166-012 Australian Political Economy

Note

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Usually 25 points of First Year Politics. Students with only 12.5 points in Politics may apply to the Second/Third Year coordinator.

Semester

Subject Description

This subject is a study of the transition in Australia's traditional political economy from protection and 'state socialism' to competition policy and the 'contract state'. Topics include: liberal and critical theories of political economy relevant to Australian history and practice, the roles of government and markets, the impact of globalisation, current debates over deregulation and privatisation, and institutional restructuring. Students who complete this subject should: have an understanding of liberal and critical theories of political economy that are relevant for understanding Australian history and practice; be familiar with the Australian political economy tradition and current debates over the roles of government and the market; have studied some of the major issues of public policy and economic management facing Australia today; have the skills to critically evaluate proposals for restructuring government and adopting market solutions for public purposes.