Description

This unit examines the role and functions of the public sector in the mixed economy. Topics covered include the nature of the public sector in Australia, the nature of the state, welfare economics and the role of government in the economy, theories of government behaviour and regulation, cost-benefit analysis, privatisation and corporatisation, applications of public expenditure analysis in transport, education and health, welfare policies of government, the optimal size of the public sector and economic growth. The unit is designed to provide students with an understanding of a fundamental element of the economy and society in which we live and a knowledge of practical tools for decision making in the public sector. (The unit is also likely to be useful to non-economics majors who expect to work in, or closely related to, the public sector.)