Remaking New Zealand and Australian Economic Policy
Author: Shaun Goldfinch
Publisher: Victoria University Press
Published: 2000
Total Pages: 300
ISBN-13: 9780864733931
DOWNLOAD EBOOKDuring the 1980s and early 1990s, both Australia and New Zealand extensively deregulated their economies, moving to become amongst the most liberal economies in the OECD. Shaun Goldfinch interviewed more than 180 leading policy makers in Australia and New Zealand, including former prime ministers, ministers of finance, treasurers, public servants and other policy elites, and examined primary government sources to demonstrate the reasons and processes involved in this remarkable period of economic reform. This major comparative study sheds new light on ecnomic policy-making and change, including the role of economic ideas and the importance of institutions and policy communities. It contrasts the 'crash through' approach that characterised reform in New Zealand with the 'bargained consensus' that underpinned changes in Australia. Finally it asks the critical question, 'Has the New Zealand approach to policy change delivered better policy outcomes?'