Australian Politics and Policy - Senior, 2019a

‘Law and order’ policy
Table 2 Overview of models for the law and order policy-making process
Model
Elite model (policy as elite preference): this
modelsuggeststhatpolicymakingisarole
reserved predominantly for political elites
(e.g. ministers and their advisers). This
small group of elite individuals have the
powerandabilitytocreate,implementand
enforce public policy that regulates the
behaviour of the rest of society.
Pluralist model (policy as diverse
perspectives): this process is based upon
the idea that society is comprised of a
diverse range of actors and stakeholders, all
of whom have an interest in contributing to
and influencing the public policy-making
process and its ultimate outcomes.
Example
A minister observes graffiti on the journey
to parliament and decides that measures
mustbetakentogettoughonsuch
offences. Relevant department agency staff
aresummonedandtoldtodevelop
measures to tackle the scourge of graffiti. A
graffiti hotline to encourage reporting and
tougher penalties are swiftly introduced
and implemented.
Numerous reviews, inquiries and research
reports highlight the importance of tackling
alcohol and other drug use to prevent
offending. A working party is established
with representatives from key criminal
justice agencies and victim and penal
reform groups to develop policy responses.
Aspecialistdrugcourtisproposedasone
possible solution, which the government
backs through the provision of funding for
atrial.
Incrementalism model (policy as variations
of the past): many aspects of criminal
justice policy making reflect the traditions
and histories of the system, with minor
reforms being introduced over time. Policy
making in this context is a process whereby
existing policies are incrementally modified
and revised. Policies are continually
improved upon in response to the problems
that have arisen from their implementation.
The juvenile justice system has largely
operatedthesamewayformanyyears–
children appearing in closed children’s
courts are sentenced to serve time in
juvenile justice detention facilities and are
then released into the community with case
management support. A new approach to
assessing and addressing risk factors for
offending is introduced into the system to
augment existing practices.
Institutional model (policy as institutional
output): this model emphasises the
organisational norms, culture, structures
and procedures (both formal and informal)
that develop within institutions and the
ways in which they impact public policy.
Corruption within the police force has
prompted a widespread review. In
developing a blueprint for a new approach
to policing, careful consideration is given to
existing institutional cultures and how
reform of the organisation will be achieved
in this context.
661