Creating and Implementing Public Policy

In order to address major social policy problems, governments need to break down sectoral barriers and create better working relationships between practitioners, policymakers and researchers. Currently, major blockages exist, and stereotypes abound. Academics are seen as out-of-touch and unresponsive, policymakers are perceived to be justifying policy decisions, and the community sector seeks more funding without demonstrating efficacy. These stereotypes are born out of a lack of understanding of the work and practices that exist across these three sectors. Drawing on ground-breaking research and partnerships, with contributions from senior public servants, this book explores the competing demands of different actors involved in policy change. It challenges current debates, assumptions and reflects a unique diversity of experiences. Combined with differing theoretical perspectives, it provides a uniquely practical insight for those seeking to influence public policy. This innovative text provides essential reading for community sector practitioners, academics and advanced level students in public policy, social policy and public administration, as well as for public service professionals.

'There is a richness and diversity in this edited collection which makes it an important addition to a challenging and necessary debate within the field of public policy and between practitioners and decision makers. What this set of essays brings are insights into those ‘stories less told’ and the ways in which conventional thinking and actions can be challenged. From ‘action tanks’ to valuing dialogue and listening as a way of shaping action. This is a welcome contribution.' - John Diamond, Professor and Director of the Institute for Public Policy and Professional Practice, Edge Hill University, UK.'If ever there was a time for new thinking about how to shape and deliver public policy; it is now. Old problems are piling up and new ones are emerging. Both call for more productive approaches that harness the diversity of expertise, resources and commitment held by various groups within and across sectors. Despite the rhetoric, actually making the shift to such a multiparty approach to policy and its implementation is largely unchartered territory. The set of chapters compiled within this book take a strong step forward, by opening up the debate as well as providing practical strategies for action.' - Robyn Keast, Professor, Southern Cross University, Australia'Success in tackling the large challenges in social policy and service delivery increasingly depends on how well the public sector can work with civil society and other organisations. This requires collaboration and dialogue instead of traditional models of bureaucratic authority and expertise. This book showcases the experience of diverse leaders across three sectors – government, civil society, and research – and across several policy arenas. It is clear that leading practitioners and reflective analysts are now proceeding in parallel.' - Brian Head, Professor, University of Queensland, Australia'This collection offers a

Gemma Carey is a Research Fellow with the Regulatory Network at the Australian National University, Australia. Kathy Landvogt is a social worker with experience in service delivery, management, policy research and further education. Kathy is currently a social policy researcher in Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand, Australia. Jo Barraket is Director of the Centre for Social Impact Swinburne at Swinburne University of Technology, Australia.