Utopia (2013) s04e02 Episode Script
Working With Children
My vision for this country - Roads, rail.
- Right across Australia.
- We are in the age of infrastructure.
- The dawn of a new era.
Take this country to the 21st century.
- Bucketloads of bitumen and bricks.
- Building a stronger country.
Record spending on We're spending more than any government has ever spent.
- $44 billion.
- $75 billion.
- $100 billion.
- It's big money in anyone's language.
- This is a nation-building - Nation-building.
- Nation-building.
- Nation-building.
- Nation-building.
- Nation-building.
Nation-building.
- Jarrod? - Yep.
You're kidding me! - Got the text this morning.
- He resigned by text?! - Plus an emoji.
- Did he give a reason? - Thought he'd achieved all he could.
- After seven months? That's gonna be a tough role to fill.
Seriously? We could put two cushions on his chair and no-one would notice.
- Jim's here.
- Yeah, OK, can you organise, um? - A card.
- No.
- Farewell drinks? I shall.
- No, no, the HR the HR stuff.
Front page, all three.
Yeah, I heard it on the news.
- Oh! We are landing some blows now.
- Aged care, education, defence.
Big announcements.
And you know what we've managed to avoid? - Fact-checking? - Multiple voices.
Something good to announce, the big fella steps in.
Speaking of which digital.
Oh! Not again, Jim.
What was that thing we did last year with the terrorists and the paedophiles? - Dog-whistle? - Encryption.
Anyway, I've just been given a background paper on how it's gonna affect government through, um Oh, God, what's that thing? That? - Bitcoin.
- Not bitcoin.
Close.
- Blockchain.
- That's it.
- Mm.
- Yeah.
And what's this got to do with us? Oh, it's transformative, apparently.
Construction, contracts, registries, government-to-government.
I'd love to get whatever's in here - .
.
on there.
- Yeah, we're kind of busy right now.
- When you can.
- OK.
I feel like we've got some momentum now.
- Yep.
- We're gettin' our mojo back! Yep.
Yep, saw it.
Oh, for crying out loud.
You can't be It's like a dumping ground in here.
(LIFT BELL DINGS) - Congratulations, Nat.
- Thank you, Courtney.
- They sent you these.
- Oh.
And this.
It's such an honour.
Well, that's kind of you but I think, let's play it down.
She's here, everybody! (CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) TONY: Yes! Well done.
Thank you, but there's nine other people on that board.
Uh, "hand-picked", "rising star".
Well done.
PM's Project Advisory Council, that's, uh, not bad.
Would you mind putting these in something? Sure, and when you get a chance, that's a card for Jarrod.
- What happened to Jarrod? - Don't ask.
- Well he just got here! - Yep.
- Another departure.
- Apparently.
What's the date today? - Uh 15th.
- Oh - Where does the time go? - Yep.
So, Jarrod.
A few red flags from his exit interview.
- You conducted an exit interview? - Of course.
You only just interviewed him for the job What did he say? In short, he felt his career arc had stalled.
He's only 23.
What arc? He also pointed to several aspects of workplace culture.
- Such as? - A lack of engagement.
How would he know? He took off every available day, turned up late, left early.
Mm.
Do you notice that? - Notice what? - You're being a little defensive.
Yeah, now that you mention it Which is understandable, given the staff turnover rate.
What's wrong with these kids? They turn up for three weeks and expect long service leave.
- Hmm.
Again - Yeah, I'm noticing it now.
- (SIGHS) What to do? - Hire better people.
I wonder if we conduct a pulse check - A what? - Staff survey.
Find out what people are thinking, how we can stem the flow.
- There's no flow.
- Don't blame yourself.
I don't.
You're the one hiring them.
You notice it? - Loud and clear.
- Defensive.
So, I got onto the board secretariat.
- Great.
- They need your full bio.
Professional qualifications, work history, professional development, a precis of the major projects here and specialties you did at your old job, any awards and/or honours, publications and offices held.
Did they ask for any suggestions? - For what? - For board discussions.
- On what? - Projects.
Infrastructure.
- Oh No.
- Can you go back to them? Just ask them, given what I do, if there's anything more they would like to get from me, you know, like suggestions for priorities or projects.
- Mm.
Sure.
- Thank you.
MAN: All eyes are suddenly on Canberra.
WOMAN: Focusing on the policies that matter.
- MAN: We've made the project - MAN: We have a plan, - to keep delivering.
- WOMAN: Better schools.
WOMAN: It will make an enormous difference.
MAN: Let's keep firing away.
Morning, Brian.
Morning, Tony.
Greetings and pleasantries, 8.
- COURTNEY: Good morning, Tony.
- Courtney.
How'd you go last night at netball? We lost, but only by a few points.
Ohh, bad luck.
Staff connection, 9.
- What? - It's for the survey.
- Has that started already? - Did you not know? No.
General workplace awareness, 4.
It must be 20 pages! Beverley says it's to help stem the flow.
There's no flow.
Nothing to stem.
A couple of other things.
Jim wanted to know if you've had a look at that blockchain thingy.
- Oh, bugger! I thought he'd forget.
- He did.
I reminded him.
OK, can you not remind him again? Sure.
I'll remind myself not to remind him.
And we're not accepting any work experience kids anymore, are we? - Nope.
- Definitely no? - No.
- Alright, I'll tell Brian.
Hang on, hang on.
What's that? Oh, Brian asked about his nephew.
Well, if it's Brian and .
.
he keeps him away from me and the main office, then - I'll say it's a maybe.
- Just say yes.
Addresses issues quickly and decisively Sorry, there's questions about me? Oh, no, it's more general.
"Are you happy with the leadership? "Does the leadership provide clear goals? - "Is the leadership?" - But that's me.
I'm the leadership.
- Oh, yeah! - Yeah.
Better make that one 9 as well.
You filling in one of those staff surveys? We all are.
I'm giving you plus-eights for everything.
- Oh, thanks.
Yeah.
- Not listening to those others.
- What, some people aren't happy? - You're always gonna get the haters.
- Haters? - Not haters.
- You said haters.
- Critics.
People who maybe don't like the way you do things.
Sorry some people are having a go at me? Sometimes, you've got to be autocratic to get the job done.
- Who's calling me autocratic? - Did you see the papers this morning? Yeah, yeah, I did, yeah.
We're really kicking some goals now.
Honestly, that trade deal's been on simmer for years, but you find a new angle, hit the Press Club, and, bang! He's on 7.
30 tonight.
- Is that right? - Yeah.
He didn't even know what an inorganic chemical was this time last week.
Oh, yeah, he's getting some coverage, that's for sure.
Yeah.
Now what did I want to speak to you about? God, I meant to write it down.
Oh, was it Nat joining the PM's board? - No.
But that's great, isn't it?! - It's fantastic.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Big vote of confidence in you lot.
- Oh, yep, thanks.
Yeah.
- Nanotech? - No, no.
- 5G cell processing? Wouldn't be us.
I'd better get back on the What was it? Katie, can you remember if there was something I was gonna follow up with Tony? I don't know, Jim, but it wasn't the blockchain.
- That's it.
- No, it's not.
- Have you had a look? - Oh, I've been really busy.
Just a quick squiz.
There's a lot of buzz.
Singapore's hosting a huge regional tech summit.
Gotta be something in there for the boss.
- You know what? I'll have a think.
- Good man! - OK.
- Hey, what's A1? A? AI, artificial intelligence? Ohh! PM thought it was milk.
- I'd better give him a buzz.
- Yep.
Nat? Board papers have arrived for your first meeting.
- Ooh! This is exciting.
- Mm.
So, that's the official agenda, minutes from the last meeting, audit committee reports, remuneration committee and nominations, there's a proposed board evaluation plan, diversity policy - What are these? - Governance framework outline, - conflict of interest register - Anything about policy? There's gender policy, diversity policy, appointment and dismissal, anti-discrimination Sorry, Ash Is there anything on strategy? Infrastructure? Like, projects and policy settings for infrastructure, priorities? - Like, what we're there for.
- Don't think so.
What's this? Oh, that's a staff survey.
- Uncle Brian, eh? - Yes.
Very proud Uncle Brian.
Very good student is our Daniel.
Ah! What are you studying, Daniel? English, maths, chem, economics, computer science.
- Quite a combo.
- He wants to get into IT.
Eventually.
Down the track.
Right.
Oh, well Well, nice to meet you and I hope you enjoy your stay with us.
- Thanks again for doing this, Tony.
- Not at all, Brian.
- But I better get on with - Absolutely.
- I will leave you to it.
- No I thought he was supposed to be with Brian.
No, he has to write a report connected with the host organisation for his elective.
What happened to shredding and getting the lunches? - Can't he just shadow you? - Just a minute, Daniel.
- Or or Scotty.
- How long's he here for? Just today.
And tomorrow.
And until the end of next week.
I gave you a nine.
PILOT: (ON P.
A.
) Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Canberra.
The local time here now is 18 minutes past 8.
MAN: (ON RADIO) This is 2CC.
WOMAN: (ON RADIO) Mostly sunny today with a top of 14.
From the Capital Radio newsroom, I'm Beth Rep with the nine o'clock news.
MAN: I call to order the board and may I begin by welcoming a new and very welcome member, Natalie Russell.
(APPLAUSE) - Thank you, Mr Chairman.
- Don.
The Prime Minister has said that while he wants members of the highest calibre, he also wants renewal and generational change, and Natalie represents that in spades.
Alright, item 2.
Confirm minutes of the last meeting.
Any corrections? I noted that Richard was listed as AM, when he's actually AO.
Well spotted, Carol.
Apologies, Richard.
Now, let's dive into the main business, audit committee, shall we? - Hmm.
- What does "Hmm" mean? - Red flags? - Uh a few.
Such as? Uh, "abrupt manner", "stand-offish", - "tendency to micromanage" - What? Several staff felt that you were always checking up on them.
Yep.
Making sure they do their job properly.
- And that's a red flag, is it? - There's that sharpness, Tony.
"Overly formal manner", "lack of mentoring" Sorry, Beverley, where is this headed? - We need to work on your soft skills.
- Really? Your staff are crying out for greater engagement.
Here's a thought, how about they engage with their jobs? Again, it's that sharpness.
This is where those fives and sixes are coming from.
I think we need to break down the barriers.
By? When was the last time you had Friday afternoon drinks or a staff outing? - We're not a social club.
- Guest speakers.
Casual clothes days.
Christmas in July.
How about Christmas at Christmas? I hesitate to use the phrase 'toxic workplace environment' - You just did.
- She hesitated.
But if you're gonna retain your staff, Tony, you're gonna have to make a greater effort.
Look on this as an opportunity for improvement, hey? - What's the date today? - 17th.
- No?! - Mm-hm.
So, in the interests of time, I'm suggesting the compliance committee take that offline and report back at the appropriate juncture.
Sorry, folks.
I know we've gone way over today, but lots of subcommittees to organise, lots of organisational housekeeping, if you will.
But I think we've covered a fair swag.
So, I propose we call the meeting to a close.
Seconded by? - By Natalie.
- Oh, no.
I wanted to raise something before we finish.
- Something we've not covered? - No.
I just thought we could spend a few minutes on the future.
- I know that's obvious.
- Not obvious at all.
My bad.
Takes fresh eyes, doesn't it? Alright.
Future meeting dates.
I know Tuesday's a problem.
The following Wednesday is difficult, but possible.
MAN: What's its strategy, going forward? - WOMAN: Politics is a moving feast.
- MAN: Embracing our digital future.
MAN: It's about you, the Australian people.
MAN: Watch this space.
- KATIE: Tony? - Mm.
- Anything for Daniel? - Shredding.
- All done.
- You forgot this.
- Didn't you fill yours in? - It's about me.
You could have given yourself 10s.
- Can Daniel sit in with you? - No.
Practise your soft skills See, this is why we stopped having work experience kids.
'Cause I've got a pile of paperwork that I'm trying to get through and I'm worrying about how to fill in the day for for the Daniel? Alright, young man, grab a seat.
- Yes, sir.
- Alright.
Now, I've got something that's gonna keep you away .
.
uh, keep you occupied for a day or two or more.
Can you give me the thing that Jim dropped off? - Tony - Yeah, the thing that Jim dropped off.
Now, we have been looking into a rather large report on a subject that's very important to us, which is, uh, Blockchain .
.
and the Implications for Government and Services.
- Have you heard of blockchain? - Yes.
Oh, good, so, for your elective, I want you to pretend you're one of us, and, say, a ministerial adviser has come to me sorry, come to you, and said I want you to write a report on that, as if the people you're writing it for haven't the faintest clue about that subject matter.
- Like a summary? - Like a summary.
As if you're explaining it to a sixth-grader.
So, not a minister.
A sixth grader I think.
Anyway, Katie'll get you set up with pens and highlighter pens, and and that'll be a that'll be a great, uh a great exercise.
- Thank you, Mr Woodford.
- Oh, no, my pleasure.
Well done.
(MOUTHS WORDS) How's it going? - Good.
Yeah, good.
- And first meeting? - Long.
- Ah.
Much get decided? - Yeah.
- You paused.
- Did I? - Yeah, like a little micro-pause.
- Oh No No, no reason.
- Oh, OK.
- It's all good.
- Alright.
- Yep.
- Good stuff.
- Tony? - Yep? You've been on a bunch of these advisory boards.
Yeah, a few.
In the end, they get a lot done, don't they? - Yeah - You paused.
- Did I? - A little pause.
Ah Oh, it's early days, though, so Yeah.
No.
- Good stuff.
- OK.
- Ash.
- Nat.
The secretariat just called.
Are you free for a meeting today? - We just met.
- Extraordinary meeting.
Back to Canberra? Apparently, something didn't get done and they can't sign off on the annual report unless it's done.
- Really? - They're sorting out some flights.
DON: Thank you, everyone, for making time.
It's so important we sign off on the annual report.
Apologies to all.
How's that looking? Great.
If I could just get everyone to take a half step to the left.
My left.
Nice big smiles.
Uh, lady in blue, you're frowning.
(CAMERA CLICKS) Tony, would you like some cake? It's Julie's.
- Julie - Accounts.
- Oh, is it her birthday? - No, she got engaged.
Oh! I didn't know.
Well, you're busy.
You can't be expected to know everything.
No, but I I take an interest.
- So, cake? - Uh, no, no, I'm fine.
Oh, Katie, do you think I'm a bit .
.
stand-offish? - On a scale of 1 to 10? - No scales, just yes or no.
No.
Oh, OK.
And would the other staff think I'm a bit hard to approach? Um (LOCK BEEPS) Brian How's Daniel going? Loving it.
He's still here.
- Daniel? - Hello, Mr Woodford.
Daniel, what are you doing down here? Miss Norris said I had to stay out of your way.
No.
No, that's not how I meant it.
No.
- I'll have a word to Katie about that.
- No need, Tony.
We are very appreciative.
Daniel is a lucky boy.
And all good? Does he need anything? - He does have one question.
Daniel? - Uh Should I write the summary like it's a formal government briefing paper? Absolutely.
BRIAN: Right, so, cover letter and everything.
Oh, that's a great idea.
Yeah, get Katie to format it up, attach it to the cover letter, - cc everyone like it's the real thing.
- That is great.
Although, look, I don't think he's gonna have it ready by tomorrow.
Oh, good, yeah No, no.
You take as much time as you can .
.
as you as you need, is the point of, uh Yeah.
What do you say, Daniel? - Thank you, Mr Woodford.
- Well, my pleasure, Daniel.
How anyone could have given you a four? - A four, hmm? - (SIGHS) OK, well, goodnight.
(VACUUM CLEANER WHIRRS) - Hey, Jules.
- Hi.
- Morning.
- Hi, Tony.
And I, uh believe, uh, congratulations are in order.
The engagement.
(SOBS) - What was all that about? - What happened? I just said, "Congratulations on the engagement," and she started bawling.
- "Congratulations"? - Yeah, to Jules.
Julie.
Who was I talking to? Juli-A.
She just broke up with her boyfriend last week.
Thank you.
- Sorry to drag you out of the office.
- Oh - I know we're all busy.
- Not a problem.
I like to catch up with board members informally when I can, especially new members, hopefully hear some ideas on how to push even harder.
Well, I've put together a shortlist of priority projects I think we could raise and, hopefully, endorse.
- This is wonderful.
- It's a pretty targeted list of This energy, I want to harness it, which is why I'm proposing a bit of fast-tracking.
We may have a vacancy on the audit committee.
- The audit committee? - I know that's a leap.
But we fast-track you through the Institute of Company Directors training course, we get you a mentor.
I wouldn't be surprised if, in 12, maybe 18, months, you feel very comfortable.
- To be honest, Mr Chairman - Don.
To be honest, Don, I feel I can contribute now.
That's why I'm excited.
The confidence of youth.
I want to harness this.
We get you up to speed and two, three years from now, look out.
- Yeah.
- Four years together.
Was it four years? - So sad.
- They were the perfect couple.
Guys, no need to go on about it.
- Just explain it again.
- It's a Yammer feed.
- Yeah, in English? - Internal social network.
Beverley suggested it.
We put out little video updates.
"Hey, NBA-ers, what's up?" "Casual Clothes Friday.
" Or, "Don't forget, Bring Your Dog to Work Day.
" I thought I vetoed that.
Just go for one.
Loosey-goosey.
And action.
Hi, everyone.
Welcome to the NBA Yammer feed.
Uh, another busy week here - Cut.
- .
.
at the NB What? It's gotta be six seconds or less.
- What? - Take two.
And action.
Welcome to the NBA Yammer feed.
Another busy week here at the Why do you keep moving the camera? Just trying to give it a bit of life.
Yeah, it needs something.
(KNOCK AT DOOR) Just quietly, I'm hearing great reports from the board.
- Oh, are you? - Yeah.
Very impressed.
- Oh, that's good.
- And the audit committee.
- Keep up the good work.
- Thanks, Jim.
If there's anything you can push through, we're all ears.
Actually, I've got some specific proposals Alright, well done.
- Let's go again.
- Yammer feed, take 17.
Don't forget our brown-bag lunch meeting, first one on Tuesday, and, of course, our office trivia competition - Cut.
- What? - Looks like you're reading.
- Well, I am reading.
Sorry, guys, we're gonna have to continue this later.
- This is unbelievable.
- What is? - Blockchain.
- KATIE: I didn't remind him! I'm actually starting to get it.
"A distributed ledger of discoverable provenance, "decentralised.
" There's definitely something in this.
OK, so, you don't need us to look into it anymore.
What do you mean? This is yours.
No, it's not.
Blockchain and Its Implications for Government Services.
Who's Daniel? - And? - You said, "Type it up, "pretend it's a briefing document and cc everyone.
" What are we talking about? - Daniel's the work experience kid.
- What?! - He's 15.
- You're kidding.
- Where is he now? - He's shredding.
Well, make sure he doesn't shred this.
So, I had a read of your briefing paper.
- Well done.
- Thanks, Mr Gibson.
Seems you've got a bit of a handle on the kind of work that we do here.
There were a couple of typos I forgot to fix Yeah, I wouldn't worry about that, Daniel.
- So, I've come up with an idea.
- For his elective.
- Exactly.
- Yeah.
Say you handed this to the Minister and the Minister came back to me you .
.
and asked .
.
"What would be our implementation strategy "for blockchain technology going forward?" That depends if you're implementing in-house or with private sector partners and contractors.
- Obviously.
- Which is it? We'll pretend he didn't say.
Oh, could the Minister say that Australia is at the forefront of blockchain implementation? (SCOFFS) No.
- What if he was wearing a hard-hat? - Uh, Jim Why don't we give Daniel a bit more time to come up with another ministerial briefing? - Like this one? - Exactly like this.
In fact, here's an idea.
Pretend you're briefing the Minister for Digital Transformation.
Maybe I could make a PowerPoint presentation.
- He'd love that You'd think.
- You'd think.
OK, great, I'll just grab the lunches and - We'll get the lunches.
- No - You've got work to do.
- Yeah.
Katie? Daniel needs a desk.
These just arrived from the secretariat.
Oh, and congratulations.
Audit committee.
After one meeting! I haven't formally accepted yet.
Speaking of which .
.
formal offer and acceptance letters to be signed, terms of reference for the committee, latest guidelines, previous audit committee minutes and meeting documents and, finally Something about project priorities? .
.
a list of potential mentors.
Some big names in there.
Oh And this was left behind at the cafe.
- Morning.
- Jim.
- What's with the? - Casual Friday.
Don't ask.
Hey, short notice.
Minister's popping in.
- He wants to know - The Minister? - I'm in jeans and a polo top.
- It's fine.
What does he want to speak to me about? He doesn't.
He wants to talk to Daniel.
Daniel's at school cross-country this morning.
- What time's he finish? - 12:00.
- Tell him to come straight over.
- He doesn't drive.
- Well, tell him to run.
- I'll ring the school.
- I'll grab the Minister.
- OK.
- Not going casual? - No.
Extraordinary board meeting.
Teleconference.
Wow, that's full-on.
Who called for that? I did.
Is this about you joining the audit committee? No, it's about projects and infrastructure and priorities.
- You've stopped pausing.
- I know.
- - (MUSIC PLAYS OVER DIALOGUE) DANIEL: And everyone can see.
One of the key benefits of this case would be the development of an audit trail allowing much greater economic transparency.
But wouldn't we do that now? It depends on the financial sector architecture.
I thought I had you there.
- Almost got him.
- Anyway, I think that's great.
Thanks for giving me the time.
- Hey, uh, how did you go? - Fifth.
No, not the cross-country.
With the, uh MINISTER: Oh, outstanding.
I'm just coming up with another idea.
- Oh, you'll love this, Daniel.
- He hasn't come up with the idea yet.
Alright, how about this for an exercise? Say you're me, the Minister overseeing digital transformation, and you have to brief Cabinet.
And say there are a couple of smart-arse colleagues that always just love asking curly questions at the end of your briefing.
What if you came up with a couple of dozen questions that I that one might get, and the answers to them? - Like a rebuttal? - Yeah.
Really stick it up 'em.
Daniel finishes on Friday.
That's alright.
Cabinet's Thursday.
OK, here are the lunches.
- Uh, ham and salad? - Yep.
Oh, that reminds me.
I have to do your shredding.
- Cheese and tomato? - Yep, that's mine.
OK, we should be right to go.
Alright, I think we have everyone online.
- Sydney? - Standing by, Mr Chairman.
- Canberra? - Right here, Mr Chairman.
- Melbourne.
- TONY: Hi, everyone.
Welcome back to the NBA Yammer feed.
I'll fix that.
DON: I think we're good to go.
Natalie, did you want to touch on the audit committee or just dive straight into this discussion you'd like to have.
- Dive in, Mr Chairman.
- Alright.
I formally call the meeting open.
The floor is yours.
My impression is, and I know I'm new, that this late in the election cycle, the government and departments would be extremely receptive to specific recommendations from us, even at the project level.
Thanks, Natalie.
Definitely food for thought.
Are you suggesting this for the next board meeting? No, now.
Here, now.
I've got a list of proposals, we could discuss them now, say yes or no today and send a summary to the Prime Minister.
Whoa, whoa, let's cool our jets for a moment.
An example from this list would be Energy policy, grid stability, guidelines for future privatisations, asset recycling I think we'd be stepping on the toes of the Business Council there.
So? Yeah, I'd like to canvass other industry groups first, consult widely and speak with one voice.
You've got a voice now.
Asset recycling, the government is screaming out for guidance now.
- Now you're stepping on more toes.
- How many toes have these people got? You've got to speak now, recommend now! You've got to cut through all this formality and act now! You've got to act decisively and quickly! Jeez, they acted quickly.
Ash, I've been voted off the board.
Yeah, but pretty decisive.
9 to 1.
Yeah.
What about the audit committee? (DOOR LOCK BEEPS) (INDISTINCT CHATTER) (GROANS) - Hey, everyone.
Hey, Courtney.
- Good morning.
Is he, uh is he heading off early? - No.
Did you not get my text? - Oh, I've had it on silent.
The Prime Minister's flying Daniel up to Canberra to "show him around Parliament House.
" Really? I think it's something to do with blockchain.
- Oh - Daniel, car's here.
- But you have to go too.
- Why? The Prime Minister doesn't have a Working with Children Check.
Just one thing, I have to submit my final report to school today.
Will I have time to do it from Canberra? You know what? I'll grab all the work you've done, put it all together and make sure it gets to the school.
- Thank you, Miss Kano.
- Let's go.
So, Jim, do we go straight to Parliament House when we land? - Yes.
Absolutely.
- OK.
Alright.
Mr Gibson, are you sure the Prime Minister has time to show me around? Oh, yeah, he's got time.
- That's so kind of him.
- He's a thoughtful man.
But as an exercise, as you're walking around, he's got a hypothetical for you.
Let's say he was, uh .
.
addressing the ASEAN Innovation Summit next week in Singapore and he had to outline his plan for regional blockchain integration and innovation.
What are the sorts of things that he might say to a regional audience? Well, there's an establishment of standards.
Um, exploring co-regulatory framework, interoperability of guidelines Just slow up a second there, Daniel.
Act actually, just pop them in there, just in case we forget one as we do the tour.
- Good good hypothetical.
- Yeah.
- Bit of fun.
- Yeah.
I think there is an ASEAN conference next week in Singapore.
- Is there? - I think there might be.
Oh! How about that? - Courtney? - Hi, Tony.
What's going on? It's Bring Your Dog to Work Day.
I thought I said no to that.
But after you cancelled Casual Friday, Beverley said it would be OK.
OK.
- Tony? - Yeah? Just give me a minute to clean up your office.
OK.
Your carpet will be steam-cleaned first thing tomorrow.
Sure.
- What is it? - Julia.
She's taking leave.
Not 'cause of what I said in the lift.
No.
Bitten by a dog.
Oh.
- Where's Daniel? - He's finished.
So, who's doing the shredding this week? - Me.
- There you go.
Should I do it now? (APPLAUSE) Please thank the Prime Minister of Australia for his insightful speech on regional blockchain cooperation.
(APPLAUSE) - JIM: Did you see this? - I did.
"PM Gets A-plus for Digital Transformation.
" - Ooh.
- Yep.
Oh, speaking of which, how did Daniel go with his elective? - B-minus.
- Oh.
He had excellent ideas but his execution was a bit rushed.
Well, attention to detail is very important in life.
Yeah.
- Right across Australia.
- We are in the age of infrastructure.
- The dawn of a new era.
Take this country to the 21st century.
- Bucketloads of bitumen and bricks.
- Building a stronger country.
Record spending on We're spending more than any government has ever spent.
- $44 billion.
- $75 billion.
- $100 billion.
- It's big money in anyone's language.
- This is a nation-building - Nation-building.
- Nation-building.
- Nation-building.
- Nation-building.
- Nation-building.
Nation-building.
- Jarrod? - Yep.
You're kidding me! - Got the text this morning.
- He resigned by text?! - Plus an emoji.
- Did he give a reason? - Thought he'd achieved all he could.
- After seven months? That's gonna be a tough role to fill.
Seriously? We could put two cushions on his chair and no-one would notice.
- Jim's here.
- Yeah, OK, can you organise, um? - A card.
- No.
- Farewell drinks? I shall.
- No, no, the HR the HR stuff.
Front page, all three.
Yeah, I heard it on the news.
- Oh! We are landing some blows now.
- Aged care, education, defence.
Big announcements.
And you know what we've managed to avoid? - Fact-checking? - Multiple voices.
Something good to announce, the big fella steps in.
Speaking of which digital.
Oh! Not again, Jim.
What was that thing we did last year with the terrorists and the paedophiles? - Dog-whistle? - Encryption.
Anyway, I've just been given a background paper on how it's gonna affect government through, um Oh, God, what's that thing? That? - Bitcoin.
- Not bitcoin.
Close.
- Blockchain.
- That's it.
- Mm.
- Yeah.
And what's this got to do with us? Oh, it's transformative, apparently.
Construction, contracts, registries, government-to-government.
I'd love to get whatever's in here - .
.
on there.
- Yeah, we're kind of busy right now.
- When you can.
- OK.
I feel like we've got some momentum now.
- Yep.
- We're gettin' our mojo back! Yep.
Yep, saw it.
Oh, for crying out loud.
You can't be It's like a dumping ground in here.
(LIFT BELL DINGS) - Congratulations, Nat.
- Thank you, Courtney.
- They sent you these.
- Oh.
And this.
It's such an honour.
Well, that's kind of you but I think, let's play it down.
She's here, everybody! (CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) TONY: Yes! Well done.
Thank you, but there's nine other people on that board.
Uh, "hand-picked", "rising star".
Well done.
PM's Project Advisory Council, that's, uh, not bad.
Would you mind putting these in something? Sure, and when you get a chance, that's a card for Jarrod.
- What happened to Jarrod? - Don't ask.
- Well he just got here! - Yep.
- Another departure.
- Apparently.
What's the date today? - Uh 15th.
- Oh - Where does the time go? - Yep.
So, Jarrod.
A few red flags from his exit interview.
- You conducted an exit interview? - Of course.
You only just interviewed him for the job What did he say? In short, he felt his career arc had stalled.
He's only 23.
What arc? He also pointed to several aspects of workplace culture.
- Such as? - A lack of engagement.
How would he know? He took off every available day, turned up late, left early.
Mm.
Do you notice that? - Notice what? - You're being a little defensive.
Yeah, now that you mention it Which is understandable, given the staff turnover rate.
What's wrong with these kids? They turn up for three weeks and expect long service leave.
- Hmm.
Again - Yeah, I'm noticing it now.
- (SIGHS) What to do? - Hire better people.
I wonder if we conduct a pulse check - A what? - Staff survey.
Find out what people are thinking, how we can stem the flow.
- There's no flow.
- Don't blame yourself.
I don't.
You're the one hiring them.
You notice it? - Loud and clear.
- Defensive.
So, I got onto the board secretariat.
- Great.
- They need your full bio.
Professional qualifications, work history, professional development, a precis of the major projects here and specialties you did at your old job, any awards and/or honours, publications and offices held.
Did they ask for any suggestions? - For what? - For board discussions.
- On what? - Projects.
Infrastructure.
- Oh No.
- Can you go back to them? Just ask them, given what I do, if there's anything more they would like to get from me, you know, like suggestions for priorities or projects.
- Mm.
Sure.
- Thank you.
MAN: All eyes are suddenly on Canberra.
WOMAN: Focusing on the policies that matter.
- MAN: We've made the project - MAN: We have a plan, - to keep delivering.
- WOMAN: Better schools.
WOMAN: It will make an enormous difference.
MAN: Let's keep firing away.
Morning, Brian.
Morning, Tony.
Greetings and pleasantries, 8.
- COURTNEY: Good morning, Tony.
- Courtney.
How'd you go last night at netball? We lost, but only by a few points.
Ohh, bad luck.
Staff connection, 9.
- What? - It's for the survey.
- Has that started already? - Did you not know? No.
General workplace awareness, 4.
It must be 20 pages! Beverley says it's to help stem the flow.
There's no flow.
Nothing to stem.
A couple of other things.
Jim wanted to know if you've had a look at that blockchain thingy.
- Oh, bugger! I thought he'd forget.
- He did.
I reminded him.
OK, can you not remind him again? Sure.
I'll remind myself not to remind him.
And we're not accepting any work experience kids anymore, are we? - Nope.
- Definitely no? - No.
- Alright, I'll tell Brian.
Hang on, hang on.
What's that? Oh, Brian asked about his nephew.
Well, if it's Brian and .
.
he keeps him away from me and the main office, then - I'll say it's a maybe.
- Just say yes.
Addresses issues quickly and decisively Sorry, there's questions about me? Oh, no, it's more general.
"Are you happy with the leadership? "Does the leadership provide clear goals? - "Is the leadership?" - But that's me.
I'm the leadership.
- Oh, yeah! - Yeah.
Better make that one 9 as well.
You filling in one of those staff surveys? We all are.
I'm giving you plus-eights for everything.
- Oh, thanks.
Yeah.
- Not listening to those others.
- What, some people aren't happy? - You're always gonna get the haters.
- Haters? - Not haters.
- You said haters.
- Critics.
People who maybe don't like the way you do things.
Sorry some people are having a go at me? Sometimes, you've got to be autocratic to get the job done.
- Who's calling me autocratic? - Did you see the papers this morning? Yeah, yeah, I did, yeah.
We're really kicking some goals now.
Honestly, that trade deal's been on simmer for years, but you find a new angle, hit the Press Club, and, bang! He's on 7.
30 tonight.
- Is that right? - Yeah.
He didn't even know what an inorganic chemical was this time last week.
Oh, yeah, he's getting some coverage, that's for sure.
Yeah.
Now what did I want to speak to you about? God, I meant to write it down.
Oh, was it Nat joining the PM's board? - No.
But that's great, isn't it?! - It's fantastic.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Big vote of confidence in you lot.
- Oh, yep, thanks.
Yeah.
- Nanotech? - No, no.
- 5G cell processing? Wouldn't be us.
I'd better get back on the What was it? Katie, can you remember if there was something I was gonna follow up with Tony? I don't know, Jim, but it wasn't the blockchain.
- That's it.
- No, it's not.
- Have you had a look? - Oh, I've been really busy.
Just a quick squiz.
There's a lot of buzz.
Singapore's hosting a huge regional tech summit.
Gotta be something in there for the boss.
- You know what? I'll have a think.
- Good man! - OK.
- Hey, what's A1? A? AI, artificial intelligence? Ohh! PM thought it was milk.
- I'd better give him a buzz.
- Yep.
Nat? Board papers have arrived for your first meeting.
- Ooh! This is exciting.
- Mm.
So, that's the official agenda, minutes from the last meeting, audit committee reports, remuneration committee and nominations, there's a proposed board evaluation plan, diversity policy - What are these? - Governance framework outline, - conflict of interest register - Anything about policy? There's gender policy, diversity policy, appointment and dismissal, anti-discrimination Sorry, Ash Is there anything on strategy? Infrastructure? Like, projects and policy settings for infrastructure, priorities? - Like, what we're there for.
- Don't think so.
What's this? Oh, that's a staff survey.
- Uncle Brian, eh? - Yes.
Very proud Uncle Brian.
Very good student is our Daniel.
Ah! What are you studying, Daniel? English, maths, chem, economics, computer science.
- Quite a combo.
- He wants to get into IT.
Eventually.
Down the track.
Right.
Oh, well Well, nice to meet you and I hope you enjoy your stay with us.
- Thanks again for doing this, Tony.
- Not at all, Brian.
- But I better get on with - Absolutely.
- I will leave you to it.
- No I thought he was supposed to be with Brian.
No, he has to write a report connected with the host organisation for his elective.
What happened to shredding and getting the lunches? - Can't he just shadow you? - Just a minute, Daniel.
- Or or Scotty.
- How long's he here for? Just today.
And tomorrow.
And until the end of next week.
I gave you a nine.
PILOT: (ON P.
A.
) Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Canberra.
The local time here now is 18 minutes past 8.
MAN: (ON RADIO) This is 2CC.
WOMAN: (ON RADIO) Mostly sunny today with a top of 14.
From the Capital Radio newsroom, I'm Beth Rep with the nine o'clock news.
MAN: I call to order the board and may I begin by welcoming a new and very welcome member, Natalie Russell.
(APPLAUSE) - Thank you, Mr Chairman.
- Don.
The Prime Minister has said that while he wants members of the highest calibre, he also wants renewal and generational change, and Natalie represents that in spades.
Alright, item 2.
Confirm minutes of the last meeting.
Any corrections? I noted that Richard was listed as AM, when he's actually AO.
Well spotted, Carol.
Apologies, Richard.
Now, let's dive into the main business, audit committee, shall we? - Hmm.
- What does "Hmm" mean? - Red flags? - Uh a few.
Such as? Uh, "abrupt manner", "stand-offish", - "tendency to micromanage" - What? Several staff felt that you were always checking up on them.
Yep.
Making sure they do their job properly.
- And that's a red flag, is it? - There's that sharpness, Tony.
"Overly formal manner", "lack of mentoring" Sorry, Beverley, where is this headed? - We need to work on your soft skills.
- Really? Your staff are crying out for greater engagement.
Here's a thought, how about they engage with their jobs? Again, it's that sharpness.
This is where those fives and sixes are coming from.
I think we need to break down the barriers.
By? When was the last time you had Friday afternoon drinks or a staff outing? - We're not a social club.
- Guest speakers.
Casual clothes days.
Christmas in July.
How about Christmas at Christmas? I hesitate to use the phrase 'toxic workplace environment' - You just did.
- She hesitated.
But if you're gonna retain your staff, Tony, you're gonna have to make a greater effort.
Look on this as an opportunity for improvement, hey? - What's the date today? - 17th.
- No?! - Mm-hm.
So, in the interests of time, I'm suggesting the compliance committee take that offline and report back at the appropriate juncture.
Sorry, folks.
I know we've gone way over today, but lots of subcommittees to organise, lots of organisational housekeeping, if you will.
But I think we've covered a fair swag.
So, I propose we call the meeting to a close.
Seconded by? - By Natalie.
- Oh, no.
I wanted to raise something before we finish.
- Something we've not covered? - No.
I just thought we could spend a few minutes on the future.
- I know that's obvious.
- Not obvious at all.
My bad.
Takes fresh eyes, doesn't it? Alright.
Future meeting dates.
I know Tuesday's a problem.
The following Wednesday is difficult, but possible.
MAN: What's its strategy, going forward? - WOMAN: Politics is a moving feast.
- MAN: Embracing our digital future.
MAN: It's about you, the Australian people.
MAN: Watch this space.
- KATIE: Tony? - Mm.
- Anything for Daniel? - Shredding.
- All done.
- You forgot this.
- Didn't you fill yours in? - It's about me.
You could have given yourself 10s.
- Can Daniel sit in with you? - No.
Practise your soft skills See, this is why we stopped having work experience kids.
'Cause I've got a pile of paperwork that I'm trying to get through and I'm worrying about how to fill in the day for for the Daniel? Alright, young man, grab a seat.
- Yes, sir.
- Alright.
Now, I've got something that's gonna keep you away .
.
uh, keep you occupied for a day or two or more.
Can you give me the thing that Jim dropped off? - Tony - Yeah, the thing that Jim dropped off.
Now, we have been looking into a rather large report on a subject that's very important to us, which is, uh, Blockchain .
.
and the Implications for Government and Services.
- Have you heard of blockchain? - Yes.
Oh, good, so, for your elective, I want you to pretend you're one of us, and, say, a ministerial adviser has come to me sorry, come to you, and said I want you to write a report on that, as if the people you're writing it for haven't the faintest clue about that subject matter.
- Like a summary? - Like a summary.
As if you're explaining it to a sixth-grader.
So, not a minister.
A sixth grader I think.
Anyway, Katie'll get you set up with pens and highlighter pens, and and that'll be a that'll be a great, uh a great exercise.
- Thank you, Mr Woodford.
- Oh, no, my pleasure.
Well done.
(MOUTHS WORDS) How's it going? - Good.
Yeah, good.
- And first meeting? - Long.
- Ah.
Much get decided? - Yeah.
- You paused.
- Did I? - Yeah, like a little micro-pause.
- Oh No No, no reason.
- Oh, OK.
- It's all good.
- Alright.
- Yep.
- Good stuff.
- Tony? - Yep? You've been on a bunch of these advisory boards.
Yeah, a few.
In the end, they get a lot done, don't they? - Yeah - You paused.
- Did I? - A little pause.
Ah Oh, it's early days, though, so Yeah.
No.
- Good stuff.
- OK.
- Ash.
- Nat.
The secretariat just called.
Are you free for a meeting today? - We just met.
- Extraordinary meeting.
Back to Canberra? Apparently, something didn't get done and they can't sign off on the annual report unless it's done.
- Really? - They're sorting out some flights.
DON: Thank you, everyone, for making time.
It's so important we sign off on the annual report.
Apologies to all.
How's that looking? Great.
If I could just get everyone to take a half step to the left.
My left.
Nice big smiles.
Uh, lady in blue, you're frowning.
(CAMERA CLICKS) Tony, would you like some cake? It's Julie's.
- Julie - Accounts.
- Oh, is it her birthday? - No, she got engaged.
Oh! I didn't know.
Well, you're busy.
You can't be expected to know everything.
No, but I I take an interest.
- So, cake? - Uh, no, no, I'm fine.
Oh, Katie, do you think I'm a bit .
.
stand-offish? - On a scale of 1 to 10? - No scales, just yes or no.
No.
Oh, OK.
And would the other staff think I'm a bit hard to approach? Um (LOCK BEEPS) Brian How's Daniel going? Loving it.
He's still here.
- Daniel? - Hello, Mr Woodford.
Daniel, what are you doing down here? Miss Norris said I had to stay out of your way.
No.
No, that's not how I meant it.
No.
- I'll have a word to Katie about that.
- No need, Tony.
We are very appreciative.
Daniel is a lucky boy.
And all good? Does he need anything? - He does have one question.
Daniel? - Uh Should I write the summary like it's a formal government briefing paper? Absolutely.
BRIAN: Right, so, cover letter and everything.
Oh, that's a great idea.
Yeah, get Katie to format it up, attach it to the cover letter, - cc everyone like it's the real thing.
- That is great.
Although, look, I don't think he's gonna have it ready by tomorrow.
Oh, good, yeah No, no.
You take as much time as you can .
.
as you as you need, is the point of, uh Yeah.
What do you say, Daniel? - Thank you, Mr Woodford.
- Well, my pleasure, Daniel.
How anyone could have given you a four? - A four, hmm? - (SIGHS) OK, well, goodnight.
(VACUUM CLEANER WHIRRS) - Hey, Jules.
- Hi.
- Morning.
- Hi, Tony.
And I, uh believe, uh, congratulations are in order.
The engagement.
(SOBS) - What was all that about? - What happened? I just said, "Congratulations on the engagement," and she started bawling.
- "Congratulations"? - Yeah, to Jules.
Julie.
Who was I talking to? Juli-A.
She just broke up with her boyfriend last week.
Thank you.
- Sorry to drag you out of the office.
- Oh - I know we're all busy.
- Not a problem.
I like to catch up with board members informally when I can, especially new members, hopefully hear some ideas on how to push even harder.
Well, I've put together a shortlist of priority projects I think we could raise and, hopefully, endorse.
- This is wonderful.
- It's a pretty targeted list of This energy, I want to harness it, which is why I'm proposing a bit of fast-tracking.
We may have a vacancy on the audit committee.
- The audit committee? - I know that's a leap.
But we fast-track you through the Institute of Company Directors training course, we get you a mentor.
I wouldn't be surprised if, in 12, maybe 18, months, you feel very comfortable.
- To be honest, Mr Chairman - Don.
To be honest, Don, I feel I can contribute now.
That's why I'm excited.
The confidence of youth.
I want to harness this.
We get you up to speed and two, three years from now, look out.
- Yeah.
- Four years together.
Was it four years? - So sad.
- They were the perfect couple.
Guys, no need to go on about it.
- Just explain it again.
- It's a Yammer feed.
- Yeah, in English? - Internal social network.
Beverley suggested it.
We put out little video updates.
"Hey, NBA-ers, what's up?" "Casual Clothes Friday.
" Or, "Don't forget, Bring Your Dog to Work Day.
" I thought I vetoed that.
Just go for one.
Loosey-goosey.
And action.
Hi, everyone.
Welcome to the NBA Yammer feed.
Uh, another busy week here - Cut.
- .
.
at the NB What? It's gotta be six seconds or less.
- What? - Take two.
And action.
Welcome to the NBA Yammer feed.
Another busy week here at the Why do you keep moving the camera? Just trying to give it a bit of life.
Yeah, it needs something.
(KNOCK AT DOOR) Just quietly, I'm hearing great reports from the board.
- Oh, are you? - Yeah.
Very impressed.
- Oh, that's good.
- And the audit committee.
- Keep up the good work.
- Thanks, Jim.
If there's anything you can push through, we're all ears.
Actually, I've got some specific proposals Alright, well done.
- Let's go again.
- Yammer feed, take 17.
Don't forget our brown-bag lunch meeting, first one on Tuesday, and, of course, our office trivia competition - Cut.
- What? - Looks like you're reading.
- Well, I am reading.
Sorry, guys, we're gonna have to continue this later.
- This is unbelievable.
- What is? - Blockchain.
- KATIE: I didn't remind him! I'm actually starting to get it.
"A distributed ledger of discoverable provenance, "decentralised.
" There's definitely something in this.
OK, so, you don't need us to look into it anymore.
What do you mean? This is yours.
No, it's not.
Blockchain and Its Implications for Government Services.
Who's Daniel? - And? - You said, "Type it up, "pretend it's a briefing document and cc everyone.
" What are we talking about? - Daniel's the work experience kid.
- What?! - He's 15.
- You're kidding.
- Where is he now? - He's shredding.
Well, make sure he doesn't shred this.
So, I had a read of your briefing paper.
- Well done.
- Thanks, Mr Gibson.
Seems you've got a bit of a handle on the kind of work that we do here.
There were a couple of typos I forgot to fix Yeah, I wouldn't worry about that, Daniel.
- So, I've come up with an idea.
- For his elective.
- Exactly.
- Yeah.
Say you handed this to the Minister and the Minister came back to me you .
.
and asked .
.
"What would be our implementation strategy "for blockchain technology going forward?" That depends if you're implementing in-house or with private sector partners and contractors.
- Obviously.
- Which is it? We'll pretend he didn't say.
Oh, could the Minister say that Australia is at the forefront of blockchain implementation? (SCOFFS) No.
- What if he was wearing a hard-hat? - Uh, Jim Why don't we give Daniel a bit more time to come up with another ministerial briefing? - Like this one? - Exactly like this.
In fact, here's an idea.
Pretend you're briefing the Minister for Digital Transformation.
Maybe I could make a PowerPoint presentation.
- He'd love that You'd think.
- You'd think.
OK, great, I'll just grab the lunches and - We'll get the lunches.
- No - You've got work to do.
- Yeah.
Katie? Daniel needs a desk.
These just arrived from the secretariat.
Oh, and congratulations.
Audit committee.
After one meeting! I haven't formally accepted yet.
Speaking of which .
.
formal offer and acceptance letters to be signed, terms of reference for the committee, latest guidelines, previous audit committee minutes and meeting documents and, finally Something about project priorities? .
.
a list of potential mentors.
Some big names in there.
Oh And this was left behind at the cafe.
- Morning.
- Jim.
- What's with the? - Casual Friday.
Don't ask.
Hey, short notice.
Minister's popping in.
- He wants to know - The Minister? - I'm in jeans and a polo top.
- It's fine.
What does he want to speak to me about? He doesn't.
He wants to talk to Daniel.
Daniel's at school cross-country this morning.
- What time's he finish? - 12:00.
- Tell him to come straight over.
- He doesn't drive.
- Well, tell him to run.
- I'll ring the school.
- I'll grab the Minister.
- OK.
- Not going casual? - No.
Extraordinary board meeting.
Teleconference.
Wow, that's full-on.
Who called for that? I did.
Is this about you joining the audit committee? No, it's about projects and infrastructure and priorities.
- You've stopped pausing.
- I know.
- - (MUSIC PLAYS OVER DIALOGUE) DANIEL: And everyone can see.
One of the key benefits of this case would be the development of an audit trail allowing much greater economic transparency.
But wouldn't we do that now? It depends on the financial sector architecture.
I thought I had you there.
- Almost got him.
- Anyway, I think that's great.
Thanks for giving me the time.
- Hey, uh, how did you go? - Fifth.
No, not the cross-country.
With the, uh MINISTER: Oh, outstanding.
I'm just coming up with another idea.
- Oh, you'll love this, Daniel.
- He hasn't come up with the idea yet.
Alright, how about this for an exercise? Say you're me, the Minister overseeing digital transformation, and you have to brief Cabinet.
And say there are a couple of smart-arse colleagues that always just love asking curly questions at the end of your briefing.
What if you came up with a couple of dozen questions that I that one might get, and the answers to them? - Like a rebuttal? - Yeah.
Really stick it up 'em.
Daniel finishes on Friday.
That's alright.
Cabinet's Thursday.
OK, here are the lunches.
- Uh, ham and salad? - Yep.
Oh, that reminds me.
I have to do your shredding.
- Cheese and tomato? - Yep, that's mine.
OK, we should be right to go.
Alright, I think we have everyone online.
- Sydney? - Standing by, Mr Chairman.
- Canberra? - Right here, Mr Chairman.
- Melbourne.
- TONY: Hi, everyone.
Welcome back to the NBA Yammer feed.
I'll fix that.
DON: I think we're good to go.
Natalie, did you want to touch on the audit committee or just dive straight into this discussion you'd like to have.
- Dive in, Mr Chairman.
- Alright.
I formally call the meeting open.
The floor is yours.
My impression is, and I know I'm new, that this late in the election cycle, the government and departments would be extremely receptive to specific recommendations from us, even at the project level.
Thanks, Natalie.
Definitely food for thought.
Are you suggesting this for the next board meeting? No, now.
Here, now.
I've got a list of proposals, we could discuss them now, say yes or no today and send a summary to the Prime Minister.
Whoa, whoa, let's cool our jets for a moment.
An example from this list would be Energy policy, grid stability, guidelines for future privatisations, asset recycling I think we'd be stepping on the toes of the Business Council there.
So? Yeah, I'd like to canvass other industry groups first, consult widely and speak with one voice.
You've got a voice now.
Asset recycling, the government is screaming out for guidance now.
- Now you're stepping on more toes.
- How many toes have these people got? You've got to speak now, recommend now! You've got to cut through all this formality and act now! You've got to act decisively and quickly! Jeez, they acted quickly.
Ash, I've been voted off the board.
Yeah, but pretty decisive.
9 to 1.
Yeah.
What about the audit committee? (DOOR LOCK BEEPS) (INDISTINCT CHATTER) (GROANS) - Hey, everyone.
Hey, Courtney.
- Good morning.
Is he, uh is he heading off early? - No.
Did you not get my text? - Oh, I've had it on silent.
The Prime Minister's flying Daniel up to Canberra to "show him around Parliament House.
" Really? I think it's something to do with blockchain.
- Oh - Daniel, car's here.
- But you have to go too.
- Why? The Prime Minister doesn't have a Working with Children Check.
Just one thing, I have to submit my final report to school today.
Will I have time to do it from Canberra? You know what? I'll grab all the work you've done, put it all together and make sure it gets to the school.
- Thank you, Miss Kano.
- Let's go.
So, Jim, do we go straight to Parliament House when we land? - Yes.
Absolutely.
- OK.
Alright.
Mr Gibson, are you sure the Prime Minister has time to show me around? Oh, yeah, he's got time.
- That's so kind of him.
- He's a thoughtful man.
But as an exercise, as you're walking around, he's got a hypothetical for you.
Let's say he was, uh .
.
addressing the ASEAN Innovation Summit next week in Singapore and he had to outline his plan for regional blockchain integration and innovation.
What are the sorts of things that he might say to a regional audience? Well, there's an establishment of standards.
Um, exploring co-regulatory framework, interoperability of guidelines Just slow up a second there, Daniel.
Act actually, just pop them in there, just in case we forget one as we do the tour.
- Good good hypothetical.
- Yeah.
- Bit of fun.
- Yeah.
I think there is an ASEAN conference next week in Singapore.
- Is there? - I think there might be.
Oh! How about that? - Courtney? - Hi, Tony.
What's going on? It's Bring Your Dog to Work Day.
I thought I said no to that.
But after you cancelled Casual Friday, Beverley said it would be OK.
OK.
- Tony? - Yeah? Just give me a minute to clean up your office.
OK.
Your carpet will be steam-cleaned first thing tomorrow.
Sure.
- What is it? - Julia.
She's taking leave.
Not 'cause of what I said in the lift.
No.
Bitten by a dog.
Oh.
- Where's Daniel? - He's finished.
So, who's doing the shredding this week? - Me.
- There you go.
Should I do it now? (APPLAUSE) Please thank the Prime Minister of Australia for his insightful speech on regional blockchain cooperation.
(APPLAUSE) - JIM: Did you see this? - I did.
"PM Gets A-plus for Digital Transformation.
" - Ooh.
- Yep.
Oh, speaking of which, how did Daniel go with his elective? - B-minus.
- Oh.
He had excellent ideas but his execution was a bit rushed.
Well, attention to detail is very important in life.
Yeah.