Toward more democratic governance: modernizing the administrative state in Australasis, North America and the United Kingdom

Abstract

All over the world, countries are seeking to improve their gorvernance systems through political and administrative reforms, even those considered to be among the best governed and administered. These advanced democracies have rejected radical idelogies in favor of pragmatic centrist policies termed "The Third Way" that consolidates and builds upon well-established institutions and practices. But they are all moving into new territory. Australia's new doctrine of administrative responsibility seeks to hold all executives, poblic and private, accountable for any public harm occuring on their watch. Canada is enlarging its public policy making arena by involving citizens in its new policy research initiative. New Zealand is rethinking its Beveridge style welfare state to reduce its costs and give citizens a wider choice. The United Kingdom intends to put people first in public administration rather than official convenience and bureaucratic prespects. Finally, the United States attempts to prove that public goods and services are worthwhile and rewarding by more accurately measuring government performance through refined indicators. Together, these initiatives if successful promise to strengthen their democratic ethos.