Public Policy in Australia - Tapa blanda

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? The first edition of "Public Policy in Australia" addressed those questions and introduced students to the study of public policy. This second edition is almost entirely re-written, drawing on recent experiences on Australia and on analyses of public policy here and overseas. By skilfully interweaving theories of government with the analysis of Australian institutions and actions, it provides a realistic account of the government of Australia. It emphasizes the importance of values, interests and resources, working through institutions and meditated 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 to a better appreciation of what can be achieved. Designed for undergraduate and masters course, "Public Policy in Australia" is essential reading for students of public policy, political science, public adminstration and applied economics; indeed, for anyone with an interest in how and why governments make the choices they do.

Glyn Davis and John Wanna are Senior Lecturers in Politics and Public Policy in the Faculty of Commerce and Administration at Griffith University. John Warhurst is Professor of Politics at the University of New England. Patrick Weller is Professor of Politics and Public Policy and Director of the Centre of Australian Public Sector Management at Griffith University.