The determinants of public policy : with reference to environmental impact assessment policy in Australia
Date
1984
Authors
Formby, John R.
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Abstract
This thesis seeks a better understanding of the determinants of public policy. An approach is
proposed which recognises that society is an interconnected whole, and which therefore seeks to
explain policy in terms of the overall context in which it takes place. Several broad propositions
derived from such an approach are suggested which the thesis seeks to verify.
Part One, based on the literature, defines an inclusive framework of categories of
policy-influential variables, and examines the influence on public policy of each of these
categories. It concludes by summarising a pattern of influential variables which, it is argued, is
broadly similar in Western industrial countries, and plays a major part in explaining the nature
and continuity of such societies and the characteristic policies which they pursue.
Part Two, using the framework defined in Part One, tests and refines the preceding analysis by
examining some cases of environmental impact assessment (EIA) and public policy in Australia. The
Commonwealth government's overall implementation of its EIA legislation is reviewed, followed by
case studies of policy determinants in relation to the planning and EIA of the formerly proposed
new urban development of Monarto in South Australia, and Australia's uranium mining and export
policy and the Ranger Inquiry.
The final chapter draws on both Parts One and Two to examine the propositions advanced in Part One.
In terms of these propositions it is concluded that an understanding of the effects of the factors often described as forming the environment of policy making, although sometimes neglected in
favour of more proximate policy influences, is essential in explaining public policy, and that such
adopted of the kind used in this thesis, which seeks explanation among the patterns of interaction
between many variables.
It is shown that a predominant pattern of relationships between major policy-influential variables
exists which is important in determining the character of Australian society and its policies. The
components of this pattern are described, and they are shown to have mutually reinforcing
tendencies which lead to strong resistance to change which runs counter to their prevailing
characteristics. These
conclusions are applied to explain the course of EIA policy in Australia.
factors do not merely set broad limits on policy, but have more immediate and specific effects on
particular policies.
The wide range of variables which affect public policy and their highly interrelated nature is
demonstrated, and it is therefore concluded that in explaining the determinants of public policy
partial or monodisciplinary analysis should be avoided, and an approach should be
adopted of the kind used in this thesis, which seeks explanation among the patterns of interaction
between many variables.
It is shown that a predominant pattern of relationships between major policy-influential variables
exists which is important in determining the character of Australian society and its policies. The
components of this pattern are described, and they are shown to have mutually reinforcing
tendencies which lead to strong resistance to change which runs counter to their prevailing
characteristics. These
conclusions are applied to explain the course of EIA policy in Australia.
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