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Book
Australia and the New Technologies: Towards Evidence Based Policy in Public Administration
(2008)
  • K. Michael, University of Wollongong
  • M. G. Michael, University of Wollongong
Abstract

This workshop addresses the application of evidence based policy in public administration. It specifically focuses on the issue of new technologies in the form of product and process innovations rolled out in Australia since major international events (e.g. Sept 11, Boxing Day Tsunami, Avian Flu outbreak). These product and process innovations introduced for the ‘common good’ are usually mandated by government agencies, designed and implemented by private business, and obligatorily adopted by citizens in the name of national security. The workshop investigates how information is gathered, processed and disseminated to provide evidence toward policy making. What qualitative and quantitative methods are used to make public administration decisions; how stakeholders are engaged and brought into the wider debate; how legislation is introduced and its effect; what ethical considerations are made prior to implementation of mass market information technologies; and the importance of maintaining the rights of citizens. The workshop brings together academics and practitioners from multiple disciplines including law, information technology, sociology, ethics, policy, medical, business, accounting and economics. The workshop included papers by Professor of Medicine Chris Del Mar (keynote), Associate Professor of Counter-Terrorism Nicholas O’Brien, Professor of Transport Systems Marcus Wigan, Executive Director of Cyberspace Law and Policy Centre David Vaile, Professor of Social Planning The Third Workshop on the Social Implications of National Security Rob Watts. Other professionals presenting included Professor Roger Clarke Principal of Xamax Consultancy, Mr Rob Nicholls and Ms Michelle Rowland with Gilbert + Tobin, Dr Lucy Resnyansky a research scientist with the Defence Science and Technology Office, Mr Mark Loves of the Centre for Transnational Crime Prevention, Mr Nigel Phair Principal of eSecurity Consulting, and Ms Suzanne Lockhart CEO of Biometric Consulting Group.

Keywords
  • Evidence Based Policy,
  • National Security,
  • Social Implications,
  • Information and Communication Technologies
Disciplines
Publication Date
July 23, 2008
Editor
Katina Michael and MG Michael
Publisher
University of Wollongong
Series
The Social Implications of National Security
ISBN
978-1-74128-151-4
Publisher Statement
All rights reserved. Other than abstracts, no part of this publication may be produced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher makes no representation or warranty regarding the accuracy, timeliness, suitability or any other aspect of the information contained in this book and cannot accept any legal responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions that may be made.
Citation Information
K. Michael and M. G. Michael. Australia and the New Technologies: Towards Evidence Based Policy in Public Administration. 1Wollongong, AustraliaVol. 3 (2008)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/kmichael/93/