Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is ‘public administration and management’?
Public administration is broadly described as the development and implementation of government policy. It works to improve the community through a well-run, fair, and effective public service. Public administration is carried out by all public servants (employees) who work in public agencies and organisations, at local, state and federal levels of government.
A more recently used term is public management which takes into consideration that government and non-for-profit administration resembles private-sector management. As such, there are management tools appropriate in public and private domains, tools that maximise economy, efficiency and effectiveness.
Some argue that public management is a new, economically driven perspective on the operation of government however in recent years, the term ‘public management’ has become more widely used amongst public servants.
2. What is the maximum number of members a team nomination can have?
There is no maximum number of members for a team entry. We understand that some projects can involve several staff to execute it effectively and efficiently. For team nominations, you must nominate up to two (2) team representatives on your nomination form. You will be asked to provide the details of all team members if your nomination is shortlisted by the judging panel.
3. Can I/my team enter more than one Award category?
Yes. You can apply for more than one category for your project or initiative. However you must submit a separate nomination (including nomination form, written response statement and supporting documentation) for each category you enter into.
4. Can the same project or initiative win the award for more than one category?
Yes. It is possible that the same project or initiative can win the award for more than one category. To be eligible, you must submit a separate nomination (including nomination form, written response statement and supporting documentation) for each category you enter into. This separate nomination can indeed be a photocopy of your nomination but must include a new nomination form for each respective awards category.
5. If I am nominating someone for the ‘Patron’s Award for Excellence in the Public Sector’ who is no longer working in the public sector (e.g. working in the private or not for profit sectors or retired), how do I obtain a reference and endorsement for their nomination?
We recognise the life and work of a nominee for the Patron’s Award for Excellence in the Public Sector may not be known to the nominating individual’s line manager or senior executive. This is particularly relevant to those no longer working in the public sector or if their project or initiative dates back to previous years.
If this is the case, the endorser section of the nomination form will need to be completed by the person submitting the nomination. The reference can be completed by a colleague or other witness who supports the nomination.
6. Are government-owned organisations and Statutory Authorities eligible to nominate for an award?
Yes, Government-Owned Corporations are eligible to nominate which includes SEQ Water, Sun Water, Ergon Energy, and Queensland Rail.
7. Can I nominate a project team that was funded by government or does the nomination need to be limited to the state government members of the team. If so, can we recognise the strong partnerships with the Non-Government Organisations and all the work they did in the nomination?
The awards are open to nominations from all local, state and commonwealth employees, therefore you should only list the team members who are currently employed by the state government as part of your nomination. If there are a number of non government employees involved with the project, you are encouraged to include recognition of the strong partnership with the NGOS and all their work as part of your nomination.
8. Does my referee have to be a public sector employee or can the Chief Executive of an Non-Government Organisation be my referee?
Both the referee and endorser are required to be current public sector employees to ensure your organisation is aware the nomination is taking place. However, you may choose to make one of your supporting documents a written reference or endorsement letter from the NGO to demonstrate their support of your nomination.
9. Are the awards open to the work and contribution of an elected official? E.g. Local Councillor or Minister?
No, the awards program doesn’t extend to elected officials at local, state or federal levels. The awards are unique in that they are designed to recognise individual and team excellence of current employees from local, state or federal government (or those who were employed during the preceding financial year).
10. For the Regional Queensland of the Year Award, what are the geographical boundaries of South East Queensland? The South East Queensland region stretches 240kms from Noosa in the north to the Queensland-New South Wales border in the south, and 160kms west to Toowoomba.
11. How do I submit my nomination? Nominations for the Public Sector Excellence Awards must be submitted online at www.qld.ipaa.org.au. If you are entering in more than one category, submit a separate online nomination and supporting documentation for each. Nominations received after this date cannot be considered. If you experience any problems submitting your online nomination, please contact the awards team on 07 3228 2800.
12. Is there a Nomination template available?
We do not have a template available, however any submission with or without a letterhead will be accepted.
Having difficulties?
If you are experiencing any problems with the online nomination process, please contact the awards team on 07 3228 2800 or email awards@qld.ipaa.org.au