This paper tracks the recent rise of ideology and evidence discourse as a way of describing good and bad Indigenous affairs policy. Expressing dissatisfaction with this discourse, it suggests a slightly more complex analytic way of thinking about Indigenous affairs involving three competing principles; equality, choice and guardianship. The paper suggests that dominant debates in...

This second biennial assessment of progress in implementation of the National Water Initiative records "significant achievements in water reform across Australia". It covers all states and territories, groundwater and surface water systems, and urban and rural areas. Because the Commonwealth now has a much greater role in water management, the assessment also considers how much...

Government in Australia has a long history of delivering public services with and through other sectors. As in many other developed countries, this approach of 'devolved' government has increased significantly in scope, scale and complexity. The paper argues for a strategic, evidence-based approach to choosing and designing how government will operate, including using devolved government...

This report argues that debate about and consideration of a Human Rights Act should not be allowed to delay action to improve the quality of economic and social rights of those Australians who are most disadvantaged.

As part of the development of a blueprint for reform of Australian government administration, this discussion paper provides information on contemporary challenges in government administration, information on current performance and outlines possible reform directions. The blueprint, to be completed by early 2010, will outline steps needed to rejuvenate the Australian public service and enable it...