Australia Fair?

Who advises politicians about the issues that impact our daily lives, and how has their advice changed over time?

In Australia Fair? authors James Walter and Carolyn Holbrook explore the world of departmental officials and political advisers who wield significant influence in shaping our society and assess how policy advice has changed since World War II. How has the relationship between our elected representatives and bureaucrats evolved? Have they delivered what the people want? What has been learned, and what forgotten?

Focusing on three foundational policy domains - immigration, Indigenous affairs and housing - Australia Fair? reveals how social change, ideological differences and power dynamics have transformed Australia's political landscape and society.

Provocative and important, Australia Fair? challenges us to reckon with a new era of policy innovation, to debate how we want to be governed and to choose what kind of society we want to be.

PRAISE

'In an era of performative politics Walter and Holbrook show that it is policies rather than personalities that shape the fortunes of Australian governments and parties.' Emeritus Professor Graeme Davison

'This much-needed book deals with the long-term trajectories of policy making and how we think about equity in Australia. Be prepared to change your view on who does what in Australia's corridors of power.'
Professor Jenny M Lewis