Can Ministers and Public Servants Work Together Better?
ANZSOG invites you to the online launch of a major new thought leadership report written as part of a research fellowship supported by ANZSOG, the Susan McKinnon Foundation and Griffith University.
As part of the fellowship, Jasmina Joldić PSM undertook a study tour to the United Kingdom to explore how trust, accountability and political–administrative relationships operate across Westminster systems.
Drawing on international research, extensive interviews and senior leadership experience, the report examines how the relationship between ministers and public servants is evolving — and what this means for effective, trustworthy government in a low‑trust era.
This session features Jasmina Joldić in conversation, reflecting on the report’s findings and their implications for public sector leaders across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Key People
Ms Jasmina Joldić PSM is Deputy Secretary, Higher Education, Research and International at the Australian Government Department of Education.
She wrote this report as part of a fellowship supported by ANZSOG, the Susan McKinnon Foundation and Griffith University, which included a UK study tour examining Westminster systems and the political–administrative interface.
Jasmina brings more than 19 years’ experience across state and federal government, including as Director‑General of Queensland’s Department of Justice and Attorney‑General. She is an ANZSOG Practice Fellow, Adjunct Professor at Griffith University, a former ANZSOG Board member, and the recipient of the Public Service Medal (2022).
Why this event, why now?
Australia and New Zealand’s Westminster systems rely on trust — between politicians and public servants, between institutions and citizens, and across the political–administrative divide.
Drawing on:
Nearly two decades of senior public service experience.
Over 45 interviews with ministers, advisers and senior officials.
International research and UK comparative insights.
This report explores how those relationships are changing, what is being strained, and where reform and renewal are possible.
The event is designed to:
Launch the fellowship report publicly.
Surface key insights and provocations.
Convene a thoughtful, non‑partisan.
Discussion with public sector leaders.
Reinforce ANZSOG’s role as a trusted convener of system‑level conversations.
Event Details
Tuesday, 12 May 2026
12:00pm–1:00pm AEST / 2:00pm–3:00pm NZST
Online report launch + conversation + Q&A
The event will feature Jasmina Joldić in conversation, exploring the report’s findings, reflections and implications for public sector leaders across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.