ISSN:0313-6647    

DOI:10.1111/j.1467-8500.1992.tb01449.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1992

数据来源: WILEY

ISSN:0313-6647    

DOI:10.1111/j.1467-8500.1992.tb01450.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1992

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Abstract:This article focuses on the divergence between the principle and the reality of program budgeting. The principle is that program budgeting is based on the “output” classification of expenditure. In reality, however, program budgets are more like hybrids between the organisational and functional classifications of expenditure. The reasons for this divergence between principle and reality are analysed by examining the costs and benefits of the output classification of expenditure, contrasted to organisational/functional classification, for the key purposes of budgeting—namely control, estimation and expenditure review and appraisal.It is concluded that, although the output classification of expenditure offers significant benefits from the standpoint of expenditure review and appraisal, it is inferior to the organisational/functional classification from a cost benefit point of view. This is essentially because of the very substantial costs of obtaining reliable information on actual expenditure in terms of output categories, relative to the lower costs of obtaining organisational/functional information.With respect to the other purposes of budgeting, two conclusions are drawn. First, output categories are much less suited to the estimation of forward expenditure than are organisational/functional categories. Second, the use of output categories for control (i.e. expenditure instruction) purposes is inappropriate, principally because it is unnecessary and creates unwarranted expenditure inflexibilities. It is argued, however, that this deficiency of the output categories for control purposes is a reflection of the general inappropriateness of prescriptive program budgets (whether based on output or organisationa/functional catego

ISSN:0313-6647    

DOI:10.1111/j.1467-8500.1992.tb01451.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1992

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Abstract:This paper outlines the place of performance evaluation in the recent administrative reforms and, in that context, assesses the changes made for the 1991–92 Program Performance Statements. The changes constitute a concerted attempt to improve the system of program evaluation throughout the Australian Public Service. Coherent and logical, they are based on a model of governance that seeks to establish a definitive demarcation between policy and administration, and hence confirm traditional notions of ministerial accountability. Analysis of these changes from a parliamentary perspective suggests that, unless there are serious reforms introduced into parliament, there is an increased likelihood that the monitoring of the bureaucratic machinery of government will become inadequat

ISSN:0313-6647    

DOI:10.1111/j.1467-8500.1992.tb01452.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1992

数据来源: WILEY

ISSN:0313-6647    

DOI:10.1111/j.1467-8500.1992.tb01453.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1992

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Abstract:Two forms of regulatory policy design—“cooperative” and “deterrent” designs—are considered in the context of intergovernmental regulation of floodplains. Both types of design entail efforts by higher‐level governments to induce local‐level regulatory efforts. However, the approaches differ in terms of their underlying philosophies and in the extent to which they address local regulatory commitment and capacity. The contrast between the United States and New South Wales policies, and changes over time in the New South Wales policy, illustrate key points about the two types of policy design. The broader significance of this discussion concerns lessons for intergovernmental regulator

ISSN:0313-6647    

DOI:10.1111/j.1467-8500.1992.tb01454.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1992

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Abstract:This article argues that direct commonwealth involvement in road funding and road policy has benefited the states and local government. Although inefficiencies and friction are evident as a result of joint funding, the benefits of multiple accountability outweigh the costs. A competitive dynamic underlies the involvement of all three levels of government, producing outcomes that no single government dominates, but which reflect in part the responses of each to their respective constituencies. The commonwealth has been driven to more intrusive forms of intervention as existing controls failed to achieve the commonwealth's objectives, and to expanding its financial contributions to counter the diversion of funds by state governments. Its commitment to funding the road program is likely to be highest when its specific purpose grants can be identified closely with the provision of roads in particular regions and localities. In sum, joint funding of the road program produces a system that is responsive to competing conceptions and interests, and the commonwealth's “voluntary vacancy” from all but “national” roads is on balance likely to be detrimental to the

ISSN:0313-6647    

DOI:10.1111/j.1467-8500.1992.tb01455.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1992

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Abstract:This paper examines the current endeavours to render the Australian economy more economically efficient. While the case for microeconomic reform is clear in economic theory, Australian public policy analysts are less sanguine about the possibilities for its long‐term success. This paper seeks to develop the parameters of a simple general model to explain both why microeconomic reform proposals are dominant today on the Australian policy agenda and, more importantly, what the conditions are for their success or failure. This general model provides a framework that will allow further elaboration in case studies of particular episodes of microeconomic reform.The paper concludes pessimistically; micro‐economic reform has been subsumed into the normal political agenda contests of Australian party politics. The pressures of such “politics” inclines Australian reforming towards incrementalism, rather than the Simon‐style rationalism implicit from micro‐economics. This mode of policy implementation will inhibit microeconomic reform in the

ISSN:0313-6647    

DOI:10.1111/j.1467-8500.1992.tb01456.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1992

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

SummaryHasluck is unusual in the lengths he went to the define the responsibilities of the various offices in which he was involved. Many of the functions and processes of government have changed since Hasluck was an active participant in the political process. Interest groups have increasingly influenced political decision‐making, organisations external to the public service now play a greater role in influencing the development of public policy, the operation of a number of areas of the public service has become more visible and open to external scrutiny, there has been a constant trend towards political appointments within the public service, and it appears unlikely that the emphasis on public relations and marketing techniques as an integral feature of government communication will diminish. Likewise, the demands on ministers' time have increased and, while it is questionable whether ministers now handle a larger ministerial workload than Hasluck did, it is doubtful whether very many then or since have had his capacity for hard work or for handing the matters which cross their desk without the support of a professional advisory staff.The functions and operations of government evolve and the adaptation of roles and functions may not necessarily weaken the effectiveness of government administration. However, the fundamental tenet of Hasluck's writings on the roles of government remains compelling: the participants in the various areas of government should have an appreciation of the constitutional responsibilities of their position, its relationship to other areas of government and the fundamental principles which are required to maintain the credentials of the office into the futur

ISSN:0313-6647    

DOI:10.1111/j.1467-8500.1992.tb01457.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1992

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Abstract:In its broadest sense, this paper is about public and corporate accountability in Australia. In its narrowest sense, it examines the implications for senior public officers of the trial of Tony Lloyd in Western Australia. Lloyd was convicted in 1991 of acting improperly in his capacity as a director of Western Colleries Ltd during one of the last attempted rescues of Rothwells Ltd by the state government and the Bond Corporation in 1988. He successfully appealed, not against the conviction, but against the two‐year sentence of imprisonment. The comments of the three judges of the Supreme Court are directly relevant to contemporary interpretations of the roles and relationships between business and government, and between public servants, government advisers and company directors.The first section of the paper examines obligations and constraints imposed on individuals who have public duties, and how these are currently being interpreted in Western Australia. It refers to the uncertainties and imprecision which have developed in understandings of private and political interests, company and public duties, in both convention and the law. This discussion is the background for the detailed analysis which follows of the Lloyd case and its implications for Australian public servant

ISSN:0313-6647    

DOI:10.1111/j.1467-8500.1992.tb01458.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1992

数据来源: WILEY