2023 David Hawkes Oration
2023 Oration Topic
Modern Ethical Dilemmas for Public Servants: From Yes Minister to Utopia
The primary plot line of the 1980s BBC satire Yes Minister sees government initiatives constantly stymied by an obstructive civil service, as Permanent Secretary Sir Humphrey Appleby quietly blocks his Minister Jim Hacker at every turn. Fast forward to the ABC comedy Utopia in 2023, and the tables are turned. Tony Woodford, CEO of the National Building Authority, doggedly pursues evidence-based infrastructure projects, only to run into brick walls put up by a minister’s office more focused on electoral consequences than public benefit.
The modern ethical dilemmas facing public servants often sit between these two comedic extremes and involve finding the balance between responsiveness to government on the one hand, and robust advice on the other, even when that advice is unwelcome.
Peter Mares
Peter Mares is an independent writer and researcher. He is a contributing editor at Inside Story magazine, a moderating team member at the Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership, an adjunct senior research fellow at Monash University’s School of Media, Film & Journalism and a fellow with the Centre for Policy Development.
Peter is the author of three books: No Place Like Home: Repairing Australia’s Housing Crisis (Text 2018), Not Quite Australian: how temporary migration is changing the nation (Text, 2016) and Borderline (UNSW Press, 2002), an award-winning analysis of Australia’s approach to refugees and asylum seekers. Peter’s extensive experience includes 25 years as a broadcaster with ABC, where he presented national radio programs and worked as a foreign correspondent based in Southeast Asia.
About the David Hawkes Oration
Named in honour of David Hawkes, a long-serving President of IPAA NT, the Hawkes Oration pays tribute to his exceptional contributions to the field of public administration. David played a vital role in creating innovative practices that put the Northern Territory at the forefront of the public sector during the 1990s.
With an illustrious career, David served as the Commissioner for Public Employment for thirteen years, becoming the longest-serving Commissioner in Australia upon his retirement. His influence extended beyond his tenure, as he played a significant role in developing redeployment and voluntary redundancy arrangements within the Australian Public Service. These arrangements were later used to good effect in the territory over many years to manage structural change.
As a Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration, David continues to contribute his expertise and insight to the work of the Institute, even in his retirement.
Find out more about the David Hawkes Oration and view past Orators here.