Russ is a part time Associate Professor at the Centre for Change Governance. He left the APS in 2016, after a 30 year career in public policy at the national level, operating both within and outside the public service. Russ’s APS career included senior leadership roles in early childhood education and care, higher education research and development, program evaluation and corporate planning and reporting. His current research interests include the relationship between policy making theory and practice, and the role of the public service in helping design and implement public policy. In 2001 Russ completed his PhD at UC on ‘Policy markets in Australia’, analysing the current and potential role of competitive ‘markets' for the provision of policy advice to government.
The Weekly Wrap caught up with Russ and here are his answers to our light-hearted questions.
Where do we find you this weekend?
At Broulee, celebrating my 60th birthday with family!
What’s the ideal start to a Sunday? Gentle start or a jolt?
I like to mix it up. Mostly gentle, but sometimes I go out kayaking with friends on Canberra’s waterways.
What’s the best thing you’ve watched on TV recently?
If I were reply to this question after this weekend, I would really I hope I would say the election coverage, but who knows, given how the polls are going?? We are suckers for anything about dogs and very much enjoyed the ABC’s recent muster challenge show.
A glass of something you’d recommend?
I’m afraid I don’t drink, but I do enjoy a nice lemon, lime and bitters.
What’s that you’re singing in the shower?
Usually something by Bob Dylan, which always traumatised my kids.
Soundtrack of your choice?
The Hamilton stage show. We saw it recently in Melbourne and were just blown away by the clever deployment of pop culture to tell and old and complicated political story.
Best vacation you’ve been to?
Ten years ago when I turned 50 my wife gave me a surprise gift: a berth on part of the Endeavour’s trip around Australia. There was something deeply moving about standing at the helm of that wonderful bark at midnight with phosphorescence trailing behind and dolphins playing in our wake.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us.
I am so boringly predictable, I find that hard to answer! Perhaps this will do: I do art in my spare time, mainly life drawing.
The ideal dinner menu?
Anything cooked by my wife, who is a gifted cook!
Ideal dinner venue?
Home, eating something prepared by my wonderful spouse!
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