The Darwin Reconstruction Commission: public policy and sociological considerations

Abstract

The reconstruction of Darwin after its destruction by a tropical cyclone in December, 1974 represents the greatest single peace-time public works programme yet undertaken in Australia. The reconstruction programme was characterized by policy reversals, bureaucratic infighting and jealousies, and community outrage against the activities of planners and Big Government. This thesis adopts a two-stage approach to a study of this programme. In the first stage, an account of the activities of the Darwin Reconstruction Commission, 1975-1978 is provided and the policy outcomes analyzed. Stage II represents an attempt to extend this policy analysis by employing a social survey to gain a residents' assessment of the Commission and its activities. The thesis concludes with a consideration of the implications of the Stage II results for the analysis presented in the first section. Show more