13. Policy delivery

Snapshot: From insiders to outsiders: ‘mainstreaming’ women’s policy
The public sector and the public service—Change in the public sector—The public service and accountability—Policy delivery in the contemporary Australian state

1.  Outline the differences between government departments, and statutory authorities and agencies.

2. The authors note that both mainstream political parties have moved from ‘statism’ to market orientation. What are the implications of this for government policy and for the electorate?

3. What are some of the most significant and visible changes that the public sector has undergone as conceptions of the role of the state have changed? Has the public sector become politicised?

4. What are the implications of a politicised public sector for the development and delivery of policy? Are there problems with this politicisation?

5. How have changes in public sector management such as outsourcing and privatisation affected accountability?

6. What are some of the potential consequences of service industry privatisation for the public?

7. What are the risks associated with the devolution of policy delivery to non-government actors?

Resources

The Australian Public Service Commission

The Centre for Public Policy at the University of Melbourne

Althaus, Bridgman and Davis, The Australian Policy Handbook 4th edition, pp. 5-11
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