Utopia
Set inside the offices of the "Nation Building Authority", a newly created government organisation responsible for overseeing major infrastructure projects, Utopia explores that moment when bureaucracy and grand dreams collide. It's a tribute to those political leaders who have somehow managed to take a long-term vision and use it for short-term gain.
Tony and Jim clash over the best way to tackle high level company tax fraud. Keen to launch a major Government report, Rhonda seeks help from a well-known television personality.
The arrival of a work experience student leads to unexpected Ministerial developments. Nat is invited to join a prestigious board but soon finds herself clashing with the Chair.
Tony's opportunity to pitch an important proposal is undermined by computer issues. Nat and Rhonda are forced to deal with community backlash from a prematurely-announced construction project.
Tony is asked by the Minister to oversee the implementation on a new electronic I.D card scheme. Nat and Ash must face the fact that their expensive wildlife project preservation may not have actually preserved any wildlife.
Tony is forced to defend himself when Jim and Rhonda try to blame a failed project on the NBA. Nat and Ash prepare for an important overseas trade delegation. And the new office security system proves a little too 'secure'.
A routine urban development project proves surprisingly difficult for Tony when multiple Government departments get involved. Nat is forced to assist the Minister with a major challenge - choosing this year's Christmas cards.
Tony is on the verge of completing a major report when Rhonda invites an ABC documentary crew to spend a week in the NBA offices. And the NBA staff are divided over an important issue of office catering.
Following a trip to Canberra Tony finds himself at loggerheads with Rhonda and Jim after he refuses to back a major new government initiative. Nat and Ash are forced to break some bad news to the Minister.
Jim and Rhonda force Tony to help step in and save a flawed government scheme. Nat is driven mad by a local council worried about a proposed development.
Rhonda forces Tony to be keynote speaker at the Smart Cities conference. Nat is looking set for a promotion until Beverley from HR decides to step in. The arrival of a new couch has unintended consequences.
Nat is asked to help out the Minister with a problem-plagued I.T. project. Meanwhile, a poor radio interview sees Tony forced to undertake media training.
The NBA team is asked to help out with the sale of a port; Rhonda decides it is time for a digital upgrade; and Tony is forced to spend a night outdoors in the name of charity.
Fresh from a trip to Silicon Valley, Jim asks Tony for help getting the Government involved in the world of start-ups. Meanwhile, a complaint from an ex-employee sees Nat accused of bullying.
Jim and Rhonda ask Tony for help building a new airport rail link, but Tony's proposal shocks them both. Meanwhile, Nat has her entire week derailed by a tweet.
With a major defence white paper about to be launched Jim and Rhonda ask Tony for help. Meanwhile Nat is summoned to Canberra for an exciting new job. Back at the office it is time for a Risk and Safety audit.
After threatening to resign Tony is offered his own independent infrastructure board but Jim has his own ideas about the word "independent". Rhonda & Beverley decide it's time for a new office reporting structure.
It's a new year and Tony is determined to focus on big things. Unfortunately, small things get in the way. Meanwhile, Nat's attempts to assist a local community unleash a multi-billion dollar government initiative.
After years of meticulous planning nothing can prevent a major tunnelling project getting started. Except Rhonda. Meanwhile Nat makes the fatal mistake of asking HR for help.
Tony and his team are forced to justify why a new foreshore park now seems to have very little park. Nat is desperate for a parcel to arrive and the entire office gets caught up in Healthy Heart Week.
When the Government announces 'Education Nation' it is met with rapturous praise. Only one problem - no one knows what it is. Nat is tasked with handling a Freedom of Information request.
After months of working on a major new project Jim asks Tony for one small change. He wants the project killed. Rhonda nominates Nat to be keynote speaker at a conference.
Tony refuses to be drawn into a planning dispute. Meanwhile, Rhonda is keen to raise the NBA's level of online engagement, leading to social media mayhem.
When the business case for a new cross-city tunnel proves hopeless there is only one thing to do - find another business case. Nat is determined to sack an inept worker and Amy completes a barista course.
Tony's attempt at a holiday is derailed by the arrival of a new minister, a wifi upgrade and Rhonda. Plans for an infrastructure conference become complicated when Karsten gets involved.
Attempts to sign an international development deal are compromised by Rhonda's decision to redesign the NBA's logo. Nat has to find room for a community garden within a waterfront development.
Tony is forced to step in when an endangered grass threatens to derail plans for a new container terminal. Rhonda is convinced that the NBA needs a major overhaul of its website.
A trip to Canberra leads to Tony being forced to investigate the feasibility of building a very fast train. Amy decides to conduct an office safety audit.
Tony is reluctantly dragged in when the developer of a low-rise inner city building project decides he wants to double the height of his apartment block... and then triple it again.
The decision to include roadside art on a major highway upgrade leads to controversy. Things go from bad to worse when Tony's visit to a primary school results in the actual launch of Australia's first space program.
Concerned that Tasmania's infrastructure needs have been overlooked, Jim sends Tony and the team south for a series of public forums.
Slightly disillusioned by his first 11 months in the job, Tony thinks back to when it all began. The launch of the NBA was a great success but within weeks Jim was at his door, desperate for some sort of new public announcement.
Tony is forced to evaluate plans for expanding the Ord River Scheme. Nat has issues with a stalled highway upgrade. Unfortunately for them the rest of the office is distracted by plans for a Mexican-themed anniversary party.
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Release | 2014-08-13 |
| Producer | Working Dog |