HLPR3001 - Module 9 (2022)
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The document discusses wicked problems and policies for tackling complex public issues. It defines wicked problems as highly resistant to resolution, involving disagreement on causes and solutions. The Northern Territory Intervention is presented as a case study, where the Australian government rapidly implemented policies to address Aboriginal child abuse, though there was debate around the approach taken. The document outlines strategies for tackling wicked problems, including authoritative, competitive and collaborative approaches, and notes wicked problems often require innovative, flexible multi-agency responses and community engagement to effectively address the challenges.
HLPR3001 - Module 9 (2022)
- 1. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Health Partnerships, Politics and Power AND POLICIES Louise Francis WICKED PROBLEMS
- 2. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Module 9: Wicked Problems and Policies Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Overview What is a ‘wicked problem’? Characteristics of wicked problems Case Study: ‘Northern Territory Intervention’ Strategies for tackling wicked problems Taking a position: obesity and government intervention Health Partnerships, Politics and Power
- 3. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Module 9: Wicked Problems and Policies Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J What is a ‘wicked problem’? ‘Wicked Problems’ – an issue highly resistant to resolution (Rittel & Webber, 1973) Complex public policy issues Beyond the scope of a single organisation Disagreement about the causes and solutions Often involves large scale behaviour change Health Partnerships, Politics and Power
- 4. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Module 9: Wicked Problems and Policies Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J The tangles of policy complexity Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Productivity Commission 2010, Strengthening Evidence Based Policy in the Australian Federation, Volume 1: Proceedings, Roundtable Proceedings, Productivity Commission, Canberra.
- 5. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Module 9: Wicked Problems and Policies Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Characteristics of wicked problems Are difficult to define Have many interdependencies and are often multi-causal Attempts to address them often lead to unforseen consequences Are often not stable Usually have no clear solution Health Partnerships, Politics and Power
- 6. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Module 9: Wicked Problems and Policies Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Characteristics of wicked problems Are socially complex Rarely sit within the responsibility of any one organisation Involve changing behaviour Some are characterised by chronic policy failure Health Partnerships, Politics and Power
- 7. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Module 9: Wicked Problems and Policies Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Taming a wicked problem Tobacco control Now… broad agreement on problem and solutions Then… entrenched use and denial of health effects Yet some wickedness remains… Health Partnerships, Politics and Power
- 8. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Module 9: Wicked Problems and Policies Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Strategies for tackling wicked problems Authoritative Competitive Collaborative Health Partnerships, Politics and Power
- 9. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Module 9: Wicked Problems and Policies Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Authoritative strategies Problem assigned to group or individual who does problem solving and others agree to abide by decisions Advantage – efficiency; timeliness Disadvantages – potential disregard for important considerations beyond expertise of authority; distancing or alienation of citizens; weak commitment to solution Health Partnerships, Politics and Power
- 10. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Module 9: Wicked Problems and Policies Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Competitive strategies Central is pursuit for power, influence and market share (win-lose outcome) Advantages – creation of new ideas; innovation; provision of choice Disadvantages – conflict and stalemate; can consume resources in competition that could be used for problem- solving Health Partnerships, Politics and Power
- 11. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Module 9: Wicked Problems and Policies Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Collaborative strategies Problem-solving as a partnership or joint-venture with stakeholders (win-win view) Advantages – higher stakeholder commitment; more comprehensive and effective solutions; fewer resources used by any one stakeholder Disadvantages – increased transaction costs; rely on good collaboration skills; dialogue can turn to conflict and stalemate Health Partnerships, Politics and Power
- 12. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Module 9: Wicked Problems and Policies Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Can be used in combination, e.g. Authoritative and collaborative: expert advisory group could identify the preferred package of measures after an initial collaborative strategy has been used to identify the full range of views, interconnections, causes and possible solutions Competitive and collaborative: tobacco control – overall generally collaborative but competitive implementation of regulations Health Partnerships, Politics and Power
- 13. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Module 9: Wicked Problems and Policies Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Case Study: NT Intervention What do you know about the Northern Territory Intervention? Where did you get your information? Health Partnerships, Politics and Power
- 14. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Module 9: Wicked Problems and Policies Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Case Study Legislative response to the Report of the Northern Territory Board of Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse, or 'Little Children are Sacred' report Health Partnerships, Politics and Power
- 15. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Module 9: Wicked Problems and Policies Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Case Study: NT Intervention the Northern Territory National Emergency Response Act 2007 (“the National Emergency Response Act”); the Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Amendment (Northern Territory National Emergency Response) Bill 2007 (“the FACSIA Act”); and the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Welfare Reform) Act 2007 (“the WR Act”). Health Partnerships, Politics and Power
- 16. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Module 9: Wicked Problems and Policies Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Case Study: NT Intervention NTER suite of acts – over 500 pages Pushed through parliament in a week Scrutiny by Senate Committee convened for one day Open for public consultation for 48 hours 154 submissions received Health Partnerships, Politics and Power
- 17. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Module 9: Wicked Problems and Policies Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J VIDEO Health Partnerships, Politics and Power
- 18. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Module 9: Wicked Problems and Policies Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Activity 9. The NT Intervention 1. Considering the characteristics of wicked problems, describe why Aboriginal disadvantage could be considered a wicked problem. 2. What are some of the determinants of Aboriginal disadvantage that were mentioned in the film and what were the strategies or ‘interventions’ that were implemented? Are the intervention strategies appropriate for the determinants they aim to address? 3. The Tackling Wicked Problems reading details three approaches to dealing with wicked problems: Authoritative, Competitive and Collaborative. Which approach was used for the NT Intervention and is there a more appropriate approach? 4. What impacts has the NT Intervention had on local Aboriginal communities? (You may like to consider past policy approaches in Australia concerning Aboriginal people). 5. Lavarack discusses the health practitioner role and the interaction with power, empowerment, and participation. How might these concepts be applied to the wicked problem of Aboriginal disadvantage?
- 19. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Module 9: Wicked Problems and Policies Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Case Study: NT Intervention The immediate nature of the Australian Government’s response reflects the very first recommendation of the Little Children are Sacred report into the protection of Aboriginal children from child abuse in the Northern Territory which said: “That Aboriginal child sexual abuse in the Northern territory be designated as an issue of urgent national significance by both the Australian and Northern Territory Governments…” - Mal Brough, then Minister for Indigenous Affairs Health Partnerships, Politics and Power
- 20. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Module 9: Wicked Problems and Policies Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Case Study: NT Intervention Not such an emergency previously? Memmott, P. et al. 2001, Violence in Indigenous Communities, Crime Prevention Branch, Attorney General’s Department, Canberra Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2006, Child Protection Australia, 2004-2005, Catalogue no. CWS 26, Canberra Health Partnerships, Politics and Power
- 21. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Module 9: Wicked Problems and Policies Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Case Study: NT Intervention “What is required is a determined, coordinated effort to break the cycle and provide the necessary strength, power and appropriate support and services to local communities, so they can lead themselves out of the malaise: in a word, empowerment!” Pat Anderson and Rex Wild, authors of Little Children are Sacred Report Health Partnerships, Politics and Power
- 22. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Module 9: Wicked Problems and Policies Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Case Study: NT Intervention Despite the Intervention’s $672 million housing budget, 3 years later, only 11 houses had been built for Aboriginal people in the seized communities. While 56 houses have been built for non-Indigenous people in those communities. (The Australian and National Indigenous Times, 2010) Health Partnerships, Politics and Power
- 23. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Module 9: Wicked Problems and Policies Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Three broad groupings: (Altman, 2007) Those that seek to discipline Indigenous subjects/labour/future labour. Those that seek to dilute land rights or expand their potential for commercial development. Those that seek to depoliticise democratic Indigenous organisations and to impose external control over townships. Health Partnerships, Politics and Power
- 24. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Module 9: Wicked Problems and Policies Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Health Partnerships, Politics and Power
- 25. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Module 9: Wicked Problems and Policies Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J 5 requirements for progress (Altman, 2007) respect for Indigenous diversity partnerships with communities realistic local and regional investments building of local intercultural organisations and institutions and capabilities planning at the local and regional levels for sustainable outcomes Health Partnerships, Politics and Power
- 26. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Module 9: Wicked Problems and Policies Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Tackling wicked problems Holistic, not partial or linear thinking Innovative and flexible approaches The ability to work across agency boundaries Effectively engaging community in understanding and solving problems Health Partnerships, Politics and Power
- 27. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Module 9: Wicked Problems and Policies Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Tackling wicked problems Additional core skills Better understanding of behavioural change by policy makers A comprehensive focus and/or strategy Tolerating uncertainty and accepting the need for long term focus Health Partnerships, Politics and Power
- 28. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Module 9: Wicked Problems and Policies Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J More detail: Health Partnerships, Politics and Power
- 29. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Module 9: Wicked Problems and Policies Health Partnerships, Politics and Power Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J Questions & comments
- 30. Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology CRICOS Provider Code 00301J COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA Copyright Regulation 1969 WARNING This material has been copied and communicated to you by or on behalf of Curtin University of Technology pursuant to Part VB of the Copyright Act 1968 (the Act) The material in this communication may be subject to copyright under the Act. Any further copying or communication of this material by you may be the subject of copyright protection under the Act. Do not remove this notice
Editor's Notes
- #2: 1
- #3: 2
- #4: The term ‘wicked’ in this context is used, not in the sense of evil, but the way the term would be used by a mathematician for example describing an issue highly resistant to resolution. In a landmark article, the authors observed that there is a whole realm of social planning problems that cannot be successfully treated with traditional linear, analytical approaches. They called these issues wicked problems and contrasted them with ‘tame’ problems. Tame problems are not necessarily simple—they can be very technically complex—but the problem can be tightly defined and a solution fairly readily identified or worked through. The original focus of the wicked problem literature was on systems design at a more ‘micro’ level, but the concept has gradually been applied to broader social and economic policy problems.
- #6: Unforseen consequences – tobacco stigma and most marginalised
- #10: These give the problem to some group (or an individual), who take on the problem-solving process while others agree to abide by its decisions. Identification of this small set of stakeholders may rest on their knowledge and expertise, organisational position in the hierarchy, information or coercive power. An essential ingredient is that other stakeholders acquiesce in the transfer of power to the anointed few and agree or are forced to abide by their decisions. Examples include the High Court decision around native title and Reserve Bank decisions around interest rates. Such authoritative strategies can also be useful in emergency situations. – Key advantages include efficiency and timeliness. – Key disadvantages include the potential disregard for important issues and considerations, as authorities and experts tend to search for solutions within their narrow bandwidth of experience, and the lost opportunity for learning. If problem-solving is left to experts, especially in a democratic society, then citizens can become further distanced or alienated from the important issues of their time.
- #11: Central to the pursuit of such strategies is the search for power, influence and market share—stakeholders following this strategy generally assume a win-lose outcome. The competitive federalism of the Australian system can result in this approach, for example, when the States compete for foreign and local investment. – Key advantages include the creation of new ideas and innovation and the provision of choice, for example, competition between Job Network providers. – Key disadvantages include conflict and stalemates that occur when stakeholders have enough power to block one another but not enough power to achieve their agenda. Competition can also consume resources that could be spent on problem-solving.
- #12: These are supported by the bulk of the literature as being the most effective in dealing with wicked problems that have many stakeholders amongst whom power is dispersed. It is particularly relevant where part of the solution to the problem involves sustained behavioural change by many stakeholders and/or citizens. At the core of collaboration is a win-win view of problem-solving. Partnerships, joint ventures, whole of (or joined up) government, international treaties and information campaigns to influence lifestyle choices are all variations on this strategy. – Key advantages include higher stakeholder commitment, more comprehensive and effective solutions, and fewer resources having to be used by any one stakeholder. – Key disadvantages include increased transaction costs (these costs can be significant) and the fact that the skills of collaboration are in limited supply. In worst cases collaboration can end poorly—dialogue can turn into conflict, hardened positions and stalemate.
- #13: State governments have responsibility for regulating smokefree environments and a dynamic tendency has been observed where States and Territories competitively leapfrog each other’s regulation in the area of smokefree places and other regulations. Many stakeholders believe that this has achieved quicker incremental toughening of such regulations than would have occurred through a cooperative policy of adopting a more uniform nationwide approach. So whilst collabroative is generalyl considered the most appropriate response to wicked problems there may be instances where authoritative or competitive approaches are useful.
- #14: It may be getting too old a case study for anyone to remember it – however it is mentioned in a couple of readings in other units and older students may recall…
- #15: a legislative response from the Federal Government to the Northern Territory Government's Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse, or 'Little Children are Sacred' report. The legislation was instigated by the Howard government with the support of the then opposition Labor party in the Commonwealth parliament.
- #16: a legislative response from the Federal Government to the Northern Territory Government's Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse, or 'Little Children are Sacred' report. The legislation was instigated by the Howard government with the support of the then opposition Labor party in the Commonwealth parliament.
- #17: a legislative response from the Federal Government to the Northern Territory Government's Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse, or 'Little Children are Sacred' report. The legislation was instigated by the Howard government with the support of the then opposition Labor party in the Commonwealth parliament.
- #18: Available in Blackboard Module – make sure in edit mode. Or access from Reading List. Or direct (should work on Curtin internet connection automatically without login): https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/edutv.568069
- #20: a legislative response from the Federal Government to the Northern Territory Government's Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse, or 'Little Children are Sacred' report. The legislation was instigated by the Howard government with the support of the then opposition Labor party in the Commonwealth parliament.
- #21: a legislative response from the Federal Government to the Northern Territory Government's Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse, or 'Little Children are Sacred' report. The legislation was instigated by the Howard government with the support of the then opposition Labor party in the Commonwealth parliament.
- #22: a legislative response from the Federal Government to the Northern Territory Government's Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse, or 'Little Children are Sacred' report. The legislation was instigated by the Howard government with the support of the then opposition Labor party in the Commonwealth parliament.
- #23: a legislative response from the Federal Government to the Northern Territory Government's Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse, or 'Little Children are Sacred' report. The legislation was instigated by the Howard government with the support of the then opposition Labor party in the Commonwealth parliament.
- #24: 1. Those that seek to discipline Indigenous subjects/labour/future labour With non-discretionary quarantining of welfare incomes, supposed total grog bans, supposed total bans on pornography, (including, apparently, late night SBS movies), requirements for people to work for the dole (not CDEP) on community cleanups, and controlled tenancy arrangements that restrict modes of living, much of this can only be understood as aiming to ‘neoliberalise’ Indigenous labour. 2. Those that seek to dilute land rights or expand their potential for commercial development These are the most contentious measures, because the process of abolishing permits was clearly underway prior to the intervention announcement, and the compulsory acquisition of township leases will dispossess traditional owners of their land. There is considerable scope for viewing these measures as what Pat Turner and Nichole Watson (2007) have termed a ‘trojan horse’ to further dispossess Aboriginal land owners.16 3. Those that seek to depoliticize democratic Indigenous organisations and to impose external control over townships These measures include stripping CDEP organisations of their assets and abolishing CDEP, appointing government business managers with legal rights to attend the meeting of any democratically-elected organisation and with absolute powers in townships that probably exceed those of the settlement superintendent of earlier policy eras.
- #26: 1. At the broadest level, it is imperative to recognise Indigenous diversity and difference, preferably as a positive that benefits the Australian nation, rather than as something just to be tolerated. The current neoliberal hegemony that privileges both individualism and mainstream Australian social norms needs to be challenged. 2. There is a need for partnerships with communities and the establishment of appropriate elected or nominated channels to formally hear Indigenous aspirations. Not just Mal Brough’s all-too often cited ‘private dissenting voice lost at the back of the crowd, except to the minister’s perceptive ear’;34 or just those—like Noel Pearson or Warren Mundine or the NIC or now Galarrwuy Yunupingu—who advocate for policy change that echoes the Howard Government’s ideology and approach. 3 There is a need for realistic local and regional investments to catch up and close the gaps. It must enable local opportunity and take advantage of the richness of the environmentally-intact and biodiversity-rich land holdings owned by many living in remote situations. This enablement will require abandoning periodic loose and degrading talk about closing down unviable black communities, an argument using a culturally-constructed and selectively-applied notion of ‘viability’ while privileging some non-viable sections of the broader community.35 4 There is a need to build local intercultural organisations and institutions and capabilities, investing in making imperfect organisations better rather than perfect, but ensuring ‘good enough governance’ for local control. The appointment of government business managers and the closing down of CDEP organisations is very counter to this approach. 5 There is a need to plan at the local and regional levels for sustainable outcomes at realistic levels that are clear about livelihood possibilities; to undertake some rigorous needs-based analysis; and put some negotiated evaluation frameworks in place.
- #27: So lets come back to Wicked Problems
- #31: 30