Publisher's Synopsis
How do Australian governments make decisions? Are the problems facing decision-makers here unique? What impact do the federal system, an active state, the structure of government and the behaviour of parties and pressure groups have on the policy outcomes?
Public Policy in Australia addressed those questions and introduced students to the study of public policy. This second edition has been almost entirely re-written, drawing on recent experiences in Australia and on analysis of Australian institutions and actions, it provides a lively, stimulating and realistic account of the government of Australia. It emphasises the importance of values, interests and resources, working through institutions and mediated by that essential ingredient - politics. The four authors have diverse backgrounds and interests, but they have a common purpose. They seek to explain the workings of Australian public policy in the hope of leading readers to a better appreciation of what can be achieved.
Designed for undergraduate and masters courses, Public Policy in Australia is essential reading for students of public policy, political science, public administration and applied economics
indeed, for anyone with an interest in how and why governments make the choices they do.
