Psmp Unit 1 - Reading Report - Federalism
Purpose:
To inform the reader by outliningthe dialogue that took place at the ASSA/IPAA Federalism Rountable in May, 2007.Wanna summarises discussions on the:
- historical trajectory and present characteristics of Australian federalism;
- perceived shortcomings and challenges surrounding ourcurrent system of government;
- relevance of federalism both from an increasingly globalised national perspective and within a nation of small population and relative cultural homogeny; and
- various suggestions from those present to bring aboutreform. (77)
Argument/Findings
The Paper articulates the collective findings of those present at the Roundtable. Wanna makes comment on some main themes that emanated e.g.whilst considerable faith was placed in a clearer demarcation of governmental roles and responsibilities to address federalism’s perceived current ‘malaise’, Wanna notes there was nothing put forward to firmly support this assumption and consequentlyquestions the true worth of articulating and clarifying roles and responsibilities.
The Paper highlightsthe Roundtable’s observationthat numerous federal nationshave tended towards centralisation in recent times, coupled with declines in regional and localised identity; it predicted a gravitation of national issues to the Commonwealth level and a shift of regional and service delivery issues towards State governments over the next 20 years.
There was consensus that greater trust, ‘strategic pragmatism’ and improved intergovernmental relations were needed to reform federalism and provide enhanced policy outcomes for the Australian community. (149)
Evidence
The Paper provides a firsthand summary of discussion, findings and suggestions from a Roundtable of politicians, senior state and federal public servants, and academics, supported by background information papers from credible sources. (32)
Observations
- The Paper is a record of a collective discussion, notan argumentative essay. The does not, nor does
To inform the reader by outliningthe dialogue that took place at the ASSA/IPAA Federalism Rountable in May, 2007.Wanna summarises discussions on the:
- historical trajectory and present characteristics of Australian federalism;
- perceived shortcomings and challenges surrounding ourcurrent system of government;
- relevance of federalism both from an increasingly globalised national perspective and within a nation of small population and relative cultural homogeny; and
- various suggestions from those present to bring aboutreform. (77)
Argument/Findings
The Paper articulates the collective findings of those present at the Roundtable. Wanna makes comment on some main themes that emanated e.g.whilst considerable faith was placed in a clearer demarcation of governmental roles and responsibilities to address federalism’s perceived current ‘malaise’, Wanna notes there was nothing put forward to firmly support this assumption and consequentlyquestions the true worth of articulating and clarifying roles and responsibilities.
The Paper highlightsthe Roundtable’s observationthat numerous federal nationshave tended towards centralisation in recent times, coupled with declines in regional and localised identity; it predicted a gravitation of national issues to the Commonwealth level and a shift of regional and service delivery issues towards State governments over the next 20 years.
There was consensus that greater trust, ‘strategic pragmatism’ and improved intergovernmental relations were needed to reform federalism and provide enhanced policy outcomes for the Australian community. (149)
Evidence
The Paper provides a firsthand summary of discussion, findings and suggestions from a Roundtable of politicians, senior state and federal public servants, and academics, supported by background information papers from credible sources. (32)
Observations
- The Paper is a record of a collective discussion, notan argumentative essay. The does not, nor does