Effective Policy Essentials

Building technical expertise in crafting, implementing, and evaluating policy

Developing effective policy requires more than a simple rote understanding of the policy development process.

It must be concerned with real-world problem-solving delivered in a volatile, complex, and ambiguous system, in which the Government of the day and the officials of the APS are only two of many stakeholders that must be understood and whose views must be addressed.

The course will provide a grounding in the theory and practice of policy-making, provide exemplars of good and bad policy-making, and provide tools for developing good policy, evaluating policy options for their intended, unintended, and perverse outcomes, and writing effectively for decision-makers.

*NB: this masterclass will reference and draw from the Australian Policy Handbook (APH)

Who will attend?

This course will be of value to all involved in planning for & producing policy. It is designed for those looking to deepen their policy acumen and is also suitable for those new to government and policymaking.

It is tailored to facilitate enhanced learning and support for policymakers to learn or enhance their knowledge of the mechanics and nuances of public policy and to understand the various forces impacting policy development.

It is also appropriate for those in private and non-government sectors who work closely with the government on policy and delivery issues such as lobby or industry groups.

Job titles including (but not limited to) the below should attend:

• Policy Officers/Analysts/Advisors/Administrators
• Assistant Policy Advisors
• Government Relations Coordinators
• Research Officers
• Public Affairs Specialists
• Communications Officers
• Legislative Assistants
• Finance Officers/Advisors
• HR Officers (specific to HR Policy)
• Operational Managers
• Program/Project or Governance roles who wish to deepen understanding
• Elected Members/Councillors in Local Government

Your facilitator

Marc Ablong PSM

Managing Partner, Geostrategic Risk Partners

Marc left the Australian Public Service in 2024 after a 31-year career that culminated as a Deputy Secretary within the Australian Department of Home Affairs, where he held responsibility for various portfolios.

Before joining the Department of Home Affairs, Marc was a senior executive with 25 years within the Australian Department of Defence. Marc is a graduate of the Joint Services Staff College (1997), the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies (2002) and the Advanced Management Program 190 (2016) at the Harvard Business School. Marc was awarded the Public Service Medal in the 2018 Australia Day Honours