Course Title:     Doctor of Philosophy

Thesis Title:      The search for policy coherence: Australian regional governance in a Federal framework, 1996-2007.

Supervisors:      Dr Alan Jarman & Dr Chris Saddlier

Biography:

Helen is currently a student in our PhD program and holds undergraduate and masters degrees in the social sciences.

Prior to moving to Canberra in 1999, Helen worked extensively in regional NSW on diverse policy issues with all levels of government. Since this time, Helen has been working within the Federal Government and in the past few years within the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.

Abstract:

The focus of Helen’s study is The search for policy coherence: Australian regional governance in a Federal framework, 1996-2007. The task of the study is to examine ways of governing for policy coherence and sustainability in a regional context, incorporating whole of and joined-up government approaches.

The outcome and contribution of the research will provide an example of a regional governance model that aims to achieve enhanced policy coherence and sustainable outcomes for regional communities. The study will also explore how the model could be transformed into practice. Both policy and operational issues will be studied emphasising the relevance of the model to experience in the New South Wales Riverina area.