Why policy frustration is hard to avoid in multi-governance systems.

Abstract

Big plans for water reform are a common feature of contemporary politics. The European Union’s Water Framework Directive, the South African Government’s National Water Management Strategy and the Australian Government’s Murray-Darling Basin Plan are typical examples. Almost invariably, however, the aims of these plans are only partially realised. It can be argued that surprise at such disappointments is the result of not understanding the policy process. In most cases policy initiatives are implemented by creating new organisations backed by substantial funds. They rarely abolish the creations of earlier government policies which often continue on in various guises. Clearing the decks of previous policies is a difficult process because significant stakeholder groups have often developed around them. The eventual fate of any new initiative is hard to predict. Even if it dominates the rhetorical public space, it is just one of the contenders in the policy process and just the latest participant to join the ongoing bar room brawl known as water politics. Show more