Chapter 8 Public Sector Trends in Australia

Abstract

Purpose – This chapter looks fundamentally at public management reform in Australia since the early 1980s within an international context.

Design/Methodology/Approach – The approach of this chapter is historical and theoretical, tracing the change from traditional public administration to public management in one country.

Findings – It is principally concluded that, unlike the experience in many countries, public management reform has generally worked well in Australia. However, where to go next is more problematic. The society seems to have lost an appetite for further change, but the public services are still being pressured to deliver more and more efficiency a verity that is rather relentless.

Originality/Value – The majority of previous studies have been highly critical of public management reform. This study shows that in a specific context real reform can be delivered.

Citation

Hughes, O.E. (2012), "Chapter 8 Public Sector Trends in Australia", Diamond, J. and Liddle, J. (Ed.) Emerging and Potential Trends in Public Management: An Age of Austerity (Critical Perspectives on International Public Sector Management, Vol. 1), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 173-193. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2045-7944(2012)0000001011