This publication looks purposefully at the ‘bright side’ of public policy in Australia and New Zealand. It provides detailed case studies of instances in which governments by and large got it right and made positive differences to the lives and wellbeing of countless citizens, to the strength of their economies and, sometimes, to their country’s...

Australian firearm policy had altered very little in 65 years prior to the 1990s. However, the events in April 1996 precipitated dramatic changes to national firearm legislation. This chapter explores how these events created a ‘perfect storm’ of outrage, law and leadership that forced policy reform. Although these changes are widely credited with establishing the...

This paper offers an appraisal of the way in which the Australian Public Service partners with other jurisdictions.

This paper investigates the strengths and weaknesses of the APS’ current approach to delivering local solutions to communities. The authors argue that a range of services need to be shaped with communities in new, co-governed ways, if we are to see any substantial and sustained improvement in local solutions.

This case study looks at the use of Public Private Partnerships in the construction of the Royal Adelaide Hospital by the South Australian government.