When we catch a bus, visit a doctor, borrow a book from the library or enrol in a course we benefit from the social policies of government. Talking Policy explains how the myriad programs and services we take for granted are developed and delivered, and how this fits into the political process. There is a human and political aspect to social policy-making; it's not all rational solutions to measurable problems. The authors explain how issues come to be defined as social problems, and offer an account of the historical development of social policy and the welfare state in Australia. They also outline the competing political and philosophical ideas which influence the different ways in which governments respond to social inequality and needs in the community.With detailed case studies from variety of areas of social policy making, Talking Policy is a valuable introduction to this complex and important field. 'Talking Policy is an informative, insightful book that is also absorbing and challenging.'Lois Bryson, Emeritus Professor, University of Newcastle'With a commitment to reinvigorate policy debate, the authors make a convincing case that at its heart policy-making is about competing ethical visions, that ideas count, and that words serve as tools in this political and contested activity.'Associate Professor, Carol Bacchi, University of Adelaide

IntroductionPART A: Thinking about social policy1: Theorising social policy2: The Australian welfare state: Compared and contrasted3: History Matters4: Australian liberalism: Ideas at work in Australian social policy5: Inequality and the Australian welfare state 6: Poverty, ethics and social policyPART B: Making policy7: State organisations and social policy makingCase study: Mandatory sentencing, the nation-state and international law 1991-20048: Putting the social into policy: policy making communitiesCase study: Talking about drugs: Chroming, the press and policy making9: Talking of metaphors and policy makingCase study: Policy change and metaphor - the case of university feesConclusion: On truth, the state and social policy