Think Tanks in Australia: Policy Contributions and Influence

Description

This book provides the most comprehensive study of the Australian think-tank industry to date. Drawing on empirical evidence, it first assesses the structure of the industry, the methods think tanks use to persuade policymakers, and public perceptions of their effectiveness. The book then proceeds to examine three unique policy cases to analyse think tank influence on policymaking. It argues that whilst think tanks play important roles in Australia’s policy process, their impacts vary depending on their approach and objectives. The book also demonstrates that policymakers with contrasting ideological orientations diverge in their assessments of the utility and influence of think tanks. It will appeal to students and scholars of public policy, and practitioners in public administration and governance.  Acknowledgements Praise for Think Tanks in Australia Contents List of Figures List of Tables 1 Think Tanks in Australia 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Think Tanks and Public Policy Influence 1.3 What We Know, and What We Do Not 1.4 Book Structure References 2 Understanding Think Tanks: A Global Endeavour 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Foundational International Literature 2.3 The Australian Literature 2.4 Core Concepts 2.4.1 Typologies 2.4.2 Theories The Elite Model The Pluralist Perspective Network Approaches References 3 Studying Australian Think Tanks 3.1 The Research Question 3.2 Influence Conceptualisations 3.3 Analytical Framework and Methodological Approach 3.3.1 Strand One: Document Analysis and Surveys Defining the Think Tank Population Survey Design 3.3.2 Strand Two: Semi-Structured Interviews 3.3.3 Strand Three: Case Study Analysis Case Study Structure Case Study Candidates Case Study Selection References 4 The State of the Industry 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Structural and Operational Diversity 4.2.1 Size and Focus 4.2.2 Independence 4.2.3 Geographical Distribution 4.2.4 Typologies 4.2.5 Ideological Persuasions 4.3 Financial Circumstances 4.3.1 Financial Context 4.3.2 Funding 4.4 Summary References 5 The Evolutionary Path and Comparative Perspectives 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Development Waves 5.2.1 Marsh and Stone’s (2004) Wave Framework 5.2.2 An Alternative Wave Framework 5.3 Development Constraints 5.4 Comparative Development: An International Perspective 5.5 Summary References 6 Influence Intentions 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Think Tank Objectives 6.3 Think Tank Target Audiences 6.4 Policy Cycle Engagement 6.5 Summary References 7 Influence Methods 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Idea Propagation 7.3 The Centrality of Research 7.4 Public Events and Seminars 7.5 Political Access 7.6 New Media 7.6.1 Social Media 7.6.2 Podcasts and Videos 7.7 Summary References 8 Influence Claims and Perceptions 8.1 Introduction 8.2 The Importance of Perceptions 8.3 Influence Evaluations 8.4 Think Tank Claims 8.5 Journalist Perceptions 8.6 Parliamentarian Perceptions 8.7 Summary References 9 The Centre for Independent Studies: NSW Child Protection and Adoption Laws 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Centre for Independent Studies: Background 9.3 Child Protection and Adoption in Australia 9.3.1 Issue Characteristics 9.3.2 Political Context Australia’s Historical Experience NSW Reforms 9.3.3 Actor Power 9.3.4 Ideas The CIS Argument Initial Engagements Evolutionary Ideas Issue Framing Adherents A Networked Approach? 9.4 Conclusions References 10 Grattan Institute: School Funding Reforms 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Grattan Institute: Background 10.3 School Funding in Australia 10.3.1 Issue Characteristics 10.3.2 Political Context The ‘Gonski Review’ ‘Turnbull Co-opts Gonski’ 10.3.3 Actor Power Government and Non-government Parties Non-government Organisations: The Anti-reformists Non-government Organisations: The Reformists Grattan Institute 10.3.4 Ideas Issue Framing 10.4 Conclusions References 11 Lowy Institute: Australia’s Diplomatic Deficit 11.1 Introduction 11.2 Lowy Institute: Background 11.3 Australia’s Overseas Representation 11.3.1 Issue Characteristics 11.3.2 Political Context 11.3.3 Actor Power 11.3.4 Ideas The Lowy Argument Issue Framing 11.4 Conclusion References 12 Influence Processes and Manifestations 12.1 Introduction 12.2 Divergent Styles, Methods, and Perceptions 12.3 Policy Capacity 12.4 Network and Policy Process Perspectives 12.5 Influence Manifestations References 13 Conclusions References Appendix A: Australia’s Think Tank Population Centrist Think Tanks Right-leaning Think Tanks Left-leaning Think Tanks Appendix B: Interview Participants Think Tank Interviewees Journalist Interviewees Parliamentarian Interviewees Other Interviewees Chapter Nine (CIS) Interviewees Chapter Ten (Grattan) Interviewees Chapter Eleven (Lowy) Interviewees Appendix C: Government Grants Appendix D: ‘Think-and-Do-Tanks’ Centre for Policy Development Beyond Zero Emissions Appendix E: Revolving Doors Revolving? or Just Swinging? Appendix F: Think Tank Comparative Metrics Reference Index