Social Policy in Australia Understanding for Action

Social Policy in Australia 3rd edition guides students in understanding the meaning and operation of social policy in Australia. Taking a critical approach, and placing their analysis of social policy in an international context, the authors provide a framework for understanding the roles and relationships of the key players and institutions that influence the decision-making process.

This authoritative, up to date text is written in light of the latest change in government and tackles the issues most relevant in recent times, including climate change and social justice. It includes a new chapter on 'Population: An Ever-present Policy Issue' and completely re-written chapters on 'Education Policy: Issues, Debates and Opportunities in Australian Schooling', and 'Housing Policy: Change and Prospects'.

Alison McClelland - a Commissioner with the Productivity Commission. She has previously held senior positions in government, academia and the community sector.

Paul Smyth - Professor of Social Policy, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Melbourne.

Part 1: Introduction to Social Policy
1. What is Social Policy?
2. Values, Concepts and Social Policy Design
3. A Framework for Understanding and Action
4. The Institutional Context for Decisions and Action
Part 2: The Historical, International and Changing Context for Action
5. The Historical Context for Action
6. Australian Social Policy in an International Context
7. Changes and Challenges
Part 3: Areas for Social Policy Action
8. Population: An Ever-present Policy Issue
9. Unemployment Policy: Unemployment, Underemployment and Labour Market Insecurity
10. Social Security Policy: Doing More with Less?
11. Housing Policy: Big Problems but Well Down the Agenda
12. Health Policy: Change and Continuity
13. Education Policy: Issues, Debates and Opportunities in Australian Schooling
14. Community Services: Challenges for the Twenty-first Century
15. Climate Change: A New Challenge for Social Policy
16. Taxation: Paying for Policy