Contemporary politics in Australia : theories, practices and issues / edited by Rodney Smith, Ariadne Vromen and Ian Cook.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Part I. Contemporary Theories of Australian Politics: 1. Democratic theories Adrian Little 2. Institutionalism Allan McConnell 3. Behaviouralism Rodney Smith 4. Critical theories Ian Cook 5. Discourse theories and post-structuralism Simon Tormey 6. International theories Bob Howard and Diarmuid Maguire Part II. Politics in Everyday Australian Life: 7. Political values and attitudes Shaun Wilson and Kerstin Hermes 8. Political socialisation Kathy Edwards 9. Media politics Peter Chen 10. Politics in Australian culture Catriona Elder Part III. Elections: 11. Electoral rules Norm Kelly 12. Political parties as electoral players Nick Economou 13. Campaigns and campaign funding Stephen Mills 14. Voter behaviour Ben Spies-Butcher Part IV. Participation and Representation: 15. Participation and representation through political parties Anika Gauja 16. Pressure groups and lobbying Darren Halpin 17. Government consultation Carolyn Hendriks 18. Social movements and new forms of participation Ariadne Vromen Part V. Inside the Australian State: 19. Parliament John Uhr and Norman Abjorensen 20. Prime ministers and ministers Paul Strangio 21. Politicisation and the executive Maria Maley 22. Delivering public policy Anne Tiernan 23. The courts Katherine Gelber 24. Federalism Marcus Haward Part VI. Contemporary Public Controversies: 25. A bill of rights Louise Chappell and Suzanne Jamieson 26. Taxing and spending Tim Battin 27. Employment and education Toby Fattore 28. Cities Brendan Gleeson and Wendy Steele 29. Indigenous Australians Virginia Watson 30. Health Amanda Elliot 31. The environment Jancie Dudley 32. Australia and the world Maryanne Kelton.

Contemporary Politics in Australia provides a lively and wide-ranging introduction to the study of Australian politics. Written by a diverse range of experts, the book offers a comprehensive overview of current theories, debates and research in Australian political science and looks forward to new developments. It encompasses not only formal and institutionally based politics, but also the informal politics of everyday life, including the politics of Australian culture and media. The book is divided into six key sections that cover: {u2022} political theory {u2022} politics in everyday Australian life {u2022} elections {u2022} participation and representation {u2022} the Australian state {u2022} contemporary political and public policy issues Contemporary Politics in Australia challenges the assumption that the study of Australian politics can be dry, descriptive or uncontroversial. Rather, it encourages an understanding of politics in Australia as contested ground. Featuring a glossary of key terms and a companion website, it is essential reading for students.