Book launch: Local Government in Australia
Join us for the launch of Dr Bligh Grant's and Dr Joseph Drew's new book, Local Government in Australia: History, Theory and Public Policy.
Join us for the launch of Dr Bligh Grant's and Dr Joseph Drew's new book, Local Government in Australia: History, Theory and Public Policy.
Professor The Hon Bob Carr, Director of the Australia-China Relations Institute (ACRI) will launch the book.
This is the first comprehensive book examining local government in the Australian federation for several decades. It is written from the perspective of political studies, incorporating elements of economics and public administration. In 12 chapters, it covers four broad topics.
First, it provides a history of local government in Australia in the individual colonies and states, and traces federal government engagement with local government, from the drafting of the Constitution of Australia through to the 21st century as an element of regional policy.
Second, it outlines theories of local government grounded in philosophy, economics and politicals.
Third, a range of policy issues – state-local relations (sovereignty; autonomy), community and community engagement, finance, leadership, governance, amalgamations and the global city thesis – are examined in comparative perspective.
Fourth, it canvasses the future of local government in Australia.