This is a short submission (copied in full below) I made to the current rewrite of Australia's digital strategy being curated by the Digital Transformation Agency. Its main message is that digital transformation needs to think bigger and take itself more seriously. No disrespect to the complex and difficult technical, often transactional work that is being done, often well, to change the nature of our interactions with many aspects of governing. Quote the opposite. The best way to show respect for that work and for the smart, dedicated people doing the work inside and outside government is to put it in the bigger policy and strategic context whose contours and direction it is changing. My reading in the last couple of weeks, especially this from Mariana Mazzucato and this from Roger L Martin, only serve to reinforce my view and add considerable weight to my suggestion. If we are to build back better in the coming year, we need to design policy in terms not of levelling but tilting the playing field — in the direction of equitable, green and sustainable growth that favours all stakeholders and solves our greatest societal challenges. Fortunately, for the first time in a generation, government has the upper hand. (Mariana Mazzucato) Take encouragement in the learning that comes from experiencing and observing the laws in action. Then tweak and tweak to make that …
Main Content
Public Purpose is an independent advisory practice working at the intersection of government, policy, technology and innovation.
Find Out More
Find Out More
The practice is centred on the work of its principal, Martin Stewart-Weeks and his extensive networks of innovators, ideas and influence in Australia and around the world from over 35 years’ work in and around government, innovation and technology.
The practice is busy in the following areas:
Strategic Thinking
Helping organisations think about strategy and change to guide new aspirations, plans and work.
Helping organisations think about strategy and change to guide new aspirations, plans and work.
Facilitation
Designing and facilitating small and large scale events and processes to help organisations improve the quality and impact of their work together.
Designing and facilitating small and large scale events and processes to help organisations improve the quality and impact of their work together.
Research
Conceiving, undertaking and writing up social and qualitative research (focus groups, workshops, interviews).
Conceiving, undertaking and writing up social and qualitative research (focus groups, workshops, interviews).
Writing and thought leadership
Undertake research and writing projects, either independently or for clients, that tackle big strategic issues to prompt thinking about strategy and change
Undertake research and writing projects, either independently or for clients, that tackle big strategic issues to prompt thinking about strategy and change
Latest Posts

Cataclysm versus hope: a note on the US Presidential election
There are only two ways to respond to the US presidential election, one cataclysmic and the other chock full of …

Smart Cities: People, Place and Power
It was great to have the chance today in a short presentation to the South Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils …
Dive straight into the feedback!Login below and you can start commenting using your own user instantly