EP #108: The policymaking toolkit – part 1
Dr Trish Mercer, Andrew Tongue PSM and Fiona Barbaro PSM take us back to the essentials of policy-making – from understanding the political environment to creating a convincing narrative.
What do you need to know about the political environment to make good policy? And how do you create a narrative that gets people on board with your proposal?
In this first Work with Purpose episode in our two-part series on policymaking, host David Pembroke gets back to the basics of policy development, advice, and evaluation with Dr Trish Mercer from the Australian National University, experienced former public servant Andrew Tongue PSM, and Fiona Barbaro PSM from the ACT Government.
Together, they discuss how to get to know the government and minister you’re working for, why you need diversity of thought to create meaningful policies, the magic of a well-crafted narrative, and the crucial final tool that every policymaker needs: patience.
Discussed in this episode:
- Understanding a minister and the political environment
- Resilience and patience
- Using political theory as a guide
- Why diversity equals robustness
- Engaging your stakeholders to build trust and confidence
- Creating a convincing narrative
- Crafting concise advice for a minister
- Why making good policy takes time.
Show notes:
Guests:
Dr Trish Mercer
Dr Trish Mercer is a visiting fellow with the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG) at the Australian National University. Her diverse career in the Australian Public Service, with over 20 years at the senior executive level, spanned policy development and research, financial management, program implementation, community education and direct service delivery experience.
Andrew Tongue PSM
Andrew Tongue PSM, has a long and varied career in public administration. He has served as secretary of two departments in Victoria, including the premier’s department. Andrew joined the Australian Public Service in 1985 and has delivered major reforms across industry, social, national security and indigenous policy. Having worked across and in all spheres of government, Andrew brings unique insights and perspectives.
Fiona Barbaro PSM
Fiona Barbaro PSM is a senior executive in the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate. She has 25 years of experience in strategy, policy and program delivery in the ACT Public Service. Fiona was awarded a Public Service Medal for her leadership of the ACT’s COVID-19 vaccination rollout and holds degrees in arts, law and an executive master of public administration.