Public Policy PG (6268.7)

This unit aims to deepen the participants' capacity to understand and ability to undertake policy development, analysis implementation and evaluation processes. It seeks to do this by building knowledge of the more useful elements of policy theory and a strong focus on the actual practice of public policymaking in Australia. The Unit includes a strong focus on the importance of crafting evidence-based policy, while keeping the reality of the political context firmly in view. It provides an introduction to the Australian policy system together with an understanding of the current economic, political (federalism) and social (citizen expectations) contexts which shape policy development. It explores what is really distinctive about providing public goods and programs. It presents a 'critical' guide to the principles of traditional policy design and encompasses policy learning from overseas and policy framing. The Unit argues that strategic communication is a key tool of policymaking in a contested policy environment. Three sets of skills are developed in this module: political awareness (i.e. the capability to 'see like a minister or end user'), the ability to develop a succinct policy proposal, and advocacy skills in policy presentation. A pervading theme throughout the unit is the challenges facing the APS in formulating policies that address contemporary and emerging policy problems in a cost-effective, efficient and ethical way. Attention is directed to synthesising historical and current knowledge on the art and craft of policy making with a particular focus on applying that knowledge to real world policy issues of relevance to participating government departments.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students will have:
1. A working knowledge of Australian federal government policy processes and an ability to undertake policy analysis;
2. An up to date knowledge of the current and emerging real-world Australian policy challenges in policy development and a capacity to develop possible responses to real world policy challenges; and
3. Synthesising relevant knowledge and research skills for practical application in the public sector.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
4. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing - communicate and engage with Indigenous Australians in ethical and culturally respectful ways
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development

Skills development

 

 

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.