What is public policy?
Public policy is the backbone of many meaningful changes that occur in society. Without it, we would lack solutions to the problems that affect us all. These policies are designed to improve life on a national level but also at a smaller scale, impacting specific groups and communities.
The process involved with implementing such significant changes is arduous, and it’s an exercise that takes time, effort and a number of skilled professionals to achieve. But even when all the steps are followed in the proper order, a successful outcome is not always guaranteed.
To gain a better understanding of how our government creates and implements the policies that shape the world we live in, we need to dive deeper. More specifically, we need to unearth what makes public policy effective. We’ll explore what public policy is, why policy is needed and the criteria for its success.
Defining public policy
Public policy is a combination of laws, funding priorities, actions, behaviours and plans that a government entity has adopted. The policies are in place to address a specific problem. Ideally, within the policy is a framework in which the related entities and their representatives can make decisions by following a predetermined approach.
The goal of most public policies is to provide solutions to problems so that citizens can have a better quality of life. These policies must be implemented without causing major political upset or adverse reactions from the public, which is why achieving implementation can be as tricky as it sounds.
In Australia, there have been many successful and unsuccessful attempts at public policy. They have been as headline-grabbing as the response to the COVID-19 pandemic or gun control policy changes introduced in the ‘90s. However, there are also lesser-discussed policies that are vital to the functioning of society, such as the roads we drive on or the public education standards our children are taught at.
How is public policy made?
Public policy is realised through a comprehensive process, which usually follows the same general course regardless of the issue it discusses. A policy is a document that consists of plans, courses of action, resources, financial information, laws and legislation – all working together to help implement it – so it requires careful planning.
Many players are required to take a policy from its initial problem-identifying and solution design stages through to implementation and evaluation. This is a general outline of the steps for a brief understanding of the public policy process.
There are several key elements to good public policy, including:
- Identifying the problem
- Asking for expert input
- Consulting and coordinating with stakeholders
- Determining the capacity to deliver
- Acceptance from stakeholders
- Implementation
- Evaluating the policy
Why do we need public policy?
The broader aim of public policy is to offer a solution to a problem and it achieves this by using a combination of laws, funding, plans and resources. On a more unambiguous level, however, there are specific reasons why we need public policy.
Ben Freyens is an associate professor and head of the School of Politics, Economics and Society at the University of Canberra, with a research background in public policy. According to Dr Freyens, there are a handful of reasons society relies on public policy.
- Imperfection of markets. ‘We live in a market economy where most resource allocation decisions are left to the market and driven by supply and demand. Markets are far from perfect, so we need the government to do its part,’ says Dr Freyens.
- Provide essential goods and services. Public policy can help the government to fill in the gaps. It helps them to identify where they’re needed to provide goods and services that might not be provided by others, like healthcare and education. This includes those that are already provided but done insufficiently.
- Keeping costs down. The policies also help to keep the cost of living down for everyone. ‘We need the government to provide essential goods and services to society so that they aren’t exchanged through markets. Without it, the markets and players would be left to their own devices, making everything too expensive,’ DrFreyens says.
- Correcting larger issues. Public policy can also allow the government to correct issues caused by markets. These include social and environmental problems like excessive air and water pollution. Sometimes, the only option is for the government to step in and act.
Frequently asked questions about public policy
Are legislation and policy the same thing?
The biggest misconception about public policy is that it is legislation. Although the law and legislation impact public policy, they are not the same thing.
Legislation refers to laws made by Commonwealth, State or Territory parliaments. Policymakers rely on this legislation and legislative advice from experts to decide how the policy should be implemented.
Is government policy law?
Public policy is also sometimes confused with law, although, again, they are different things.
A law is an enforceable rule that aims to regulate behaviour. Public policy is more like a document that encompasses many laws, legislations, plans, actions and other things to move forward with change.
There may be times when a public policy leads to the creation of a new law, but it is not the written policy alone that creates the rule. Otherwise, a public policy might discuss existing laws and use them to solidify the need for or legitimacy of the plan.
What is the difference between policy and procedure?
A policy is not a procedure and vice versa. A policy sets parameters for decision-making and looks at how something could be done, usually with a broader focus. A procedure has a stricter definition of how something must be done and will contain specific steps that must be taken. A public policy may include procedures within it to help clarify certain elements.
Is public policy linked to human rights?
While human rights are linked to public policy, they are not the same. Human rights recognise that everyone must be treated fairly and equally and afforded the same freedoms. This includes civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.
The Australian Human Rights Commission’s role is to monitor how the Australian Government meets the international human rights conditions set out by the United Nations. This includes new and existing government policies, programs and national laws.
Policymakers must consider the human rights perspective when planning a new policy and ensure they are promoting respect for these rights. Although it’s essential in government and non-government policies, it’s especially crucial in the public sector. Because of this, the public policy sector would benefit from employing more people with a background in human rights and law.
Should I study public policy?
Public policy is at the heart of most of the government's decisions, whether it’s focused on public health or climate change. The professionals who drive these policies must be experienced and knowledgeable enough to ensure that the policies achieve their desired results.
After seeing the steps involved with the policy process, you can better understand the need for dedicated people who can see them through. So, why study public policy?
Dr Freyens believes that the public policy career path is suited to people who want to make a genuine difference. Those who are passionate about delivering change where and when it’s needed.
‘It’s about making a difference to the country at large and specific communities or pockets in the country. You have to be interested in the problems that generate the need for policy intervention in the first place. If you are passionate about that, then you would be interested in what public policy offers.’
According to the National Skills Commission’s Labour Market Insights, the need for Policy and Planning Managers is experiencing moderate growth. They estimate a 5.7 per cent growth until 2026, indicating the need for more skilled professionals in this area.
What can you learn in a public policy degree from the University of Canberra?
The Master of Public Policy at the University of Canberra is a 100% online course that prepares you for a career in designing, implementing and assessing public policies. Nested within the course is the Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and either the Graduate Certificate in Policy Evaluation or Graduate Certificate in Public Policy.
The public policy postgraduate degree comprises 12 units that each run for seven weeks. The course can be completed online in a minimum of two years and there are six intakes a year to begin your studies. This allows you to fast-track your career and start working directly with the public policy sector sooner.
If you’re interested in learning about what you study in public policy, these are just some of the units offered when you complete the course at the University of Canberra:
- Foundations of Public Policy
- Co-Design and Deliberative Engagement
- Evidenced-Based Policy Analysis
- Public Policy Research Project
- Leadership, Risk and Managing Change
To help you stay ahead of emerging industry trends, UC Online also offers a subject of Data Analytics in which students can learn key methods of harnessing data and the value of using these insights to inform policy.
Drive the change Australia needs
The University of Canberra’s online Master of Public Policy is the best pathway toward a career in public policy and a meaningful vocation that can make a genuine difference. You’ll graduate with the critical skills needed to plan, design, implement and evaluate the policies that shape our country’s future.
If you want to learn more about how to study public policy with the Master of Public Policy at the University of Canberra, speak to one of our Student Enrolment Advisers. They can help you with course delivery, eligibility, upcoming intakes and more.
You can also apply today.
