2016 Solomon Lecture

Author/Speaker:
Professor Anne Tiernan
Director, Policy Innovation Hub Griffith University
Assistant Commissioner Collaboration, Public Service Commission.

TITLE: Collaboration in Place: The central role of information and data in securing Queensland’s future prosperity

After more than a quarter of a century of almost continuous growth and prosperity, Australia confronts an uncertain economic future. Like other advanced nations, our expectations and our public policy settings will need to adjust to the realities of an international context characterised by low growth and falling living standards. And growing inequality?

But if the last seven years are any indication, the prospects for reform and change look grim. Australia’s politics has been notable for its volatility and hyper-partisanship, played out in one-term governments, rapid turnover among political leaders, growing and falling support for the major parties. The federal election of 2 July 2016 only confirmed the widely shared sense that a deep malaise has afflicted our politics – fuelling voter disengagement and undermining public trust in our public institutions and political processes.

Far from the elite debate, however, something quite different is happening. Across the country, and particularly in Queensland, a range of exciting, community-led collaborations, like the Logan Together initiative are demonstrating how open innovation practices can catalyse and drive social change. Networks of partners from all tiers of government, the community and private sectors, and from universities, are using evidence and data to re-imagine the provision of human services.

At a time when place is recognised as fundamental to innovation and the knowledge economy (Deloitte 2016), could locally-responsive approaches premised on collaboration between individuals, communities, businesses and governments provide the key to our future prosperity and to rebuilding trust in public processes and institutions?

Professor Anne Tiernan will explore these questions in the 2016 Solomon Lecture. She will argue that strategic investments in knowledge infrastructure and the favourable policy environment created by Queensland’s Right to Information laws give our state a unique capacity to realise the many benefits - democratic, economic, social and environmental, that might flow from more collaborative, community-led and data-informed public policies. Professor Tiernan will identify the formidable barriers and impediments to be overcome, the commitment and leadership that will be demanded of all players, if we are to seize these opportunities for Queensland and Queenslanders.

FAQs

Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?
Email: events@oic.qld.gov.au

Is my registration/ticket transferrable?
Yes. You can transfer your registration/ticket to a colleague within your organisation, agency or place of work.

Will the event be filmed or photographed?
Yes. An event videographer and photographer will primarily be taking video and photos of the speakers but this might extend to include some guests or attendees. Media representatives might also attend and capture similar images. These images might be used for promotional purposes.

Is The Edge an accessible building?
Yes, The Edge has external lift access from the ground floor and parking area to Level 1 entrance. There is an internal lift at The Edge for access to all levels and disabled bathrooms are located on both Level 0 and Level 1.