John Brumby, Scott Hamilton and Stuart Kells
$39.99
Melbourne University Press

All too often Australians hear politicians – particularly at State and Federal level articulate policies driven by ‘evidence’, only to see them deliver policies driven by ideology.

Whilst public servants have traditionally sought to offer evidence-based policy solutions, the ongoing politicisation – either overtly or by stealth of the public service – has resulted in the evidence element of public policy becoming subservient to the ideology element. This has come at great cost to both the integrity of the public service and to the wider society.

The refusal of governments to implement evidence-based, yet controversial, policies such as safe injecting rooms is one such example.
A Better Australia is an attempt to address this major weakness in Australian policy making.

The authors are former Victorian Premier John Brumby (pictured above), along with two policy wonks. Collectively they approach what are termed to be “wicked problems” – the uncomfortable, unfortunate issues which dominate the lives of governments in 2025 – whether they like it or nor.

Issues covered in the book include gun control, the National Disability Insurance Scheme, drug reform, marriage equality, The Voice, and COVID-19.
In each policy area, there are clear, well-defined evidence-based options available which could transform Australian society, yet these are deemed unpalatable by politicians – irrespective of their flavour.