Abstract:
The Westminster system of government presupposes the existence of a relatively permanent
public service that offers independent and fearless advice to government ministers.
The stability of the public service in the Westminster system is intended. among other
things. to counterbalance the potential disruption to government function caused by changes in
ministers and governing parties. The introduction of contracts for senior managers in the
Australian public service in place of permanency has substantially changed the nature of govemment
in the direction of a' politicised public service. as in the American system, although the
impact of this fundamental change has not been widely acknowledged or recognised. There is
evidence that VET policy making and management of policy implementation has been considerably
affected by these changes. Drawing upon available evidence from a variety of sources, this
paper critically examines the changes to the system and the impact that these changes have had
upon the management of VET policy in Australia.
