Politics with Michelle Grattan
News:Politics
Dennis Richardson, one of Australia’s most respected federal public servants, has just retired after an illustrious career. He served as head of the foreign affairs department, the defence department, and ASIO, and was Australian ambassador in Washington. He was also once chief-of-staff to then-prime minister Bob Hawke.
Richardson was never afraid to tell ministers what he believed they should hear, and any grudges they had as a result they apparently got over very quickly.
He urges bureaucrats to be forthright with their political bosses, but also to be strategic in how they go about trying to persuade. “Providing frank and fearless advice is not about getting something off your chest, it’s about seeking to influence for an outcome that you think is the right one.”
In this interview with The Conversation he reflects on trends in the public service, and discusses the implications of the Trump presidency and the future of China. He also recalls as a very young public servant being sent to play squash with Billy McMahon – and beating him. Not long after, he handed out how-to-vote cards for Labor in the “It’s Time” election.
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Chris Bowen’s struggle to promote consensus on climate action at COP28
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Greens Barbara Pocock on the quest for greater transparency
Politics with Michelle Grattan: James Paterson on the High Court’s decision on detention and rising anti-Semitism
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Former climate minister Greg Combet on Australia’s mission to reach net-zero
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Economist Chris Richardson on a likely interest rate rise and the fall in living standards
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Don Farrell’s high noon for European free trade deal, and hopes for lobster exports to China
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Kim Beazley on Albanese’s US trip, Biden in the Middle East, and the Voice’s defeat
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Middle East expert Ian Parmeter on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Greens Jordon Steele-John on the disability royal commission and Bill Shorten’s NDIS reforms
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Treasurer Jim Chalmers on jobs and work
Word from The Hill: Assessing Daniel Andrews, the extraordinary Pezzullo story, senators give Qantas chiefs a hard time
Politics with Michelle Grattan: ANU Vice-Chancellor Brian Schmidt on the challenges universities face
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Asia expert Richard McGregor on Anthony Albanese’s coming visit to China
Word from The Hill: Danielle Wood to head Productivity Commission, Alan Joyce bows to public anger, PM jets off again
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Battle of The Voice - Yes23 campaign director Dean Parkin and former deputy prime minister John Anderson
Word from The Hill: Date for Voice referendum to be announced on Wednesday
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Labor president Wayne Swan on the party’s coming national conference
Word from The Hill: Double dissolution hot air, PM dodging Treaty question, Morrison hit with counter punch after Robodebt speech
Politics with Michelle Grattan: ‘yes’ campaigner Thomas Mayo and ‘no’ advocate Derryn Hinch on the Voice
Politics with Michelle Grattan: ACCI Head Andrew McKellar on industrial relations and boosting Australia’s productivity
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