Feature Profile - Peter Thompson, 2011 National Conference Facilitator

Well-known ABC TV and radio broadcaster, Peter Thompson, is the facilitator of this year’s IPAA National Conference, Learning to Power Share, which explores minority government under its theme: ‘Hanging Our Parliaments or Changing Administrative Paradigms – Minority Governments in Practice’. 

Peter hosted the weekly program Talking Heads, a series of conversations about the lives of prominent Australians. He also presented Radio National’s Breakfast show for eight years, and the flagship current affairs program AM for six – and is passionate about governance and public administration.

Overseen by Peter, this year’s conference will consider key issues such as: New Modes of Governance; Decentralisation and Regionalisation; and Ethical Leadership. Participants will examine the challenges and opportunities that minority governments present for public administrators, and minority government will be put on trial – with the audience determining whether it stifles decision-making or provides fertile ground for new approaches.

Says Peter of the increasing relevance of this topic: “At all levels of Australian politics, minority governments are a growing presence. Our local experience builds on the international examples of this type of power structure within parliamentary democracies (such as the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany and Britain).”

Bringing a wealth of local, national and international speakers to the clean, green state of Tasmania, the conference will help to define the Australian public sector’s approach to a challenging new paradigm of governance for decades to come.
“It’s important to stay on top of the big issues – what’s happening ‘out there’,” says Peter. “This conference will deliver ideas, insight and inspiration, and it’s the perfect opportunity to network with peers in other Government sectors and agencies. It’s also designed for academics, professionals, students… Basically, if you’ve got an interest in the future of public administration in Australia, it’s an opportunity not to be missed.”

So, join us in Hobart – the home of minority government! – for a stimulating program bringing together leading commentators, researchers and practitioners and the opportunity to share ideas and experiences in a friendly and constructive atmosphere.