In an increasingly globalised world, governments and societies are facing challenges that demand greater collaboration across boundaries. The issues confronting governments in Australia, while differing in context and scale are not dissimilar to challenges facing governments in other countries – delivering efficient public services where it’s needed, when it’s needed and how it’s needed.
The opportunities for collaboration between states (and nations) on providing efficient public services presents a win-win situation for everyone.
The Context and case for the forum
Australia and India are two leading democracies in the world with diverse public sectors that deliver wide ranging services.
The NSW public sector is the largest in the country and well recognised for its innovative delivery of services. The governments (both federally and at the state level) have also signalled their strong intention to build relationships with countries (especially in the growth regions of Asia). This presents a strong opportunity for collaboration between public sector organisations to enhance the quality of the overall engagement.
India, as has been well documented is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. It is also home to more than a billion people. The Indian Civil Service (public service) is also modelled along similar lines as Australia under a Westminster system of government. While the size of the public sector in India is relatively large (the federal government itself employees nearly 3.1 million employees), the number is not very high when compared on a per capita basis.
What India lacks in public sector expertise are primarily in areas of governance, service delivery and effective public sector reform, three areas where the NSW government and the public sector have unique expertise that could be leveraged.
Why do we need this forum ?
The Public Sector in the fast developing economies of Asia and China has adapted to unique challenges to keep pace with the changes. On the other hand, the Public Sector in the relatively mature economies (e.g. Australia, Western Europe and America) face different challenges with soaring expectations from their people and the issues that come with an ageing population.
This forum would:
- Provide a wider audience to consult/ have a dialog with and increased opportunities to leverage work that has been done
- Build a progressive and collaborative brand image that benefits citizens and the wider community
- Build cultural appreciation across the two nations, which is a key factor given that Indians are a fast growing international cohort in the Australian population ( the recent census reported Hinduism, the majority religion in India being the fastest growing religion in Australia)
Australia India Collaboration Forum 