Public policy permeates every aspect of our lives. It is the stuff of government, justifying taxes, driving legislation, and shaping our social services. Public policy gives us roads, railways and airports, emergency services, industry development, and natural resource management. While politicians make the decisions, public servants provide analysis and support for those choices. Drawing on their extensive practical experience, the authors outline the processes used in making public policy. They systematically explain the relationships between political decision-makers, public service advisers, other community participants, and those charged with implementing the programs that result. The sixth edition of this widely used introduction is fully updated, and includes new material on the professionalisation of politicians, the role of opposition members, loss of corporate memory in the public service, addressing systemic policy failure, nudge economics and the impact of social media and the sharing economy on policy making and government.

Catherine Althaus is Associate Professor in the School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Melbourne and ANZSOG Associate Dean (Academic). Peter Bridgman is a barrister and former consultant specializing in public policy, governance and integrity, and has worked within and for governments in Australia and internationally. Professor Glyn Davis AC is a former Director General of the Department of Premier and Cabinet in Queensland, Professor Davis was Foundation Chair of ANZSOG. He is Vice Chancellor at the University of Melbourne.