Edited by the Institute for Social Research, Swinburne University of Technology

New Research

Challenges in dealing with politically exposed persons

Challenges in dealing with politically exposed persons

26 February 2010This paper outlines some of the key challenges and policy implications related to dealing with prominent people and risks when entering into financial transactions and business relationships with them.

National compact between the Australian Government and the third sector - consultation report

24 February 2010This report summarises the feedback from consultation with stakeholders including a broad range of Sector organisations, state and territory governments, peak bodies, academics and individuals.

Western Australian Government - 2008/09 website report

19 February 2010This report provides a source of information about Western Australian Government websites for use by policy and decision makers in the WA Public Sector.

Australia: towards a seamless national economy

16 February 2010Strong regulatory frameworks and sound policies have helped Australia weather the global crisis better than most OECD countries, according to this report, but further efforts are needed to harmonise regulations, strengthen competition and streamline infrastructure regulation.
Integrating services for young children and their families

Integrating services for young children and their families

15 February 2010This policy brief explores the rationale behind government efforts to integrate services and the implications for policy makers and practitioners. 
Should govts archive social media posts?

Should govts archive social media posts?

15 February 2010It is fashionable for government agencies to have a Facebook or Twitter account these days. But should tweets and status updates be backed up to leave a digital trail for transparency’s sake?
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Citizenship

Perspectives on migrants 2010

Perspectives on migrants 2010

05 March 2010Issues and debates relating to migrants, ethnicity and migration programs are common place within the Australian political and media landscape.

Inquiry into the implications of the Parliamentary Electorates and Elections Amendment (Automatic Enrolment) Act 2009 (NSW) for the conduct of Commonwealth elections

01 March 2010This report recommends that the Commonwealth adopts a system of automatic enrolment of voters similar to the proposed New South Wales system.

A stronger, fairer Australia

19 February 2010Launched on 28 January 2010, A Stronger, Fairer Australia sets out the Australian Government’s vision and strategy for social inclusion, now and into the future.

Public policy

Beyond corporate responsibility: the 'spiritual turn' and the rise of conscious business

15 March 2010This paper asks whether the Corporate Responsibility movement can transform business practices enough to assist society address key human and environmental sustainability challenges.

Towards a more democratic political funding regime in New South Wales

08 March 2010This report includes a blueprint for reform, covering: a more robust disclosure scheme; election spending limits; contribution limits (with an exemption for membership fees); stricter regulation of fund-raisers; a Party and Candidate Support Fund; and enhanced accountability of government advertising.

Commentary

Where's the payoff? Convincing citizens to engage with government

12 March 2010Governments regularly hold consultations with their public. Craig Thomler wants value given for value received.

Labours in the ministry of truth

01 February 2010Can Labor change a culture of secrecy, asks Mike Steketee in The Australian

The minister is protected, but from what?

23 November 2009Changing the secretive culture of the public service is a work in progress, writes Mike Stekette in The Australian
More...

Audio

Open government: ideals and realities of 2.0

Listen to audio
06 March 2010A conversation about 'open government' in light of the recent report of the Government 2.0 Taskforce.

Gov 2.0 taskforce report

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06 March 2010Dr Nicholas Gruen, Chair of the Government 2.0 Taskforce presents a Library Lecture on the Gov 2.0 Taskforce Report.

Government

Mass localism: A way to help small communities solve big social challenges

17 March 2010  Localism presents a dilemma. Government has traditionally found it difficult to support genuine local solutions while achieving national impact and scale. This UK report offers a solution

Obama in his own words: On leadership, force, and rebuilding US primacy

15 March 2010For over sixty years Australia has done well out of a US-led world, according to this report. Our strategic interests would be well served by Obama’s successfully rebuilding US primacy.

Video

Governing the economy: Fiscal policy

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14 December 2009At this symposium, Treasury Secretary Ken Henry discusses the role and direction of fiscal policy in a changing economic landscape.

Alan Milburn on reforming public services

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07 September 2009Alan Milburn led a radical reform of the UKs national health service to devolve decision-making, increase provider autonomy, diversify supply and empower patients. He is a proponent of citizen-centred public services.

Democracy

Minority governments in Australia 1989-2009: accords, charters and agreements

08 March 2010Over the past two decades there have been at least ten examples of this political phenomenon in the Australian states and territories. This paper looks at those instances in which a minority government has been based on an agreement, charter or accord between major parties on one side and minor parties and/or Independents on the other.

Websites

Data.gov.uk

08 February 2010 UK government website containing open government data for other people to re-use.

OpenAustralia

13 November 2009A non-partisan website run by a group of volunteers which aims to make it easy for people to keep tabs on their representatives in Parliament.

Ethics Advisory Service

11 September 2009The Ethics Advisory Service is designed for Australian Public Service (APS) employees who want advice on ethical issues in the workplace and on how to make sound decisions around these issues.

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Jobs

Policy Adviser
NSW Business Chamber
North Sydney

Events

Delivering Policy Masterclass: Led by Prof Scott Prasser
18 Mar 2010 - 9:00am - 30 Mar 2010 - 5:30pm
Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne
Seminar
Power and Love: A Theory and Practice of Social Change - Australian book launch, talk, Q&A
24 Mar 2010
Sydney
Conference
ACOSS National Conference 2010: A vote for equity
25 Mar 2010 - 9:00am - 26 Mar 2010 - 5:00pm
Canberra

Books

Outrageous! Moral panics in Australia

Outrageous! Moral panics in Australia

  • Edited by Scott Poynting and George Morgan
  • ACYS Publishing
In this detailed examination of case studies, a distinguished group of experts demystifies the social processes of moral panic in Australia.
Malcolm Fraser: the political memoirs

Malcolm Fraser: the political memoirs

  • Malcolm Fraser and Margaret Simons
Malcolm Fraser is one of the most interesting and possibly most misunderstood of Australia's Prime Ministers. In this part memoir and part authorised biography, Fraser at the age of 79 years talks about his time in public life. From the Vietnam War to the Dismissal and his years as Prime Minister, through to his concern in recent times for breaches in the Rule of Law and harsh treatment of refugees, Fraser emerges as an enduring liberal, constantly reinterpreting core values to meet the needs of changing times.

Noticeboard

Government 2.0 Taskforce
24 June 2009

The Government 2.0 Taskforce is being formed against a backdrop of increased interest by governments worldwide in the potential uses of public sector information and online engagement.

Policy Guides

Privacy regulation across Australia

An annually updated guide to privacy legislation from Privacy Victoria.

28-09-09

Topics

APO