Public Sector Podcast

This week, Dan Roelink, Director, Office for AI, Digital.NSW, NSW Department of Customer Service explores why the biggest barrier to AI in government is no longer understanding the technology, but removing the organisational and system "friction" that prevents safe, lawful, and scalable adoption.

From an inside-government perspective, Dan looks at what it takes to move beyond pilots and experiments by putting the right foundations, governance, and operating models in place. It covers how governments can modernise risk and assurance, build the core components needed to scale (from policy and frameworks to capability and platforms), and strengthen the partnerships and problem-led collaboration required to take AI from idea to production. The episode also considers what "mature" AI-enabled public sector systems could look like in the future, and what effective cross-sector partnerships will need to deliver in a low-friction environment.

Dan Roelink, Director, Office for AI, Digital.NSW, NSW Department of Customer Service
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 AI Pioneers series and subscribe for future episodes on your podcast platform of choice.

This week Dr Robbie Melton, Vice President SMART AI Technology Innovations, Tennessee State University explores how AI is changing both education and government, and what it takes for institutions to move beyond experimentation into responsible, practical adoption. The conversation focuses on embedding intelligent tools across curriculum, student services, and institutional strategy in ways that improve efficiency while advancing equity, and on connecting higher education innovation to wider statewide goals.

You will hear concrete approaches to modernising learning with immersive technologies such as wearables, holograms, and mixed reality, while aligning institutional plans with AI governance and ethics frameworks. The episode also covers using AI to improve advising and administration, building faculty capability through scalable training and curriculum pilots, and turning academic centres into real-world testbeds that bridge research and public impact through cross-sector partnerships.
Dr Robbie Melton, Vice President SMART AI Technology Innovations, Tennessee State University
 
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Listen in this we as we sit down with Tricia Pridemore, Commissioner, Georgia Public Service Commission, who explores how public sector organisations can move beyond experimentation and turn innovation into measurable, lasting impact. Rather than focusing on pilots alone, the Tricia highlights what it takes to scale initiatives across agencies and embed people-centred outcomes into everyday operations.

You will hear practical insights on linking strategy, operations and technology to real results, breaking down silos to align teams around shared citizen goals, and building internal champions to sustain momentum. The conversation also underscores the importance of leadership commitment and performance management in ensuring innovation delivers long-term public value.
Tricia Pridemore, Commissioner, Georgia Public Service Commission
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Join Thea Mann, Chief Information Security Officer, Office of Data and Innovation, as she examines California's position at the forefront of global innovation — and at the centre of an increasingly complex cyber threat landscape. As artificial intelligence becomes a tool for both defence and attack, the conversation explores how speed, adaptability and strategic foresight will determine who stays ahead in an AI-driven security environment.

Bringing together leaders from government, academia and industry, the session unpacks how California can use its innovation strength as a protective advantage — building AI-powered cyber resilience across critical sectors while embedding ethics, transparency and public trust at the core of future-ready governance.
Thea Mann, Chief Information Security Officer, Office of Data and Innovation
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Listen in this week as Alberto Delgi Esposti, Chief Technology Officer, Office of Digital Government, Department of Premier and Cabinet WA explores how Western Australia is transforming service delivery through whole-of-government digital platforms, including ServiceWA, the WA Identity Gateway and WA.gov.au. It highlights how these connected platforms are reducing duplication, simplifying access and enabling smarter, faster and more secure services for the community.

Through real-world agency case studies — from online firearm licensing and digital learner driver logbooks to streamlined student payments and environmental rebates — the episode demonstrates measurable impact in action. It also makes the case for why agencies should join the acceleration, showing how integration with shared platforms can lower costs, strengthen public trust and deliver seamless digital experiences that meet rising expectations.
Alberto Delgi Esposti, Chief Technology Officer, Office of Digital Government, Department of Premier and Cabinet WA 
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