At the Melbourne School of Government, our research examines the implications of economic, legal, social, political and cultural trends for the content and conduct of public policy. We’re proud to offer a research program that aims to improve the design, development and impact of public policy both nationally and internationally.
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Regulation and Design
Governance and regulatory frameworks have an ever-increasing impact on the delivery of effective government. No longer the exclusive domain of public officials, the expansion of these functions to community organisations, corporations and industry associations has fueled the need for a greater understanding in this space.
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Renewing Democracy
Liberal democracy is facing challenges worldwide, as populism, illiberalism, and authoritarianism gains ground and citizens are increasingly disconnected and disenchanted. Our globally leading research explores how public and private actors can and should respond, and the implications for how we think about issues such as political trust, civil liberties, meaningful representation, and alternative forms of governance and engagement in public life.
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Troubling Policy
The School fosters world-leading expertise in a number of key policy domains relevant to government. We focus on fields that draw on our interdisciplinary knowledge and have significant value to public sector leaders. In doing this, we critically examine issues that have troubled policymakers and require multifaceted policy solutions.
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Social Procurement
Social procurement policies and initiatives are on the increase across all levels of government in Australia. As our government departments and agencies are the largest purchasers of goods, services and construction projects in Australia, the potential for public expenditure to improve social and economic outcomes through social procurement is extremely significant.
Governing During Crises
How does government respond to crises? We are developing understanding of governance in the face of different types of crisis, at a time when Australia has recently faced the bushfire crisis, is currently addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, and faces challenges including climate change.
A Fair Day's Work
Young people in Australia are especially vulnerable to wage theft. To address the disadvantage wage theft causes, the Melbourne School of Government has proposed a multi-pronged approach that aims to first and foremost, support young people at risk of wage theft, while also providing data for regulators, policymakers and business to drive system change.
Information for researchers
The School of Government fosters a vibrant program of academic fora that support our research excellence. Alongside our competitive grants success, we host academics from around Australia and overseas to undertake research and to participate in and enrich the research intensive communal life of the School.
Commissioned research
If you have a specific issue in your workplace, our experts can provide independent judgements to find evidence-based solutions for your organisation.
The Melbourne School of Government's research agenda is informed by global and regional developments, in particular those associated with the 'Asian Century', and how country specific and regional public policy will need to adapt and change. Talk to us about how we can harness our knowledge to help your organisation overcome its key challenges.
Kylie O'Connell
Business Manager, Melbourne School of Government
Phone: +61 3 9035 4020
Email: kylie.oconnell@unimelb.edu.au
The Melbourne School of Government is designed to inspire and equip individuals to make a difference on a global scale. Through rigorous research, teaching and debate, we convert shared knowledge into collective wisdom influencing politics and decision-making to improve future outcomes.
Undergraduate study at the Melbourne School of Government
Undergraduate students at the University of Melbourne can study individual subjects in Government and Policy or complete a breadth track.
Pathways to Politics Program for Women
In Australia, less than one-third of all parliamentarians and one-fifth of all ministers are women. The Pathways to Politics Program for Women will address this under-representation by providing hands-on training and networking opportunities for women who aspire to elected office.
Executive Education
Our Executive Education programs are designed to meet the needs of post graduate and post experience professionals across the government, business and non-profit sectors. Participants will have the opportunity to be exposed to new developments in theory and practice, develop new skills and capabilities consistent with international standards and learn from internationally-recognised experts who have practical experience and theoretical knowledge.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Be exposed to new developments in theory and practice
- Develop new skills and capabilities consistent with international standards
- Learn from internationally-recognised experts who have practical experience and theoretical knowledge
Customised Executive Education programs
We can develop and deliver customised learning programs to respond directly to your organisation's requirements, beginning with a learning needs diagnosis to identify the course content and delivery modes which will be of greatest benefit to your staff.
Ideal for groups of middle managers and senior executive staff from government, as well as those working with government and in not-for-profit and commercial organisations, our programs can be delivered in an intensive, intellectually-demanding and highly interactive format. Programs can be delivered as residential, campus-based or workplace-based options.
Our teaching combines the latest concepts with active learning using case studies and your own organisation’s priority issues. We will encourage an environment where participants' collective expertise is combined to generate actionable solutions.
Other solutions we offer
We can tailor a package specific to your needs, including:
- Education & Training
- Research & Development
- Executive coaching
- Action learning sets
- Events & Conferences
- Workshops
Our educators
Our programs are delivered by thoughtful, practical educators from across The University of Melbourne's Faculty of Arts, Melbourne Law School and Faculty of Business and Economics. All are internationally recognised experts in their fields with a wealth of practical experience and theoretical knowledge.
Our areas of expertise
Our research agenda is informed by global and regional developments, particularly those associated with the Asian Century, and how country specific and regional public policy will need to adapt and change. Within this overarching focus, we concentrate on the two key areas:
1. Governance and regulation
Designing better governing institutions and improving policy-making and policy performance. For example:
- Fitness for purpose public sector reform
- Building innovation capacity: creating better mechanisms for public sector performance management
- Public financial management
2. Democracy and politics
Using different types of evidence and new approaches, and managing competing perspectives. For example:
- Leading with legitimacy and accountability
- User-centered policy design and implementation
- Identifying and developing new workforce capabilities
Contact Us
Kylie O'Connell
Business Manager, Melbourne School of Government
Phone: +61 3 9035 4020
Email: kylie.oconnell@unimelb.edu.au
The Melbourne School of Government hosts a key number of publicly engaged programs aimed at the key political and governance issues of our times. Working with significant philanthropist, we blend our leading research expertise and apply it to these real-world challenges.
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Pathways to Politics Program for Women
In Australia, less than one-third of all parliamentarians and one-fifth of all ministers are women. The Pathways to Politics Program for Women will address this under-representation by providing hands-on training and networking opportunities for women who aspire to elected office.
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McKinnon Prize
The new McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership aims to recognise political leaders who have driven positive change and encouraged a national discussion about the role of leadership.
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Industry and International Engagement
The School has enduring links with some of the nation's largest employers of public policy, administration and management graduates.
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The John Button Fund
The John Button Foundation was established in 2009 in memory of John Button, the late Industry Minister, Senator and writer. In 2016 the Foundation donated the fund to The University of Melbourne to be managed within the Melbourne School of Government.
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Election Watch
Election Watch draws on the expertise of University of Melbourne staff and students to provide non-partisan, fact-based, expert analysis of elections around the world.
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Visiting Scholar Programme
The School focuses its visiting scholar programme on individuals who already have ongoing collaborations with current School faculty. If you are working on a publication or other project with a member of the School let us know by contacting Rosa Brezac who will then be able to help set up your visit to the School of Government.
Welcome to the Melbourne School of Government
Our mission is to inspire and equip governments, businesses, social partners and individuals to meet the challenges of contemporary governance. Through interdisciplinary, innovative teaching and research, we seek shared and sustainable solutions to these challenges. The School's activities centre around our thematic areas; governance and regulation; politics and democracy; and a small number of key policy domains. In these areas we aim to:
- Harness the University's diverse resources in our graduate and executive teaching to equip the current and next generation of leaders
- Facilitate research that meets the needs of governments, industry and social partners
- Be the platform for exploration, debate and innovation nationally and in our region
Social Procurement
Government departments and agencies are the largest purchasers of goods, services and construction projects in Australia. The potential for public expenditure to improve social and economic outcomes is significant, and social procurement policies and initiatives are on the increase across all levels of government in Australia.
Find out more