15619 Comparative Local Governance
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject enhances students' capacity to act more strategically when dealing with government agencies, partners, communities and other stakeholders through a deeper understanding of the role and nature of local government and the opportunities and challenges involved in adopting a broader conception of governance – rather than simply government.
The subject introduces key themes in local and regional governance, including national and international perspectives, enabling students to understand how applying concepts of governance, and learning from the varied experience of others, may strengthen their own role and organisation. Frameworks for undertaking comparative study are presented and used to explore examples of practice. Lessons are drawn to inform students' understanding of their own jurisdictional and organisational context.
This is a core subject in the Master of Local Government (C04257). Students are required to participate in an introductory online session and then undertake reading and preparation in advance of the three-day seminar to enable them to contribute meaningfully to the discussion and case study analysis.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
| 1. | Achieve a sound understanding of conceptions of governance and the role and place of local government in Australia’s federal system. |
|---|---|
| 2. | Undertake a comparative examination of local government and governance in different jurisdictions. |
| 3. | Develop skills in applying comparative research as an approach and method for critical analysis in the field of local governance. |
| 4. | Explore different Australian and international models for local governance and their relevant legislative frameworks. |
| 5. | Applied lessons learned from comparative study to identifying needs and opportunities for improvement in current arrangements for local governance. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes to the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes:
- Apply leadership skills to take a proactive and convincing role in in fostering cultural competence and identifying and addressing policy issues (A.2)
- Communicate and engage effectively with people from diverse perspectives and cultures across multiple platforms, acknowledging the status of Indigenous peoples to develop cross-disciplinary strategy (C.1)
- Synthesise and deliver well-informed, engaging and effective presentations in written, oral and digital formats for diverse audience types (C.2)
- Develop critically informed and innovative approaches to understanding local government and intergovernmental issues in domestic and international contexts (I.1)
- Apply an advanced understanding of theories and debates in local government and intergovernmental relations, including Indigenous perspectives, and articulate this understanding across a range of organisational types (P.3)
- Conduct independent applied research to develop a deep understanding of complex policy problems and innovative, cross-disciplinary solutions pertaining to government and its stakeholders (R.3)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
The term CAPRI is used for the five Design, Architecture and Building faculty graduate attribute categories where:
C = communication and groupwork
A = attitudes and values
P = practical and professional
R = research and critique
I = innovation and creativity.
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs) are linked to these categories using codes (e.g. C-1, A-3, P-4, etc.).
Teaching and learning strategies
Comparative Local Governance is taught in two modes. First, an online introductory session to outline the subject; introduce concepts and themes in local governance, and explain the background reading and preparation required. Second, an intensive three-day seminar of face-to-face sessions. This incorporates a range of teaching and learning strategies, including guest presentations, student group work, case studies, and facilitated discussions.
Students need to undertake significant reading and preparation in advance of the seminar to facilitate their participation in discussions and analysis of the case studies. During the seminar students will be required to deliver a 15-20 minute case study presentation. In ‘Block’ mode students are supported by the Canvas platform throughout Autumn Semester.
Content (topics)
Note: The modules in this subject intertwine and interact with each other: they are not designed to present stand-alone blocks of material.
Module 1: Local Governance: Concepts and Themes
Module 1 progressively introduces and explores the wide range of concepts and themes embedded in the theory and practice of local governance. These include the various elements of governance – political, democratic, corporate etc; systems and levels of government within which governance is practised; inter-government relations; regionalism and localism; community engagement and governance; the importance of place and place-shaping etc. Analysis of these concepts and themes is informed by the Australian and international case studies presented during the 3-day seminar.
Module 2: Australian Case Studies
Module 2 involves students researching and comparing key elements of local government and governance in two Australian jurisdictions and presenting their preliminary findings in a series of Powerpoint slides for group discussion during the seminar. After receiving feedback and considering the findings of other case studies, each student will then finalise their Powerpoint presentation for formal assessment. The seminar presentation and revised Powerpoint slides form Assessment Task 1.
Module 3: International Case Studies
Systems of local government and governance in Australia can benefit greatly from increased interaction with – and learning from – the varied approaches taken in other countries. Module 3 examines a range of case studies with a view to highlighting specific themes in legislation and practice that warrant more attention in Australia, as well as differences and innovative ideas that offer food for thought.
Module 4: Understanding Comparative Research
‘Doing’ comparative local governance means undertaking research and analysis of local government from a cross-jurisdictional perspective. The intention is to generate topical insights that can be applied to inform and improve the practice of local governance. In this module, we explore processes, outcomes, strengths, and challenges when adopting comparative local governance as an approach to research. An example is provided of using the comparative approach to examine decentralisation as an international phenomenon, and students also have the opportunity to apply the material in a group exercise and and an assignment.
Module 5: Emerging Issues and Future Directions
Module 5 takes the form of a facilitated group discussion designed to draw together key issues raised and lessons learned in previous modules; crystallise and consolidate students’ understanding of the value of comparative study; and explore possible future directions for the practice of local governance in Australia. The discussion will provide a platform for successful completion of Assessment Task 3.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Australian case study presentation
| Intent: | This task will help you achieve a sound understanding of conceptions of governance and the role and place of local government in Australia’s federal system. This task will give you an oportunity to undertake a comparative examination of local government and governance in different jurisdictions. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1 and 2 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): C.1, C.2, P.3 and R.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Type: | Presentation | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 30% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria: | Criterion 1.1 –CILO C2 – weighting 30% The student prepares and delivers a presentation that is clear and concise and demonstrates an understanding of the key topics and issues of relevance. Criterion 1.2 – CILO C1 – weighting 20% The student participates constructively in discussing the presentation with colleagues, and demonstrates a thoughtful response to feedback. Criterion 1.3 – CILO P3 – weighting 30% The student demonstrates a sound understanding of local government and governance in the chosen context and relates some of the findings to their own experiences and context. Criterion 1.4 – CILO R3 – weighting 20% The student demonstrates a capacity for independent applied research. TOTAL 100% (contributing 30% of the overall mark for the subject) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 2: Governance Research Discussion Paper
| Intent: | The task will help you with developing skills in applying comparative research as an approach and method for critical analysis in the field of local governance. The task will give you an opportunity to apply lessons learned from comparative study to identifying needs and opportunities for improvement in current arrangements for local governance. | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 3 and 5 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): I.1, P.3 and R.3 | ||||||||||||||||
| Type: | Essay | ||||||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 30% | ||||||||||||||||
| Length: | Up to 1,500 words | ||||||||||||||||
| Criteria: | Criterion 2.1 – CILO P3 – weighting 30% The student demonstrates an understanding of local governance and how its dimensions can be examined through a comparative approach in order to develop insights and improve practice. Criterion 2.2 – CILO R3 – weighting 40% The student demonstrates an understanding of the comparative approach to research as it applies to local government/governance and to public administration more generally. The discussion paper is readable and engaging, while also being rigorous in terms of it use of literature, accurate and consistent in-text referencing, and a consistently formatted alphabetical reference list. Criterion 2.3 – CILO I1 – weighting 30% A critically informed and innovative approach to understanding and improving local governance is evident in the writing, with a focus on the benefits of adopting a systematic comparative approach. TOTAL 100% (contributing 30% of the overall mark for the subject) | ||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 3: Comparative Essay
| Intent: | The task will help you achieve a sound understanding of conceptions of governance and the role and place of local government in Australia’s federal system. The task will help you develop skills in applying comparative research as an approach and method for critical analysis in the field of local governance. The task will give you an opportunity to explore different Australian and international models for local governance and their relevant legislative frameworks. The task will also give you an opportunity to applied lessons learned from comparative study to identifying needs and opportunities for improvement in current arrangements for local governance. | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 5 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): A.2, I.1, P.3 and R.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Type: | Essay | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 40% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Length: | Approx 2,500 words | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria: | Criterion 3.1 – CILO P3 – weighting 20% The student’s exploration of the topic is based on a sound understanding of local government, including its role and value in the overall system of government. Criterion 3.2 – CILO R3 – weighting 30% The student draws together varying concepts and practices of local governance in other countries to inform their own experience and context. Criterion 3.3 – CILO A2 – weighting 30% The student sets out a concise and compelling case for change based on rigorous analysis and a systematic comparative approach. Criterion 3.4 – CILO I1 – weighting 20% The student demonstrates a capacity for fresh thinking about place-based governance and community democracy as elements of Australia’s federal system. TOTAL 100% (contributing 40% of the overall mark for the subject) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Minimum requirements
The DAB attendance policy requires students to attend no less than 80% of formal teaching sessions (lectures and tutorials) for each class they are enrolled in to remain eligible for assessment.
Students must meet attendance requirements and must obtain at least 50% of the total marks.
Required texts
Drage, J., McNeill, J. and Cheyne, C. (eds. 2011) Along a fault-line: New Zealand’s changing local government landscape. Wellington, Dunmore Publishing [pp.9-40, 136-151, 223-230]
Graham Sansom Pty Ltd (2016) Towards Victoria’s New Local Government Act: Experience and Ideas from Other Jurisdictions, Melbourne: Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning
Lidstrom, A. (1998) The comparative study of local government systems: A research agenda. Journal of Comparative Policy Analysis: Research and Practice, 1(1): 97-115
Pollitt, C. (2011) Not odious but onerous: Comparative public administration, Public Administration, 89(1): 114-127.
Sansom, G and McKinlay, P. (eds. (2014) New Century Local Government: Commonwealth Perspectives. London, Commonwealth Secretariat [pp.1-17, 58-73, 145-239]
Sansom, G. (2019) ‘Is Australian Local Government Ready for Localism?’, Policy Quarterly, Vol 15, Issue 2, May
Steytler, N. (ed. 2009) Local Government and Metropolitan Regions in Federal Systems. Montreal and Kingston, McGill-Queen’s University Press. [pp.7-36, 106-135, 267-297, 393-436]
Recommended texts
Amosa, D. U. (2010). Local government and good governance: The case of Samoa. Commonwealth Journal of Local Governance, (7), 7-21. https://doi.org/10.5130/cjlg.v0i7.1891
Brunet-Jailly, E. and Martin, J. (eds. 2010) Local Government in a Global World: Australia and Canada in Comparative Perspective. Toronto, University of Toronto Press [pp. 3-34, 179-251]
Crasnow, S. (2011) Evidence for use: causal pluralism and the role of case studies in political science research, Philosophy of the Social Sciences, 41(1): 26-49.
Harding, A (2020) Collaborative Regional Governance: Lessons from Greater Manchester. IMFG Papers on Municipal Finance and Governance, No. 48, University of Toronto, Canada
Hassall, G., & Tipu, F. (2008). Local Government in the South Pacific Islands. Commonwealth Journal of Local Governance, (1), 7-29. https://doi.org/10.5130/cjlg.v1i0.766
Lijphart, A. (1971) Comparative politics and the comparative method. The American Political Science Review, 65(3): 682-693
Padovani, E. and Scorsone, E. (2009) Comparing local governments’ performance internationally: A mission impossible? International Review of Administrative Sciences, 75(2): 219-237.
Rutgers, M.R. (2004) Comparative public administration: Navigating Scylla and Charybdis – Global comparison as a translation problem. Administrative Theory and Praxis, 26(2): 150-168
Sansom, Graham and Tim Robinson (2019) Place Based Governance and Local Democracy:
Will Australian Local Government Deliver? LogoNet Australia
Slack, E. and Chattopadhyay, R. (eds. 2013) Governance and Finance of Metropolitan Areas in Federal Systems. Montreal and Kingston, McGill-Queen’s University Press. [pp. 1-9, 324-362]
Taylor, Z. (2020) Theme and Variations: Metropolitan Governance in Canada. IMFG Papers on Municipal Finance and Governance, No. 49, University of Toronto, Canada
Terman, J. (2011) Comparative administration: Ontology and epistemology in cross-cultural research, Administration Theory and Praxis, 33(2): 235-257.
Wolman, H. (2008) Comparing local government systems across countries: Conceptual and methodological challenges to building a field of comparative local government studies, Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy, 26: 87-103.