Jane Tinkler

Australian e-Government in comparative perspective

The initial emergence of e-governance appeared to be part of a more general government modernization process with the major focus concerning the potential for service delivery online and saving resources. Governments in Australia (and internationally) quickly raced towards grand e-government strategies. However, subsequent implementation has proved more problematic. e-Government has also raised wider questions about government policy making, structures of decision making and the perennial question of joined-up government. Drawing on empirical material from a seven-nation study (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, US, UK and The Netherlands), this article explores some of these themes in the Australian context and also seeks to place Australian initiatives in a comparative international context.‖

Championing and Governing UK Public Service Mutuals

For the UK Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government, elected in 2010, reform of the public sector was hailed as a priority in order to maintain quality and coverage of services at a time of austerity and huge cuts to government budgets. The coalition sought to encourage the spinning out of services to new employee-owned mutuals that are able to innovate, reduce costs and improve conditions for both employees and service users. This was linked to a wider drive to harness the energy and creativity of local communities and voluntary groups by better integrating them with the production and delivery of services.