We turn our gaze to the radical public sector changes that are in full swing in the United Kingdom and to consider what they could mean for Australia.

Essential Vision | Should We Fear a Big Society?

CPD’s recently released report, Big Society: How the UK Government is Dismantling the State and What it Means for Australia outlined the ways in which David Cameron’s Big Society policy has crippled certain state funded services in the UK. The policy has become a household term in the UK, and is debated and criticised among many in mainstream media, yet here in Australia the phrase is little heard of. CPD executive director Miriam Lyons warns of the … more

What would ‘Big Society’ mean for Australia?

Our first major report in CPD’s Public Service research program, The State of the Australian Public Service: An Alternative Report, analysed political commentary and media coverage that, at times, depicts the Australian Public Service as inefficient, large, costly and unwelcome in some aspects of our lives. Our research revealed the disconnect between this rhetoric, community attitudes and the reality of public service staffing, funding and functions. We now turn our gaze to the radical public … more

 

Public Service Discussion | 6pm, 29 May, Melbourne

CPD is always looking to engage with thinkers to expand our horizons, invite new ideas and communicate our research. Following the release of our forthcoming ‘Big Society’ report in late May, we will host an informal networking event in Melbourne for subscribers who share our interest in the public sector and its role in Australian society. The event, to be held in an inner city venue, will include a summary of the Big Society report, … more