Policy Review
Each Stream outlined in the program of research relates to complex sets of policies and services, with responsibilities often spread across multiple levels of government portfolios. Moreover, the interfaces between these streams are crucial to their success, but there are often gaps and areas of confusion between the boundaries of services (e.g. contested responsibilities of health and NDIS as seen in recent case around the provision of palliative care to people with life limiting illnesses). Led by CI Dickinson and CI Yates, who have significant experience in analysing complex policy systems, this cross-cutting research hub will identify and analyse the suite of policies that have implications for the Research Streams. Drawing on desk reviews of existing policies and semi-structured interviews with policy makers, disability advocates and service providers (including front-line disability staff who manage the bulk of interactions with people with disability and their families), we will identify gaps and areas of tension within policies and the spaces where innovative solutions might be developed and what disability-specific changes are needed. Key questions, adapted from the Disability Policy Framework, include;
What are the policy goals: equity, access, support, cost control?
What’s the policy’s history? Who initiated it? Who supported or opposed it?
Does the policy emphasize individual rights or encourage collective responsibilities?
At which level does it apply (federal, state, or local)? How does it align with other policies at that level and others?
Who qualifies for policy benefits? Who’s included or excluded?
Does the policy focus on a minority group or address a universal concern?
Who are the main stakeholders? Does the policy align with advocacy groups’ missions?