Effects of changes to the Australian public service upon VET policy formulation and implementation

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.