The Australian Policy Handbook

Reviews / Votes

"I can think of no greater calling in the modern secular state than to dedicate one's service to the Australian people for the betterment of all.

For many dedicated public servants the previous several years have been both professionally and emotionally taxing. The unforeseen challenges from a global pandemic, along with the escalating impacts of climate change [and] increasing discourtesy in public discourse have pushed those in service to new limits.

The demands and expectations on our public servants, similar to our emergency services and marvellous health care community, have been unprecedented. Yet those who take to heart and honour the deeply human values of public service, such as equity, fairness, honesty, accountability, integrity and social justice have continued to serve with distinction despite occasional disregard. Partisan efforts to politicise the APS, as declared by the Thodey Review, must be resisted at all costs.

This new 7th edition of The Australian Policy Handbook is a well-conceived and expertly considered pathway to provide a blueprint for the way forward out of a difficult period that should be understood and acknowledged in order to reset and rebuild our Public Service for Our Future.

This new edition will be welcomed by the practitioners, researchers, lobbyists, commentators and other followers of this highly respected, reliable, engaging resource. Since its first appearance in Queensland as a cabinet handbook, policymakers from ministers to public servants, from senior advisers to technical experts, lobbyists and interest groups have turned to it for an understanding of public policy, "that fascinating terrain between politics and public administration".

Of particular importance is the focus on values of integrity in parliament and the public service, the contestable nature of modern policy advice and the growing preference for commissioning and contracting."

---The Honourable Quentin Bryce AD CVO, former Governor-General of Australia

"Policy has a pervasive influence in shaping the environment in which citizens, communities and business operate. The consequences of bad policy are clear, but poor implementation of good policy can be equally damaging. The authors provide a practical guide to the policy-making process, showing how to generate and nurture good policy initiatives, influence stakeholders and decision makers, and remain vigilant to the need to monitor, evaluate and refine policies to ensure they deliver the intended consequences. The material traversed is of importance to all participants and observers of the policy process and to the wellbeing and future success of Australia."---Dr Martin Parkinson AC PSM, former secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet

"The Policy Handbook focuses on a skill crucial for a highly performing public service. Blending academic literature and practitioner experience, its suggested policy cycle approach highlights the importance of good process, a robust evidence base, rigorous analysis, procedural integrity and administrative practicality. By thoroughly addressing the issues to be faced and the pitfalls to be avoided, with illustrative case studies, it's a highly valuable resource for both new and current policy practitioners."---Helen Williams AC, first woman appointed as a secretary in the APS, former Australian Public Service Commissioner

"The Australian Policy Handbook is a classic in Australian policy studies, expertly combining the need for logical order with the complexity of policy context. Informed by both academic theory and up-to-date knowledge of Australian policy experience, it is an admirable guide for those involved in policy making and for academic students of the policy process."---Professor Emeritus Richard Mulgan, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University