG National Regulators Community of Practice Conference 2025
Q: How do you prevent policy areas overreaching and looking to dictate how you regulate?
Encouraging partnership and communication between regulators and policymakers is essential to prevent overreach.
Regulator/policy cage fight: ANZSOG National Regulators Community of Practice Conference 2025
Q: In a cage fight, who would win? Regulators or policy makers?
It's a humorous comparison, suggesting a competitive dynamic, but highlights the need for collaboration.
The Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP: Lessons from a Veteran Minister
Q: How did you become a policy nerd with the patience for that kind of complex multi inputs?
Koutsantonis explained that he had to work in the roles he was given and grow within the Labour Party framework, which influenced his development into a more policy-oriented figure.
Oakden aged care scandal part 3 - “Boss on the floor” … or, how bad things stayed secret
Q: What was the outcome of Barbara Spriggs' complaints about her husband’s treatment?
Her persistent advocacy led to significant scrutiny of Oakden, resulting in an investigation and eventual closure of the aged care facility due to the abuse uncovered.
Oakden aged care scandal part 3 - “Boss on the floor” … or, how bad things stayed secret
Q: How did the culture of secrecy at Oakden affect the care provided to residents?
The secrecy allowed staff to engage in neglectful practices, such as ignoring distressed residents, under the guise of keeping operations under control from higher management's scrutiny.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Westminster Tradition

What is The Westminster Tradition about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focused on unveiling critical lessons for public service, discussions often center around significant policy failures, emphasizing the importance of accountability, transparency, and ethical governance. Episodes commonly explore issues such as the notorious Robodebt Royal Commission, the ramifications of which had far-reaching impacts on thousands of Australians, and the UK's Post Office scandal. The hosts, comprised of experienced public servants, tackle complex topics laden with historical context, fostering an engaging dialogue that reflects on the past while advocating for better practices in government. The mix of personal anecdotes, humor, and critical analysis is likely to resonate with listeners who are either currently involved in ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Westminster Tradition?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Westminster Tradition:

1. Chat 10 Looks 3
2. All In The Mind
3. Conversations
4. If You're Listening
5. What's That Rash?

How many episodes of The Westminster Tradition are there?

The Westminster Tradition launched 3 years ago and published 72 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Westminster Tradition?

Recent guests on The Westminster Tradition include:

1. Salli Cohen
2. Tom Loosemore
3. Amanda Vanstone
4. The Honorable Amanda Vanstone AO
5. Mike Kaiser
6. John Hill
7. Andrew Podger AO
8. Nathan Lovett-Murray

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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