Politics & Governance / Domestic Politics / Political Reform & Transition

Why Australia's Policy System is Broken: Insiders Reveal the Truth

ANZSOG Public Lectures 2005-2006

Lynelle Briggs, Bob McMullan, Amanda Vanstone

In this eye-opening lecture series from the ANZSOG Public Lectures 2005-2006, top policymakers and former ministers—including Lynelle Briggs, Bob McMullan, and Amanda Vanstone—expose the hidden flaws in Australia's policy-making machine. From the collapse of public service expertise and the rigged budget honesty rules that favor incumbents, to the failure of Indigenous policy built on 'conspicuous compassion' rather than real results, these insiders don't hold back. You'll learn how Australia went from being one of the richest countries in the world to a laggard, why the system is stacked against real reform, and what it will take to fix it. This isn't dry academic theory—it's the raw, unfiltered perspective from the people who were in the room when decisions were made. If you care about how your country is actually run, this is a must-watch.