The Australian Policy Handbook

'This authoritative guide to the practice and process of public policy in Australia combines sound analysis and practical know-how in a handbook of great value to students, teachers and practitioners.' - Professor Allan Fels, AO, Dean, Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG) Public policy permeates every aspect of our lives. It is the stuff of government, justifying taxes, driving legislation, and shaping our social services. Public policy gives us roads, railways and airports, emergency services, industry development, and natural resource management. While politicians make the decisions, public servants provide analysis and support for those choices. Drawing on their extensive practical experience, the authors outline the processes used in making public policy. They systematically explain the relationships between political decision-makers, public service advisers, other community participants, and those charged with implementing the programs that result. The fifth edition of this widely used introduction is fully updated, and includes new material on policy complexity, best practice and smart practice, disaster management and community engagement, and the increased role of non-profit organisations in delivering services.

Table of Contents:
List of figures and tables Acknowledgements Introduction: Why The Australian Policy Handbook? 1 Why policy matters 2 The institutions of public policy 3 A policy cycle 4 Identifying issues 5 Policy analysis 6 Policy instruments 7 Consultation 8 Coordination 9 Decision 10 Implementation 11 Evaluation 12 Managing the policy process Appendix 1: Checklists for policy development Appendix 2: Internet research tools for public policy Glossary References Index

About the Author :
CATHERINE ALTHAUS is Assistant Professor in the School of Public Administration at University of Victoria, Canada. She was formerly an ANZSOG Research Fellow at the Australian National University, and has worked as a policy officer in Queensland Treasury. PETER BRIDGMAN is a consultant specialising in public policy, governance and integrity, and has worked within and for governments in Australia and internationally. He has led several government agencies and developed policy and legislation across a wide range of areas. PROFESSOR GLYN DAVIS AC has combined an academic career teaching public policy with practical experience in government. A former Director General of the Department of Premier and Cabinet in Queensland, Professor Davis was Foundation Chair of ANZSOG. He is now Vice Chancellor at the University of Melbourne.

Review :
'This authoritative guide to the practice and process of public policy in Australia combines sound analysis and practical know-how in a handbook of great value to students, teachers and practitioners.' - Professor Allan Fels, AO, Dean, Australia and New Zealand School of Government.