The title of this monograph is taken from the public lecture presented by the Australian Public Service Commissioner, Ms Lynelle Briggs, in mid-2005. Her speech resonated with many other officials and other professionals and, over the next few months, her message was cited and repeated in various fora. Her words capture the flavour of these topical public lectures.

The Australia and New Zealand School of Government commenced an annual series of public lectures in February 2005. These were held in Canberra at the Academy of Science. The aim of the lecture series is to make serious intellectual contributions to the direction of public policy and public sector management. In commissioning speakers we intend to strengthen the dialogue between academics and practitioners especially in relation to forthcoming challenges and research agendas. The lectures provide distinguished speakers and opinion-shapers with the opportunity to provoke and stimulate their audiences and present a case for change, reform or renewal. All the lectures in this series were delivered with a strong sense of purpose and conviction. Because of this, the lectures are not only informative and persuasive but also stimulate ongoing debate and continuing dialogue.

In organising these lectures we wish to thank the Academy of Science and the Political Science Program at the Research School of Social Sciences, The Australian National University. The lecture series was organised by ANZSOG staff including Susan Hanson, Jenny Keene, Victoria Redfern, Mary Hapel, Shellaine Godbold, and John Butcher. Postgraduates in Political Science assisted with audio-visual equipment and promotion. The media and communications division at The Australian National University played an important role in promoting the events, as did The Canberra Times. Finally, I would like to thank the various staff who assisted the speakers and helped make the series a success.

Professor John Wanna
Sir John Bunting Chair of Public Administration
ANZSOG, ANU