Book launch: Local Government in Australia

On Thursday 29 June the UTS Institute for Public Policy and Governance held a launch event for Dr Bligh Grant and Dr Joseph Drew’s new book, Local Government in Australia: History, Theory and Public Policy.

Local Government in Australia offers an understanding of Australian local government as a historical and political phenomenon. It explains core issues in contemporary local government debates, and incorporates elements of economics and public administration.

The book was launched by Professor The Hon Bob Carr, Director of the Australia-China Relations Institute (ACRI).  

Guests included Shadow Minister for Local Government The Hon Peter Primrose, Councillor Greg McLean and UTS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Glenn Wightwick.

In his speech to launch the book, Professor Carr regaled the audience with recollections of his time as a junior Cabinet Minister under former Premier Neville Wran. He also emphasised the responsive and innovative nature of local governments in New South Wales, during his time as Premier, particularly in environmental management.

Professor Carr stated that Local Government in Australia is an impressive ‘tome’ that comprehensively addresses many areas of contemporary public policy debates as well as thoroughly exploring the theory of local government: ‘The book underscores that all political theories - liberalism, socialism, conservativism, etc.- all have a theory of local government, and this book examines them’.

Further information

Bligh Grant: Tel. 0400 338 762 email: Bligh.Grant@uts.edu.au 

Local Government in Australia: History, Theory and Public Policy: Published by Springer.

Released: March 8th ebook €118,99 Hardcover €149,99 445 pp ISBN: 978-981-10-3876-9  

The book is available for purchase online: http://www.springer.com/gp/book/9789811038655