Special Reports

New battlegrounds: Australia's future fighting force

As Australia adopts a front-foot defensive posture and shifts its acquisitions approach, it must combat cyber threats and disinformation and compete in a new space race. Maintaining sovereign manufacturing capabilities and attracting (and training) top talent as new technology comes on line – especially AI – will test Australia’s resources and resolve.  
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The magical (and contested) road ahead for government AI

Public servants need to get their heads around the impact artificial intelligence and machine learning will have on services and citizens' lives. The legislative and technology choices governments make will have a big impact on whether AI will be a help or hindrance as society embarks on a fully digital future. Public confidence and trust in government are at stake.
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Be Curious with Synergy Group

From the role of adaptive leadership in a hybrid workplace to the reasons why quiet quitting is a cybersecurity risk, the Synergy Group has shared their insights on a number of topics over the years. Today, we share some of their best content to pique your curiosity.
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Will Australia become a force to be reckoned with?

The Defence Strategic Review (DSR) signals a fundamental shift in how Australia will defend itself in the future. The plan outlines how the nation will have a “focused force” that fights within Australia and projects power into the Indo-Pacific region. This special report analyses the DSR from many angles – its impact on Australia’s “five domains”, Defence procurement processes, our neighbours and future generations.
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Disinformation, deep fakes and the deception economy: cyber’s new reality

As citizens increasingly rely on digital systems to improve their lives, cybersecurity and data governance have become key areas of concern for every organisation across the globe. Essential infrastructure is constantly under attack; even the sanctity of our most prized democratic institutions is in peril. We all need to know that governments and private enterprises will win the battle in cyberspace.
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Is your data an asset or bait for cyber criminals?

Data has been in the news for the wrong reasons recently after high-profile hacks led to customer information being released on the dark web. But modern organisations can’t survive without accurate and timely data. Backed by AI, machine learning and cloud technologies, data is the key to delivering better public services and customer experiences. Its presence, however, makes organisations vulnerable.
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People, processes and technology: Modernising government agencies

Often forgotten in the pursuit of tools that bolster productivity, collaboration, customer experience and compliance is the human dimension – the need to develop processes and a workplace culture that will determine if a digital transformation program succeeds or fails. Developing a learning, future-focused culture that commits to modernisation has never been more important.
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Defending Australia: A test of our national resilience

With Australia forced to defend itself on many flanks, national resilience is being put to the test. Not only do we need to face up to disturbing geopolitical forces challenging global security and ever-present cybersecurity threats, we need to deal with humanitarian and environmental issues flowing from the rapidly escalating impacts of climate change. 
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Cloud technology and the future of digital government

Cloud technology already impacts how governments handle data and deliver better user experiences. It has made data collections more useable and scalable while making sensitive information more secure, but some departments continue to move tentatively towards adopting cloud services. We examine cloud's role in digital government and the future of work, and the cybersecurity implications.
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Effective procurement in the public sector

Public servants are expected to deliver better value for money while providing goods and services that satisfy government’s social contract. Meanwhile, they're confronted with supply-line difficulties, budgetary pressures and an inflationary environment. How do they make wiser and more sustainable, cost-effective buying decisions?
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Building and retaining the public sector workforce

With the skills shortage making the job market tight, the private and public sectors are trying to entice the best and brightest talents, who are spoilt for choice. We look at the factors that will allow the public sector the best chance to attract and retain a quality workforce.
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How the pandemic has tested public sector collaboration

The pandemic has compelled the Australian public service to work with their state and territory counterparts and the private sector. Many collaborations have been successful, helping deliver health and welfare services at record-breaking speed. Other situations highlighted existing fault lines.
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The struggle to maintain Australia’s cybersecurity

Government entities and private organisations are under increasing attack from organised criminals, state-based actors and others wanting to inflict digital chaos. We look at the state of cybersecurity in Australia, the industries that are most vulnerable to cyber threats and how authorities are trying to find people with the skills to combat future attacks.
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How technology and the pandemic have changed the workplace for good

With employees now demanding greater flexibility to work from home, both the private and public sectors will need to be adaptable and willing to listen to these needs. We look at many of the factors driving change in our workplaces, and what will become of our cities once offices evolve into spaces where we meet rather than work.
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Inside Defence, opportunities, challenges and new pacts

The defence industry is big business and big news. As controversial as it is important. It also happens to be the Federal Government’s number one priority in the midst of growing geopolitical uncertainties. Important enough to upset some friends while shoring up others in an effort to help secure the nation and the region it is located.
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