Integrity and Policy Making Kerry Stopher Disability Services Commission
Putting the Public First Well-informed advice Sound evidence Analysis of community needs and impacts Engage stakeholders in policy development Long term planning to inform government Performance monitoring and evaluation Transparency and accountability Ongoing learning and involvement
What is policy? A course or line of action adopted and pursued by a government, ruler, political party or the like. (Macquarie Dictionary 4 th Edition) At a whole of government level policy is about what governments do, why they do it, and with what consequences. (Fenna, 2004)
How do policy issues arise? External factors –Media –Lobby groups –Opinion polls –Legal shifts –International relations –Demographic shifts Internal factors –Emerging issues raised by govt policy makers –Success/failure in other jurisdictions –Regular reviews in the budget cycle –Budget overruns The Australian Policy Handbook, Althaus et al (2007)
What is integrity in policy making? Integrity of policy making approach Integrity of engaging, informing and consulting others Integrity of personal qualities in policy makers
Implementation Evaluation Outcomes - Strategies Information - Analysis Issue Framework Policy cycle
Implementation Evaluation Outcomes - Strategies Information - Analysis Issue Framework Inform Consult Engage Inform Consult Engage
Inform Consult Engage Inform Consult Engage Interviews Reference groups One-off groups Natural groups Key informants Surveys Citizens’ Assemblies
Inform Consult Engage Inform Consult Engage Timely Meaningful Responsive Inclusive Accountable
Personal Qualities policy-making is based on public conscience - not personal beliefs fidelity to the public good understanding of the moral viewpoints of others and limitations of own moral view respect for citizens as responsible and self determining facilitation of citizen participation prudence