The first two assignments for SOC810 require you to write policy briefs. Writing policy briefs is a particular skill, used widely in government and non-government agencies to provide guidance to policy makers. The aim is to give a short summary of an issue, identify possible courses of action, identify arguments for and against, identify the parties involved and their opinions, and to highlight any possible implications. The briefs should strictly remain within the 1,000 word limit, but they may refer to additional material that can be supplied as an attachment.

For the first brief, imagine that you work in the relevant government department. Your job is to read an article/report and to let your Minister know if there is any action needed. This action could be as simple as 'noting' the report, or it might involve some government action, such as considering funding or policy changes. You will need to identify an issue for the brief by searchingpolicy forums (e.g. Australian Policy Online <http//www.apo.org.au>). You should select an issue that relates to social policy (such as housing, health, education, welfare, etc).

N.B. While the policy brief is primarily concerned with one issue, you need to read more widely to familiarise yourself with existing policies, the nature of reforms, the existence of current debates and the positions of key stakeholders.

The second policy brief should be written for an NGO. You will need to identify an issue and find an article to focus on using a policy forum such as Australian Policy Online (http//www.apo.org.au). For this brief, imagine you are working in a large non-profit organization (this can either by a service provider, an advocacy body). But you need to identify a real organization. Your job is to read the article/report and to report to either the Executive Officer or the Board on actions that might be required. The action might simply be 'noting' the report, but it may be issuing a press release about the issue or organising a meeting with the relevant Minister to press a case. You should select a different policy issue than the one selected for the first policy brief. 

This major assignment for SOC810 should be presented in the format of a research report. This report requires you to select a social policy problem and to critically evaluate current policies or proposals. You will need to select ONE of the following four options:

* income support for unemployed people;

* the Family Tax Benefits Part A and B

* the Paid Parental Leave Scheme

* Medicare

This report involves critically examining how the policy problem has been defined and critiquing proposals for government action. This should involve consideration of the following...

a)    Provide a brief overview of recent developments in the policy area and outline the main features of current policy.

b)    How has the problem been defined in policy and why is there a call for government action? 

c)    Who are the various stakeholders involved and what are their positions on the policy problem?

d)    What is the prevailing policy approach? Consider whether the policy reflects values and stakeholder positions.

e)    Critically evaluate the policy in terms of its stated outcomes and some possible alternative approaches to policy. 

This task should be written up as an assignment of 1,800 to 2,000 words. Please feel free to use headings, write in paragraphs and double-space submitted work. You should use an introduction and conclusion to help organise and link your ideas. Keep in mind that we will be assessing you on your ability to concisely and precisely present information within the word limit.  

N.B. You should use another topic than that selected for the policy briefs.

The weekly workshops are compulsory. To meet the requirements of this course, you are required to attend at least 80 per cent of workshops. In addition to attending, you are also expected to actively participate. As an incentive, 10 percent of your final mark will be awarded for your attendance and your participation. We will look for evidence that you have done the readings and your ability to engage respectfully with other students.