Amber Hawkes

We need to talk about #CoDesign. The #NDIA, the #Government and Minister #BillShorten have been under pressure of late for their #continuingfailure to properly engage in co-design of changes to the #NDIS. The article linked here, published just three days ago on 6 June, is an attempt to convince us that the NDIA is engaging in co-design. But all it does is convince me, more than ever, that the NDIA has absolutely #noidea what co-design is. So, what are they missing? What IS co-design anyway? Here’s my view: Co-design is a disciplined method for designing and implementing solutions to problems and delivering outcomes that are acceptable to all stakeholders, efficient and effective. Co-design begins with a collaborative effort involving #ALLSTAKEHOLDERS to agree what the need or problem is, and to characterise the desired #solution or #outcome. Design cannot proceed unless and until there is a #consensus on defining the solution or outcome in terms of its #Objective (what it is to do) and #Value (why it is important (not just in financial terms, but in respect of all relevant scales of value). Co-design of solutions based on agreed outcomes and objectives continues to involve ALL STAKEHOLDERS, but the skills mix is likely to vary as the design of the solution likely requires people who have more specific knowledge of techniques, tools, rules and so on. Regardless, the mix is likely to include people who are well versed in business process design, technology solution design, human behaviour, the specific business context into which the outcome will be delivered, information risk and security, accountability, traceability and auditability, as well as technical reliability and integrity Co-design of solutions is NOT an event-based process. It is only effective as a continuum, in which the stakeholders are collaborating in real time, working as teams, rather than as opposing interests arguing across a conference table. The most highly effective approach model for co-design is evidentially seamless and totally integrated, with all participants actively exhibiting full respect for the experience, expertise, subject matter knowledge, values and morals of all other parties in the process. This level of seamless integration takes time to build, and it is often necessary for an independent facilitator to guide the coming together of differing perspectives. Now read the NDIA announcement of co-design. What’s wrong with it? https://lnkd.in/gWr7_Gdt Read the comments for thoughts about why the current co-design failure is so significant. Ask your favourite search engine about co-design. Check comments to see what I found when I asked that question a few moments ago. Marie J. Peter Gregory Karen Kline Mark Sweeney Graham Taylor Jordon Steele-John Monique Ryan Allegra Spender Kate Chaney MP, Zoe Daniel David Pocock Hollie Hughes

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Aotearoa friends: are you interested in the work of the Human Rights Measurement Initiative? I have some questions for you please! (Feel free to share this post.) 1. Might you be interested in a general Aotearoa-focused webinar in 2025 unpacking the scores for New Zealand, how we produce them, and how you can use them in your work? (scores are here for reference: https://lnkd.in/gkenBfxy ) 2. If you work in human rights, might you be interested in helping us produce these scores, by a) answering our online, anonymous questionnaire in Jan-Feb and/or b) helping us find other suitable expert respondents? If so, please email me either at [email protected], or my secure ProtonMail address: [email protected]. (You can just message me here if you prefer and have no security concerns about doing so.) 3. You also might be interested in how our data have been used locally, from press articles, to UN submissions, to NGO reports, strategies, and lobbying. Various government entities also use the data, notably the Office of the Ombudsman, who benchmarks strategic progress on democracy and freedom from torture to HRMI scores. You can find some examples on our website here: https://lnkd.in/gfQNVEYU https://lnkd.in/gpYNmBUy Any other questions? Email me or pop them below! Thanks, all! Human Rights Measurement Initiative

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A #modernslavery crisis in our own backyard. Please read this critical report on the state of affairs in Australia, including NSW, when it comes to exploited temporary migrant workers. The courage of those speaking up and shining a light, and those supporting them, is something else. "Temporary migrant workers, particularly low-wage workers in agriculture, horticulture and meat processing in rural NSW, face risks of debt bondage, deceptive recruiting, forced labour and, in extreme cases, servitude, sexual servitude or even human trafficking." - NSW Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dr James Cockayne. The advocacy of the Office of the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner and organisations like The Freedom Hub and many others continue to support the thousands experiencing slavery and human trafficking in Australia. Please consider how you, your business or organisation can support, give or advocate for a country that can truly say to all migrant workers - Be Our Guest. https://lnkd.in/gkSwPzqj

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Reading the Fringe Guide to policy events at this year’s Labour conference leaves you in no doubt about the interest in Artificial Intelligence and the part it can play in improving public services. It is very reminiscent of similar debates many of us sat through in the late nineties when the power of the internet was being harnessed to the same purpose. Then, as now, everyone knew that there was a massive opportunity in our hands; but similarly that it was not obvious exactly how best to exploit it. Looking back across some of the IT projects that arose at that time mistakes were clearly made. And yet, today most mainstream government services are now online in one way or another. AI will get there too. RELX, and the sectors and businesses we serve, is going through this adoption journey, developing increasingly sophisticated analytic tools across our data and content sets so that our professional and business users can make better decisions, more quickly. Our internal discussions with tech leaders reveal three central factors that lie behind successful innovation. First the need for the right skills. Government needs to ensure that it can be a really intelligent buyer of artificially intelligent systems. Not everyone in Whitehall needs to be a software engineer or product development specialist, but some of them should be. Second, culture. There is hackneyed view of “tech culture” which is that it moves fast and break things. However, innovation comes about through being methodical, iterative and cautious; walking in lock-step with customers to identify needs and develop solutions. Finally, the role of people. AI products should support, not replace, the professionals who use them. This also ensures that there is trust in their use. Neither commercial nor state customers want anonymous machines which spits out answers. Humanity is vital. It was great to discuss all of this and more at the event RELX held with our association techUK, together with Federico Cilauro of Frontier Economics and Imogen Parker Ada Lovelace Institute, with Josh Simons MP for Makerfield.  #AI #Labour

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Getting there ... #digitalID legislation is good ✅ and now terrific to see some funding for trials of #digitalwallets and #verifiablecredentials as part of the Australian Government Digital Identity System (AGDIS). Identity is great but only half the story. We need an end-to-end and secure system. It is pointless to be able to prove who you are digitally if you still have to produce/copy/send paper documents and certificates.

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Tirohia e te whanau. Another update from the GCDO on Public Service use of AI. A big mihi to the team that put this information together. #AIinnovation #SafeAI #Transparency https://lnkd.in/gizNcVur

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We have recently launched hearmeout.org.au in conjunction with the National Justice Project. It's an AI-powered platform designed to simplify the complaints process, providing users with tailored guidance and improving their access to justice. For now we've focused on New South Wales, but the roadmap is to go broader. Go have a play, tell me what you think, and how it could be improved. Empowering people with tools to improve their ability to navigate the legal system is at the heart of the work we do at Portable. Our process is to partner with bodies like NJP (like we have with Legal Services Commission of South Australia for amica). I really think it's the way we can build the digital tools society wants and needs, providing design and technical expertise to the bodies committed to improving Access to Justice. #a2j #AI #design #justice

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This! Adverse Childhood Experiences DO have longterm adverse effects such as domestic violence, but there IS something that can be done to stem the tide of domestic violence, upstream. Have a watch, follow Michael for more evidence-based insights and tangible action.

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There is a stark reality the #disability sector must tackle. Services cannot be delivered profitability under the current model, the #NDIA is in a constant state of flux and #advocacy will not be the saviour.

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Canberra folks, this webinar on commmunity voices changing politics could be something you want to join: "Canberra, Australia: one of the best places in one of the best countries. But can we be doing better, and whose job is that? Join us to hear from three great speakers as we explore climate change, inter-generational equity and democracy" Deets here: https://lnkd.in/ex_aEB67

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If you missed Rick Morton’s article on the NDIS Bill, which spotlighted the concerns Uli Cartwright and I shared as advocates alongside National Legal Aid, Villamanta Disability Rights Legal Service and other legal sources... ...well, we are still very concerned about the Bill in its amended form. I shudder every time I hear the “back on track” phrase and think of the trail of destruction this runaway freight train will leave if the Senate fails to pull the emergency brake. Meaningful collaboration with the community and legal experts to define ALL of the amendments we need isn’t kicking the can down the road. It’s complying with Article 4(3) of the #CRPD. It is essential to prevent the harm this Bill will cause if it passes. But we need time to get this right because the community are not criticising Minister Bill Shorten and the Bill for no reason and with nothing constructive to offer: We have solutions, too. Solutions which don’t need to come at the expense of sustainability OR human rights. Why is the Government deciding for us when so few have been heard and submissions are still being uploaded? We had a very amateur crack at an alternative Section 10 to capture our golden thread to outcomes argument from Submission 80 and enshrine it in the primary legislation, because we object to leaving the definition of NDIS support to the Rules. Improvements are warmly welcomed, especially from those far more qualified. I’ll post our proposed definition in the comments. And then we need to have a serious conversation about amendments to add more targeted review rights as a safeguard for participants. Especially about compliance activities currently occurring in a non-reviewable vacuum, beyond the scrutiny of the AAT/ART or Federal Court, and the risks this poses to participants and their families. But let’s not forget all the things we are fighting to hold onto from the current Act and Rules. What we were all asked to dream of. #NDIS Public Interest Advocacy Centre Naomi Anderson Mitchell Skipsey Sheetal Balakrishnan Darren O'Donovan Kieran Pender Natalie Wade Rosemary Kayess Helen Dickinson El Gibbs Jenny Karavolos Sophie Cusworth Belinda Kochanowska Dr George Taleporos (GAICD, PhD) Sam Paior JP, MAICD Nick Avery Kurt Fearnley Anne Kavanagh Katy Gagliardi Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) Human Rights Law Centre Chris Coombes Monique Ryan Hollie Hughes Office of Senator Jordon Steele-John People with Disability Australia (PWDA) Jarrod Sandell-Hay Samantha Connor William Ward-Boas Clare Gibellini

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How do we improve independent scrutiny during policy reform? Independent scrutiny is critical to sound public policy governance, but how do we get the most out of it? 1️⃣ Who commissions the review matters! 2️⃣ Choose truly independent consultants. 3️⃣ Ensure a direct line to decision-makers. 4️⃣ Protect confidentiality. ➡️ Learn how to fix your reviews for better policy-making in my latest article: https://lnkd.in/gGzy-4Xm #PublicPolicy #Governance #PolicyReview

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Economic pressures are testing a key pillar of our national identity: multiculturalism. Historically, tough economic times have often led to misplaced blame, with migrant communities often unfairly targeted. But through our work SSI, we know migrants are part of the solution, not the problem. That’s why we’re leading an advocacy coalition to Activate Australia’s Skills and reform a system blocking highly skilled migrants in Australia from positively transforming our economy.

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Using Future Foresight in Policy Design: A New Approach for Policymakers I've been digging into the Australian Government's approach to strategic foresight, and it's got me thinking about how we could shake things up here in the UAE. The Aussies have put together this brilliant primer on using "Futures" in policymaking. It's not about crystal balls and fortune-telling - it's about being smart and prepared for whatever comes our way. Why bother with all this future stuff? Well, it's pretty simple: 1-Stay Resilient: Craft policies that can weather multiple possible futures. 2-Be Innovative: Unlock a treasure trove of better policy choices. 3-Design Anticipatory Policies: Get ahead of the curve and stay there. This approach is not about predicting the future but about preparing for it, ensuring that we can navigate uncertainties with agility and informed confidence. This document provides pragmatic advice drawn from the experiences of the Policy, Project and Taskforce Office at PM&C delivering Futures projects across a range of agencies and policy portfolios - and the lessons learned by many experienced practitioners from inside and outside the Australian Public Service (APS).

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Excited to be presenting this abstract at the upcoming Justice Reform Initiatives Reintergration Puzzle Conference in Sydney in June. Felicia Zsha' Mirzze and I will also be presenting our preliminary findings of our study into Adverse Childhood Experiences and how these related to contact with the Criminal Legal System. Link here to participate: https://lnkd.in/gS4eeFRj Taking action to reduce collateral consequences for people who have been incarcerated: insights from the inside. This article discusses the impacts of collateral consequences, shedding light on the pervasive and often overlooked ramifications faced by individuals with conviction histories. By examining legal and social restrictions imposed on this population, I explore the implications that extend beyond the confines of the criminal justice system. I draw on my personal experience and the experiences of others as told to me to unpack the collateral consequences: from employment, education and housing struggles to rejection and stigmatisation from society, all of which significantly hinder the reintegration process. Through an exploration of potential solutions and best practices, I will equip you with a toolkit for fostering inclusivity, mitigating stigma, and promoting meaningful rehabilitation. Ultimately, this article advocates for a shift in societal attitudes and policies, urging stakeholders to engage in proactive dialogue and collaborative efforts to dismantle the barriers faced by individuals with conviction histories. Let's rewrite the narrative so that individuals with criminal histories are not merely treated as anecdotal stories. Employers, provide us with a chance to defy your preconceived notions. Government agencies; hear the voices of those who have survived prison and implement changes informed by their experiences. Society, take note, people who have made mistakes are capable of change. Reserve your judgement and practice compassion. Individuals with prior criminal records possess the potential to make substantial contributions to society. There exists an entire community of untapped talent that could positively impact the economy and society if provided with opportunities.

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Can you believe we are now on *day nine* of public debate about the Albanese Government's shifting position(s) on the 2026 Census and we *still* don't know whether all parts of the LGBTIQ+ community will be counted? The whole sorry saga started last Sunday, August 25, when reports first emerged the Govt had directed the ABS not to proceed with LGBTIQ questions for the next Census, thereby breaking their election promise. Then followed 5 days of community backlash, with different MPs & Ministers providing an array of different justifications for the decision - with only 1 thing in common, that they were equally implausible. On Friday 30 August, PM Albanese offered a partial backdown, committing to including 'one question about sexuality, sexual preference' [sic]. The implication being that other necessary questions, on gender identity & innate variations of sex characteristics, would remain excluded. On Saturday 31 August, the PM then muddied the water further, by appearing to suggest an existing question on 'identity' (presumably the 2021 question asking people whether they were male, female or 'non-binary sex' [sic]) might be amended to allow collection of gender identity data. However, it is not possible to collect both sex & gender identity data in 1 question - which is why the ABS 'Standard for Sex, Gender, Variations of Sex Characteristics and Sexual Orientation Variables', developed in 2020 & used extensively since then, adopts 2 separate questions on these topics, plus 2 more stand-alone questions on sex characteristics & sexual orientation: https://lnkd.in/gEe8YUED The PM's public comments, focusing on 'sexuality' & 'identity', also seem to confirm a specific question on innate variations of sex characteristics (which is *neither* sexuality nor identity) is unlikely to progress to the Census. Then, on Sunday 1 September, we had Minister Rishworth & then the PM himself, offer a new excuse for not including questions on gender identity or sex characteristics: they were 'too complex' for the public to understand. Leaving aside the fact the 4 questions which have been included in the ABS standard for the past 4 years are not complex, the Government literally stepped in at the last minute to stop the ABS from conducting large-scale public testing on its proposed questions which would have revealed whether that concern was indeed valid! Honestly, the whole experience has been incredibly tiresome, as the LGBTIQ community has been left to fight, yet again, for what is actually the bare minimum. What is needed now is for the Government to publicly commit to including questions on all three topics: -sexual orientation -gender identity *and* -sex characteristics. Just like they promised us they would. #auspol #Census #lgbtiq https://lnkd.in/gh_Gaw4V

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