Dr Nick Coatsworth (left), Alison Frame and Rob Heferen will be among the speakers at the Public Sector Executive Leadership Summit at the National Convention Centre, Canberra, from 18 — 19 February. Photos: Ian Bushnell/The Hatchery/LinkedIn.
Influential Communication Workshop
Date: 16 February
Time: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Location: Melbourne
Email: [email protected]
Overview
Influential communication to get results.
- Improve clarity in verbal communication.
- Navigate difficult conversations with confidence.
- Enhance adaptability and flexibility.
- Understand and develop inclusive communication practices.
Trainer Jo Wise is a straight-talking, big-hearted leadership coach who’s all about helping smart, driven women lead with confidence, clarity and zero apology — even when they don’t feel they can (at least before they start working with her). A Master Certified Coach and an expert in executive performance, Jo works with professional women and business owners to help them show up fully, back themselves, and lead in a way that actually feels good. She’s here to cut through the noise, ditch the doubt, and help women lead with impact.
Delivering Great Policy — Foundations
Date: 16 – 17 February
Time: 9 am – 5 pm
Duration: Two eight-hour face-to-screen sessions
Location: Virtual
Email: https://apslearn.apsacademy.gov.au/user_login
This package delivers all four modules of Delivering Great Policy. The course defines the four core elements required for delivering great policy advice: being clear on intent; being well informed; offering solutions that are practical to implement; and giving advice that is influential. Participants will complete all four modules in sequence.
This content has been provided by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the content is suitable for APS 3 — APS 6 levels and APS employees who are new to, or considering a career in, policy development roles.
QLD Government Professional Writing Essentials
Date: 17 February
Time: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Location: Cliftons Brisbane
Email: [email protected]
Overview
Transform your writing skills with a high-impact toolkit for lasting success.
- Make your written communication more impactful and engaging.
- Write with confidence and build skills to write clearly and concisely.
- Understand common writing mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Plan and tailor your writing to your audience.
Trainer Adrian Cropley is a certified strategic communication management professional and past global chair of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). Adrian is widely recognised as one of the world’s foremost experts in strategic communication. He is the founder of the Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence and CEO at Cropley Communication.
With a career spanning more than 30 years, Adrian has worked with clients all over the world on major change communication initiatives, internal communication reviews and strategies, professional development programs, and executive leadership and coaching.
EL1 & EL2 High-Performance & Leadership Workshop
Date: 17 — 18 February
Time: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Location: Online
Email: [email protected]
Overview
Master the strategic, people and performance skills to thrive in senior public sector leadership.
- Step up from operational to strategic, system-level leadership.
- Strengthen decision-making, influence and stakeholder management.
- Build authentic self-awareness and emotional intelligence for lasting impact.
- Drive performance, accountability and collaboration across teams and divisions.
- Lead confidently through complexity, change and transformation.
Trainer Rebecca Cattran is an experienced leadership and career coach, facilitator, and organisational change adviser, with more than three decades working in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. She has successfully managed multiple career transitions, built high-performing teams and led enterprise-shaping change.
Rebecca is the principal of her own boutique business, Popolo Plus, which helps people realise their potential. She draws on her qualifications in science and communication to bring a systematic approach and people-focused mindset to contemporary change challenges.
NT Women in Leadership Workshop
Date: 18 – 19 February
Time: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Location: Darwin
Email: [email protected]
Overview
Enhance your effectiveness as a leader in an evolving professional landscape.
- Develop your individual leadership style.
- Build confidence to lead authentically and effectively.
- Learn the art of confident communication.
Trainer Catie Kirke specialises in helping individuals and teams achieve personal fulfilment and professional success, and increase their capability, outcomes and potential.
As a transformational and leadership coach, Catie consistently helps clients achieve greater purpose and direction, communicate more effectively, be solution-focused, and lead by example. Catie’s specialties include emotional and social intelligence, mental wellbeing, resilience and self-awareness, confidence, and a positive growth mindset.
NSW Public Sector Grades 11-12 High-Performance & Leadership Workshop
Date: 18 – 19 February
Time: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Location: Cliftons Sydney
Email: [email protected]
Overview
Master the strategic, people and performance skills to thrive in senior public sector leadership.
- Step up from operational to strategic, system-level leadership.
- Strengthen decision-making, influence and stakeholder management.
- Build authentic self-awareness and emotional intelligence for lasting impact.
- Drive performance, accountability and collaboration across teams and divisions.
- Lead confidently through complexity, change and transformation.
Trainer Maree Walk is the principal of the Storyroad consultancy and a highly regarded leadership specialist with more than 30 years’ experience across the government, non-profit and private sectors. She is a Level Two-trained coach, mentoring leaders to drive innovation and collaboration for real change.
Maree is chair of Allies for Children and serves as a director of City West Housing and the Parenting Research Centre. Formerly Deputy Secretary, Programs and Service Design at NSW Family and Community Services, she has also led Community Services as chief executive, and served as CEO of the Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies.
Policy Officers Workshop
Date: 18 – 19 February
Time: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Location: Online
Email: [email protected]
Overview
Essential skills for policy writing and development — a practical guide for effective governance.
- Determine the core structure and sequencing of policy documentation.
- Learn the tools to effectively communicate all stages of the policy process cross-functionally.
- Gain a deep understanding of policy development, analysis models and real-world challenges.
- Create and implement proactive, robust policy development plans with effective monitoring and evaluation.
Trainer Alex O’Mara is a seasoned leader in sustainability, policy, and strategy. As a former Deputy Secretary in the NSW Government, she led transformative shifts in environment, infrastructure, and renewable energy.
With a Master’s in Administrative Law and Policy from the University of Sydney, Alex combines practical expertise with academic insight. She currently drives change as the director and founder of Sustainable Solutions Advisory, a member of the UNSW Science Advisory Council, and a non-executive director at St George Community Housing.
Public Sector Executive Leadership Summit
Date: 18 – 19 February
Time: 9 am – 5 pm
Location: National Convention Centre, Canberra
Email: [email protected]
The Public Sector Executive Leadership Summit convenes senior leaders from federal and state government for an exclusive forum exploring the complex challenges facing executive leaders. Complex times call for decisive leadership. Modern government demands leaders who can think strategically, act decisively, and adapt quickly.
Through thought-provoking keynotes, real-world scenarios, and peer discussions, delegates will challenge assumptions, refine strategic judgment, and explore approaches to drive transformation, influence policy, harness technology, and lead high-performing teams. Walk away with actionable frameworks and insights to make high-impact decisions, strengthen organisational outcomes, and lead with confidence across complex government environments.
Speakers include former Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Nick Coatsworth, Australian Taxation Office Commissioner Rob Heferen, Department of Veterans’ Affairs Secretary Alison Frame, Productivity Commission Commissioner Dr Angela Jackson, and Department of Home Affairs Head of National Security Hamish Hansford.
VIC Public Sector Leading and Managing Change
Date: 19 – 20 February
Time: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Location: Melbourne
Email: [email protected]
Overview
Lead your team through change with clarity, resilience and a shared vision.
- Strengthen your leadership skills to manage change across teams and projects.
- Create a supportive environment to help your team stay focused during transitions.
- Learn how to inspire resilience and engagement during times of uncertainty.
- Develop strategies to drive successful and sustainable change.
From building high-performing teams to leading enterprise-wide change across healthcare, government and the private sector, trainer Rebecca Cattran has spent three decades navigating the evolving world of work.
With a background in science and communication, she brings a clear, systems-based lens to the complexities of organisational change, helping individuals and organisations move forward with confidence. As a leadership and career coach, facilitator and adviser, Rebecca draws on deep cross-sector experience to unlock potential and build capability.
VIC Public Sector Women in Leadership Summit 2026
Date: Until 20 February
Time: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Location: Pullman Melbourne Albert Park Hotel
Email: [email protected]
Overview
Lead without Limits: Empowering Women to Shape the Future of the Public Sector.
- Position yourself as a future-ready VPS leader.
- Connect with inspiring women and transform your obstacles into opportunities.
- Thrive through change with clarity and confidence.
- Lean into your strengths, own your blindspots, and be better.
One of the speakers, Simone O’Brien, survived a near-fatal domestic violence attack, which is when her life changed forever. Rather than remain silent, she chose to speak. Rather than retreat, she chose to lead. In this powerful and emotional keynote, Simone shares her lived experience as a survivor turned advocate, and how trauma can become a turning point for purpose. Her story is a call to action for every leader: to stand up, to speak out, and to create safe, inclusive cultures where people are truly supported.
Other speakers include CEO, Transport Accident Commission, Tracey Slatter; Deputy Secretary, Budget, Finance & Investment, Department of Health Victoria, Catherine Rooney; Deputy Secretary, Integrity, Regulation and Legal Services, Department of Justice and Community Safety, Kathryn Bannon; Deputy Secretary, Consumer Affairs & Local Government, Department of Government Services, Lisa Gandolfo; and Fire Rescue Commissioner, Fire Rescue Victoria, Gavin Freeman.
