Assignment: 1400 words
MINISTERIAL BRIEF
Assignment: 1400 words
Take on the role of policy advisor to a cabinet minister and brief them on a policy problem of your choice. The report must identify the relevant minister (can be state or federal) and be addressed to them.(MUST BE AUSTRALIAN LAW)
The problem you choose should have reform potential (see next assignment) BUT! this brief should not make recommendations on reform. It is just there to brief the Minister, so they understand the problem confronting the government and can explain the situation to the public, or to other ministers etc. For example, if your brief was on the energy crisis, it shouldnotexplain possible reforms, but just explain what is happening with energy prices and why.
Audience & Style:This is a formal report, so use formal language, but avoid academic or specialist jargon wherever possible. Explain any technical terms youmustuse. Assume the Minister generally knows their portfolio but needs a bit of reminding about specifics and details for your issue.
Notes:
Be careful that you are identifying a real-world problem (eg: returned-travellers importing COVID-19 with them),and not a dodgy solution to a problem(eg: hotel quarantine is a [terrible] solution to that problem). Dodgy solutions can be covered in your current govt policy section.This is a common error.If in doubt, consult your tutor.
Your brief must address areally existing Australian government(state or federal). You must ensure your brief does not offend your minister; does not get them off-side or make them feel attacked. You must pick an issue you think will interest your minister and hasreform potential; ie: probably don't pick an issue your government recently resolved, even if you do not like how they resolved it.
YOU MUST USE THIS TEMPLATE
Policy Brief: [Issue X]
Report to: [Ministers name, their portfolio, and their jurisdiction]
Authored by: [Your name], Policy Advisor
Executive Summary:
[very short summary {maybe four sentences} of the issue and what the Minister need to be especially aware of]
Issue Background:[Explain the problem as it currently exists. Document evidence of its scale and intensity, cause and consequences]
Policy Context:
[Explain recent government policy affecting this issue, or else the policies governing this general area. Name specific policies, legislation, decision-making bodies, etc]
Stakeholders:
[Identify the key stakeholder groups (beyond the govt you are briefing) and explain their stake in the issue and what they want to happen (including whether theyre happy with the status quo)]
References:
[Yes. Include in-text references throughout, and a list at the end]
