Policy decisionmaking models in practice: a case study of the Western Australian
Document Type
Journal Article
Publisher
Wiley
Faculty
Faculty of Regional Professional Studies
School
School of Regional Professional Studies CSESS
RAS ID
909
Abstract
While there is an extensive body of literature on a range of policy decisionmaking models, there is a lack of supporting case studies about the lived experiences of policymakers and the usefulness of various decisionmaking models in practice. This article examines two traditional models of decisionmaking, namely crisis theory and the rational comprehensive model, to assess their strengths and limitations in explaining the introduction of the controversial Western Australian Crime (Serious and Repeat Offenders) Sentencing Act 1992 and the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1992 (the “Sentencing Acts”). We argue that the “Sentencing Acts” cannot easily be reduced to, or explained through, a single policy analysis model, as significant aspects of policy remain hidden. Finally, we contend that to understand the emergence of the Sentencing Acts requires an approach that can account for the interconnection between structural, agenda-setting, and decisionmaking levels of analysis.
DOI
10.1111/j.1541-0072.2001.tb02074.x
Comments
O`Sullivan, D., Down, B.F. (2001). Policy decisionmaking models in practice: a case study of the Western Australia. Policy Studies Journal. 2(1), 56 - 70. Available here