Join the leaders shaping the future of public service in Queensland.

For the first time, The Mandarin’s flagship event — Building a Better Public Service — is coming to Brisbane. This full-day conference on August 21, 2025, brings together federal, state and local public sector professionals for a powerful program of presentations, panels and practical insights. Capability is at the heart of a strong public service — and this event is your opportunity to explore what it really takes to build it. From attracting and retaining the next generation of leaders, to digital transformation, strategic decision-making, ethics, and stewardship, this event covers the essential elements that strengthen governments from the inside out.

Who should attend:

Government executives, department heads and senior leaders
Policy, HR, technology, data and service delivery professionals
Public sector advisors, consultants and partners
Anyone working with or within government who wants to lift capability in their organisation

Why YOU should attend:

Hear from leading thinkers and public sector reformers on the big issues shaping the future
Gain practical insights into what’s working in recruitment, retention, leadership and more
Build your network with peers, changemakers and decision-makers across government
Walk away inspired — and equipped — to help build a better public service

Join speakers including:

Honourable David Crisafulli, Premier and Minister for Veterans
David Mackie, Queensland Public Sector Commissioner
Adam Fennessy, Secretary, Department Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Fiona Armstrong, CEO, Liquid
Peter Coaldrake, Chair, Queensland Performing Arts Trust
Nathan Bines, Executive Director, Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business
Jasmina Joldić, Adjunct Professor, ANZSOG Practice Fellow
Stefan Hajkowicz, Chief Research Consultant, CSIRO

More speakers to be announced.

For enquiries, contact events@themandarin.com.au

Find out everything you need to know about the event here: Building a Better Public Service, Brisbane 2025

1. Event details
Thursday, August 21 - W Brisbane
Conference 8.30am - 5.20pm
Networking drinks 5.20pm - 6.20pm

2. How much are tickets?
Ticket price is dependent on release and if you are working in the public sector. Please visit the checkout page for full pricing information. For group ticket purchases, please contact our team directly at events@themandarin.com.au.

3. Can this conference be used as part of my training and development?
Yes. If you need further information to provide for internal sign-off, please contact our team by emailing events@themandarin.com.au.

4. Are there other perks of attending?
Yes. You will receive a 50% discount on an annual subscription to The Mandarin and exclusive access to Pia Andrews and Marcus Wigan's new book, The Expertise Deficit.

5. How can I find more information about sponsoring?
For our media kit and more information, please contact raustin@themandarin.com.au

The Mandarin Live: Building a Better Public Service - Brisbane

Choose your tickets

Public sector - advanced ticket

Private sector - advanced ticket