Abstract Despite the ongoing failure of ‘one‐size‐fits‐all’ policies in the realm of local government policymaking worldwide, such as municipal mergers, public policymakers across Australian local government, including South Australia (SA), remain committed to uniform policy prescriptions that do not take into account the characteristics of different categories of local authorities. Furthermore, although a substantial body of empirical work exists on municipal expenditure, the vast bulk of research effort has been directed at (a) determining whether council size by population systematically affects average costs and (b) ascertaining whether scale economies exist in specific categories of municipal service provision, especially in waste collection and water services. However, this empirical literature has largely ignored the question of whether the characteristics of specific categories of municipality systematically affect outlays, especially non‐discretionary environmental factors. This paper seeks to address this gap in the literature by examining empirically how council type influences the determinants of municipal expenditure in SA. We find that there is a significant difference in per household expenditures between the different categories of SA local authorities in terms of the various types of municipal outlays. Moreover, environmental factors have a differential impact on the various kinds of per household expenditures of each category of local councils.

Abstract Local government, the tier of government closest to the people, provides services and infrastructure which impact daily on the well‐being of local communities. Despite the Australian state‐based regulatory framework, governance dysfunction regularly results in dismissal of councils. This paper seeks to gain an insight into what is understood by corporate governance at the local government level, an area not addressed in previous research. The methodology was a case study of one local municipality in Tasmania using explanatory sequential mixed methods. Findings revealed a narrow compliance‐based understanding, with effective accountability strategies not included in that understanding. Diverse information sources, such as previous employment experience and industry‐based training, led to embedded beliefs about the meaning of corporate governance which were not necessarily shared by all. This study has implications for state governments seeking to find long‐term solutions for dysfunctional councils, and to bring about positive change.

This article contributes to the conceptualisation of evidence-based policy by providing a framework of key factors that influence research utilisation, including those that shape the quality of evidence procured from evidence providers. Public policy to regulate the remuneration of freight truck drivers to improve workplace safety provides an analytical basis for considering evidence utilisation in opposing political contexts.

Abstract Twenty‐five years after the Kennett government began privatising prisons, Victoria has the world's highest proportion of prisoners in private prisons. When the privatisation project began, it was confidently expected that privately managed prisons would be cheaper, better, and more accountable than traditional public sector provision. This paper examines whether those anticipated benefits have been realised. In doing so, we assess system‐wide operating costs, specific measures of performance, and accountability of the prison system between 1992 and 2017. Using publicly available data, we conclude temporary lower costs occurred but have not been sustained. Similarly, performance improvements are mixed, and enhanced accountability is contested. Although the performance information now available on Victoria's prisons is superior to what was available in the pre‐privatisation era, successive Victorian governments have also overseen arrangements that severely curtail dissemination of such data. This has restricted the capacity of Parliament and the public not only to hold government to account for the operations of the prison system, but also to evaluate the efficacy and impact of the prisons privatisation project. We conclude a more definitive assessment will only be possible when current limitations on accessing performance and other data are lifted enabling greater public scrutiny of Victoria's prison system.

Abstract In this article, we identify the unfolding unintended consequences which flow from one instance of policy layering in Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). We show how use of a causal diagram, which highlights feedback loops and emergent properties, to map complex chains of causal factors can assist policy scholars and policy practitioners to understand the likely direction of change and possible responses. In the case of Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme, our analysis suggests that the likely direction of change will work against two of the fundamental design features of the NDIS: providing participants with more choice and control, and ensuring all eligible Australians are able to access appropriate services and supports regardless of where they live. Our analysis points to the use of price regulation as the site of potential intervention because of the role it plays in subsequent feedback loops and the development of the two, unwelcome, emergent properties.

Abstract This paper is guided by Conservation of Resources theory and aims to investigate the impact of personal and organisational support on the quality of clinical care given to aged care residents in for‐profit (FP) and not‐for‐profit (NFP) facilities. Broadly, the paper addresses challenges faced by governments in designing contract specifications that ensure quality outcomes from aged care providers. The argument is that the present accreditation standards that are used to assess the status of aged care providers are too narrow to capture the complexity in delivering social services. Data were collected from 442 aged care workers from aged care facilities in NSW, QLD and WA. The results show that carer support (personal and organisational support) explained half of the variance in quality of clinical care in NFP facilities, and a third of the variance in FP facilities. In particular, the findings suggest support for carers is important for carer retention, and ultimately the clinical care of residents. The findings provide supporting evidence to widen the required contract specifications for aged care provider accreditation to include organisational and personal support for carers.

Abstract Interactions between horizontal accountability agencies (e.g., anti‐corruption agencies [ACAs]) and social accountability actors (e.g., journalists, civil society activists, and complainants/whistleblowers) are recognized as important to horizontal agencies’ performance, but the reason(s) is not clear. This study therefore explores why horizontal accountability agencies need social accountability actors in performing their functions. The study analyses data from 30 key stakeholders in Australia, including ACAs staff members, social accountability actors, and other observers to report on the specific support roles social actors play to ACAs’ activities and operations. Through the conceptual lens of social accountability, evidence show that social actors play four key types of support roles to ACAs’ activities and operations: activate ACAs’ investigations; “amplify” ACAs’ operations; guard ACAs’ activities and operations; and defend ACAs’ independence and powers. These findings support the need for interactions and, also, affirm the potential for research into how these support roles can better be provided for effective anti‐corruption outcomes. The research is of value to public accountability agencies in Australia, and internationally.

Australian Journal of Public AdministrationVolume 78, Issue 1 p. 130-131 BOOK REVIEW AUSTRALIA'S METROPOLITAN IMPERATIVE. Richard Tomlinson, Marcus Spillar. Barbara Norman, Barbara Norman Chair of Urban & Regional Planning, Director Canberra Urban & Regional Futures, University of CanberraSearch for more papers by this author Barbara Norman, Barbara Norman Chair of Urban & Regional Planning, Director Canberra Urban & Regional Futures, University of CanberraSearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 March 2019 https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8500.12365Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Volume78, Issue1March 2019Pages 130-131 RelatedInformation

This paper provides an historical and cultural context, from a feminist perspective, of the Prepare, Stay and Defend or Leave Early bushfire safety policy in Australia. We examine the historical, cultural and political factors that have devalued and marginalized women's experience and knowledge of bushfire preparedness and response.