Public Sector Podcast

As quantum technologies evolve, the encryption protecting government systems, critical infrastructure, and citizen data is facing emerging risk. This episode brings together Michael Watson, Chief Information Officer of the Commonwealth, Virginia Information Technologies Agency and Glenn Schmitz, Chief Information Security Officer, Virginia State Corporation Commission to unpack what the post-quantum era means for the public sector—and why preparation can't wait.

Michael and Glenn focus on practical next steps: understanding new cryptographic standards, assessing risk and prioritising which systems to transition first, planning migration across large hybrid environments, and strengthening public-private collaboration to accelerate quantum-safe readiness.
Michael Watson, Chief Information Officer of the Commonwealth, Virginia Information Technologies Agency and Glenn Schmitz, Chief Information Security Officer, Virginia State Corporation Commission.
For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co

In this week's episode, Steve Lewis (EY Global Infrastructure Technology Leader and Head of Infrastructure Advisory, Hong Kong) unpacks why decades of digital investment still haven't closed the productivity gap in infrastructure delivery—and why agentic AI could change the equation by surfacing better insight earlier, improving decision-making, and helping teams manage risk and complexity with more confidence.

Steve's core message is practical: don't "digitise everything" for the sake of it. Start by getting clear on your outcomes, ROI, and the specific pain points worth transforming—then measure success properly, involve the people doing the work, and communicate change in a way that resonates. The takeaway: focus on transforming the right things, not adding another layer to the digitisation bandwagon.

Download EY's new global research report, "The intelligence layer - how agentic AI can connect the infrastructure industry," at https://www.ey.com/en_gl/insights/infrastructure/how-agentic-ai-can-create-an-intelligence-layer-for-infrastructure
Steve Lewis, EY Global Infrastructure Technology Leader and Head of Infrastructure Advisory, Hong Kong
For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co

This week, Sandeep Taileng, Co Chair - National Committee For Information Access & Protection Requirements and Information Security Leader, State Trustees (Victoria) explores why quantum readiness is no longer a future problem, but a responsibility we need to act on today. Sandeep discusses the growing risk of "harvest now, decrypt later" attacks, and why organisations must start making technology decisions now that will protect sensitive data not just today, but decades into the future.

The conversation also looks at the idea of a fiduciary duty to protect data — moving beyond checkbox compliance toward long-term risk management. By building resilience, automation and crypto-agility into today's systems, organisations can adapt to post-quantum cryptography and ensure the information they safeguard today remains secure tomorrow.
 
Sandeep Taileng, Co Chair - National Committee For Information Access & Protection Requirements and Information Security Leader, State Trustees (Victoria)
 
For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co

Mobility is becoming a digital service challenge, not just a transport one. As expectations rise, agencies need connected, secure, user-friendly experiences that make it easier for people and industry to interact with government.

In this week's episode, Erika-Kirsten Easton, Chief Data Officer and Director General, Enterprise Service, Data and Architecture, Transport Canada shares how they are modernising service delivery, using data and AI to improve decisions, and connecting systems across teams and jurisdictions. The session offers practical ideas for safer, more accessible services that keep pace with changing needs.
Erika-Kirsten Easton, Chief Data Officer and Director General, Enterprise Service, Data and Architecture, Transport Canada
 
For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co

How do you move fast in the public sector without compromising security or compliance? In this episode, Ian Pham, Chief Information Security Officer, Victorian Managed Insurance Authority explores how organisations can embed cyber risk thinking into digital services and emerging tech from day one — enabling innovation that's both bold and secure. Ian also discuss why the real transformation happens when delivery, risk, and security teams start speaking the same language, working together to remove friction and make safer innovation possible.
Ian Pham, Chief Information Security Officer, Victorian Managed Insurance Authority
For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co