Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

How can we be optimistic and resilient in the face of an uncertain future? Last week, PM&C launched its new seminar series Think Building Innovative Government Forums (Think BIG) to bring new voices, divergent thinkers and their expertise into the Australian Public Service. Deputy Secretary of PM&C, Martin Hehir led the first discussion on what a successful Australia in 2040 could look like, and how we might get there.

What does an optimistic future look like? This week, PM&C launched a new seminar series, Think Building Innovative Government Forums (Think BIG). Think BIG Forums are designed to challenge assumptions, promote continuous growth and influence policymaking for the better. Cultural anthropologist, technologist and futurist Genevieve Bell Vice Chancellor of The Australian National University, joined a panel of experts as they discussed what an optimistic future could look like.

PM&C congratulates the successful 2024-25 awardees of the Quad Fellowship, launched by Prime Minister Albanese at the 2022 Quad Leaders’ Summit. The program will see ten outstanding STEM leaders from Australia join fellow awardees from India, Japan, the United States and across Southeast Asia to continue advanced studies in the United States. The 2024-25 recipients join 98 fellows who successfully graduated from the 2023-24 Quad Fellowship. 

In 1985 Beijing, 189 countries adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action to advance gender equality worldwide. To mark the anniversary next year, Australia has submitted its national review of gender equality to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. It will be a part of the final multi-country report that will be submitted to the 69th session on the Commission on the Status of Women in March 2025. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/ggazBxKu

During NAIDOC Week, PM&C held a number of events to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Celebrations at PM&C officially started with a walk on country and they continued throughout the week with an Aboriginal plant use workshop with Adam Shipp, live art demonstrations, a First Nations artefact display and a touch football carnival. This year’s NAIDOC theme of “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud” encourages the empowering and unapologetic celebration of Indigenous identity and invites Australians to learn from and listen to First Nations voices. #NAIDOC2024 #NAIDOCWeek

During NAIDOC Week, PM&C staff attended the Australian War Memorial for a last post ceremony. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a had a long-standing history within the Australian armed forces. Exact numbers will never be known but it's estimated more than 1000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people served in the First World War, and more than 4000 in the Second World War. #NAIDOC2024 #NAIDOCWeek

During NAIDOC Week, Mutburra, Tjingil and Limingun artist James Baban, handed over our official reconciliation artwork to Secretary, Professor Glyn Davis, AC. "It’s a collaborative painting where staff have come and put their finger on the painting. And that's about their energy going into the painting. It's about collaboration of all staff and owning this business of reconciliation, coming together, unity and oneness." - James Baban, Aboriginal artist.

Do you know someone who inspires you? Chances are you do. #NominateNow and recognise them through the Australian of the Year Awards. Visit: https://lnkd.in/gNUrpYHd

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, The Hon Jeremiah Manele, in his first official international visit since taking office in May 2024. The two countries share a history of close cooperation. Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Manele discussed opportunities to further strengthen their bilateral relationship, including through security partnerships, economic development, labour mobility pathways and infrastructure cooperation. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/gvJyCJA8

Today, 1 July is the Coming of the Light. This is a significant day of celebration for the Zenadth Kes community. It marks the arrival of the London Missionary Society to the Torres Strait Islands in 1871, and the introduction of Christianity to the region. 'For me, this is a day where family gathers, engages in traditions and we practice culture.'- Regan Lane a proud Torres Strait Islander woman whose grandmother is from Kerriri and Mer in Zenadth Kes. The religious aspect of Coming of the Light is important for my Nene (Grandmother), many of my elders and ancestors,' Regan said. To recognise the occasion, PM&C will host its first-ever Coming of the Light event that will include guest speakers and a short film screening, to educate about the Coming of the Light is and its importance to Zenadth Kes people and culture. Regan Lane is a Meriam Mer, Kaurareg and Dhanggati woman born in Alice Springs (Mparntwe) and raised in Cairns (Gimuy), Far North Queensland and works in the First Nation's Policy Branch at PM&C. Kerryn Ah Chee is a Kulkalgal woman born in Sydney, Blacktown (Gadigal) and raised in Cairns (Gimuy), Far North Queensland and works with Regan in the First Nations Policy Branch at PM&C.