The Institute of Public Administration Australia South Australia (IPAA SA) has announced a new annual oration to engage the broader Public Sector to reflect on and celebrate the critical role played by the Public Service.
In a statement, IPAA SA said the inaugural Frances Adamson Oration, named after South Australia’s Governor, would also consider the institutional and individual integrity, resilience and challenges in the service.
The Institute said Ms Adamson is to deliver the Oration in Canberra on United Nations Public Service Day (23 June).
National President of IPAA, Gordon de Brouwer said the Oration was an opportunity for constructive, forward-thinking analysis and reflection on the role of the contemporary Public Service.
“We wanted to name the Oration after a person who has experience in, and empathy for, Public Service in Australia in its varying dimensions, and who embodies the values of the Public Service in their own actions and leadership,” Dr de Brouwer said.
“Frances Adamson is an ideal role model and we are thrilled that she has accepted this mantle,” he said.
Ms Adamson said she was “genuinely delighted at the prospect of a structured opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the role played by the Public Service, whether globally, nationally or locally”.
IPAA SA said that, in 2016, Ms Adamson was appointed Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, leading the Department through a period of cultural change and encouraging more women into senior ranks.
“In June 2021 she was made a Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service to public administration,” it said.
IPAA SA said Ms Adamson served as President of IPAA ACT from 2017 to 2019 and was recognised as an IPAA National Fellow in 2019 for her contribution to the organisation and the Public Service generally.
