Social Policy in Australia 2E guides students in understanding the meaning and operation of social policy in Australia. Taking a critical approach, and placing their analysis of social policy in an international context, the authors provide a framework for understanding the roles and relationships of the key players and institutions that influence the decision-making process. This authoritative, up-to-date text is written in light of the latest change in government and tackles the issues most relevant in recent times, including climate change and social justice.

Table of Contents

Part One: Introduction to Social Policy 1. What is Social Policy? Alison McClelland 2. Values, Concepts, and Social Policy Design Alison McClelland 3. A Framework for Understanding and Action Alison McClelland and Greg Marston 4. The Institutional Context for Decisions and Action Alison McClelland and Greg Marston Part Two: The Historical, International, and Changing Context for Action 5. The Historical Context for Action Paul Smyth 6. Australian Social Policy in an International Context Paul Smyth 7. Changes and Challenges Paul Smyth Part Three: Areas of Social Policy Action 8. Employment Policy: Unemployment and Labour Market Insecurity Stephen Bell and John Quiggin 9. Australian Social Security Policy: Doing More with Less? Stephen Ziguras 10. Housing Policy in Australia: Big Problems But Off the Agenda Tony Dalton 11. Health Policy in Australia: Mind the Growing Gaps Jenny M Lewis 12. Education, Training and Skills Jack Keating 13. Community Services: Challenges for the Twenty-First Century Deborah Brennan 14. Climate Change and Social Justice Janet Stanley 15. Taxation: Paying for Policy Alison McClelland and Rosanna Scutella