Public Policy: From the Hustings

Public policy textbooks from my undergraduate degree

Below are the slides for my online presentation to CEDA's Public Policy Dynamics course on 14th November 2023. My aim is to highlight the political side of the policy process that is rarely seen by public servants working in policy roles within government. The presentation draws on my experience as an academic and as a practitioner.

Public Policy: From the Hustings from University of Canberra

Whither journalism for the common people?

Leigh Hunt, the quintessential journalist

Who knew that news media services would become so partisan that they would support government agendas that conflict with the common people? The Albanese government is attempting to prioritise the failing ABC and SBS news services over other news on smart TVs and social media while also trying to control ‘the truth’ through its proposed Combating Misinformation and Disinformation Bill. The recent Voice Referendum demonstrated how out of touch the mainstream media has become.

In the absence of journalism that gives a voice to the trials and travails of the common people, the fourth estate – and therefore liberal democracy itself – is under threat.

Here is my latest article in The Spectator Australia's Flat White, Whither journalism for the common people?

Whither journalism for the common people?

Who knew that news media services would become so partisan that they would support government agendas that conflict with the common people?https://t.co/do9XPaoKG3

— The Spectator Australia (@SpectatorOz) November 12, 2023

Superiority complex at the heart of elite activism

The defeat of the Voice Referendum is no reason to rejoice, but rather a time for reflection. Indigenous communities need the government to focus on providing support that suits their circumstances, rather than a Canberra-based bureaucracy that makes representations on behalf of people who already have representatives. This view was supported by a majority of Australians at the referendum. Regrettably, however, many supporters of the ‘Yes’ campaign have since decided to double down on their failed policy stance, suggesting that elite activists believe they know better than Australian voters.

Here is my latest article in The Spectator Australia's Flat White, Superiority complex at the heart of elite activism.

Superiority complex at the heart of elite activism

CEOs have been reported as putting a defiantly ‘positive spin’ on the failure, as part of their requirement for a ‘social licence’ for their operations, particularly the big mining companies.https://t.co/dTiP6cWngt

— The Spectator Australia (@SpectatorOz) November 2, 2023