Australian Local Government Economics

Australian Local Government Economics
Author: Brian Dollery
Publisher: UNSW Press
Total Pages: 340
Release: 2006
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 9780868407517

The increasing complexities of Australian local government place onerous demands on municipal managers and oblige them to continually upgrade their skills. This book examines the economic environment of contemporary local governance.

Local Government in Australia

Local Government in Australia
Author: Bligh Grant
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 456
Release: 2017-03-06
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 9811038678

This book offers a general introduction to and analysis of the history, theory and public policy of Australian local government systems. Conceived in an international comparative context and primarily from within the discipline of political studies, it also incorporates elements of economics and public administration. Existing research tends to conceptualise Australian local government as an element of public policy grounded in an 'administrative science' approach. A feature of this approach is that generally normative considerations form only a latent element of the discussions, which is invariably anchored in debates about institutional design rather than the normative defensibility of local government. The book addresses this point by providing an account of the terrain of theoretical debate alongside salient themes in public policy.

Perspectives on Australian Local Government Reform

Perspectives on Australian Local Government Reform
Author: Brian Dollery
Publisher:
Total Pages: 191
Release: 2015
Genre: Law
ISBN: 9781862879850

Perspectives on Australian Local Government Reform draws upon the insights and expertise of an extraordinary group of contributors, drawn from practitioners with extensive and exceptional hands-on experience in local government, as well as scholars of Australian local government.

Local Government Budget Stabilization

Local Government Budget Stabilization
Author: Yilin Hou
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 209
Release: 2015-05-28
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 331915186X

This book is the first comprehensive, full-scale treatment of the politics, law, and economics with regard to the policies and policy instruments for budget stabilization at the local level. It examines budget stabilization in the United States from the 1910s to 2010 (from adoption of public budgeting in this country through the Great Recession). In addition, it provides details on the methods and results of empirical tests of the effects of budget stabilization instruments on government operations, key/basic services provision, and some other aspects of social and economic life at the local level, including full-purpose governments (county, metro city, municipality, township, and village) as well as special (single-) purpose governments (like school districts and transportation districts). This book dissects an important and pressing issue in public financial administration, analyzes a lesson that has been in the learning process, especially in the United States, and identifies theoretical threads for scholarly refinement, which will be put into specific contexts of policy design and implementation. This book will be of interest to scholars in political science, economics, public choice and in public administration, where it will also appeal to policy-makers.

Divided we Fall: An Insider’s Perspective on Local Government Amalgamations

Divided we Fall: An Insider’s Perspective on Local Government Amalgamations
Author: Dr Ian Tiley
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
Total Pages: 259
Release: 2012-12-11
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 1479738972

Recent Australian local government structural reform has manifested as council amalgamations and predominantly as imposed merger processes. This book examines council amalgamations across Australia over the past two decades and uncovers the case of council amalgamation in the NSW Clarence Valley Council (CVC) since 2004. The case of forced amalgamation of four general-purpose and two county councils could have been a recipe for chaos; instead this book describes the gains and the challenges. Writing from deep seated knowledge of local government this book details the net positive economic outcomes and financial benefits against measurable indicators and describes the impacts on local democracy. Based on detailed research, this long term local government ‘insider’ perspective will be of value to all those interested in driving change through local government reform.

The Theory and Practice of Local Government Reform

The Theory and Practice of Local Government Reform
Author: Brian Dollery
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
Total Pages: 336
Release: 2008-01-01
Genre: Law
ISBN: 9781781956687

'Structural reform has been one of the most important, and yet one of the most neglected, aspects of modern local government. This book represents the first attempt, since the early seventies, at providing a comprehensive account of both the theory and practice of structural reform in local government in developed countries. Using recent policy experience from seven different countries, the authors present seminal theoretical perspectives on structural reforms in local governance and the policy implications deriving from them. Written by well-known scholars of local government from around the world, this volume is a "must-read" for all academics, practitioners, students and policymakers.' - Giorgio Brosio, University of Turin, Italy

Local Governance, Economic Development and Institutions

Local Governance, Economic Development and Institutions
Author: G. Gomez
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 347
Release: 2016-04-08
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1137557591

'Development' is what most people see as progress in the places where they live and in the ways they live. It has to do with public services, the ways to complain when these are not delivered properly, and the spaces to change power structures. It is related to the economy, the opportunities to access a secure job, a sustainable livelihood and increased welfare while caring for the planet and others. It is also linked to the institutions that allow people to live life well, using resources ethically and doing business responsibly in relation to other communities and future generations. This edited collection examines the interconnections between local governance, economic development and institutions, by focusing on what initiatives work and under what conditions they do so. Based on a variety of theories and empirical data, it presents evidence from current experiences around the world, revealed by researchers across different continents and several generations.

Policy Analysis in Australia

Policy Analysis in Australia
Author: Head, Brian
Publisher: Policy Press
Total Pages: 336
Release: 2018-03-01
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 1447347498

Policy Analysis in Australia offers a distinctly Australian interpretation of policy scholarship with eighteen chapters strongly reflecting the outstanding contributions of Australian scholars to the field of public policy. It provides a coherent overview of the strengths and opportunities for policy analysis in Australia. It recognises that government agencies are no longer regarded as the sole source of sound policy analysis, and takes a broad view of policy analysis capacity, both within institutions at all levels of government, and beyond government in the media, political parties, business, and non-government associations. It provides a valuable contribution to Australian scholarship about policy analysis in academic, professional, teaching and learning contexts, and is a key addition to research and teaching in comparative policy analysis and policy studies more generally.

The Challenge of Local Government Size

The Challenge of Local Government Size
Author: Santiago Lago-Peñas
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
Total Pages: 305
Release: 2013-07-01
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 1782544305

In the efficient delivery of local public services, size matters. Many countries around the world have vertical government structures that are perceived as inefficient because of their high levels of jurisdictional fragmentation. This timely volume examines the different strategies used to address local government fragmentation and their observed results and consequences. Expert contributors in economics and political science offer a comprehensive breakdown of the issue of local jurisdiction fragmentation and provide recommendations for successful policy reform. Topics discussed include economies of scale, the costs and benefits of voluntary and forced amalgamation programs, the correlation between government size and corruption, privatization, and inter-municipal cooperation. A combination of theory and empirical evidence provides depth and makes this book an invaluable addition to the literature. Economists, public administrators and political scientists will find much of interest in this innovative volume, as will professors, students and international institutions with an interest in local government structure and reform.

Theoretical Foundations and Discussions on the Reformation Process in Local Governments

Theoretical Foundations and Discussions on the Reformation Process in Local Governments
Author: Sadioglu, Ugur
Publisher: IGI Global
Total Pages: 588
Release: 2016-06-01
Genre: Law
ISBN: 1522503188

Local government can be defined as a public entity acting as the sub-unit of a state or of a region, charged with the task of enforcing public policies. There have been many reforms of local government in recent years from the grassroots-led movement that took root in the 90’s to the overarching effects of globalization and decentralization. Local governments must adapt their practices in order to most effectively provide for their constituents. Theoretical Foundations and Discussions on the Reformation Process in Local Government addresses the effects of recent reforms in the political-administrative system of local governments and politics as well as future outlooks. It reviews the challenges, innovations, and lessons from local governments while providing theoretical perspectives on methods for positive reform. This book is a critical reference source for policy makers, government organizations, professionals, and actors in both local and international politics.