Quick-start guide: how to use this playbook

Who should use this playbook This playbook is designed for:

• Policy professionals working in government, think tanks, or advocacy organizations
• Public servants seeking to understand and better contribute to policy design, implementation and outcomes
• Students and researchers studying public policy and governance
• Civil society leaders engaging with policy processes
• Anyone interested in how policy works and how to influence it for public good. What each main section covers The playbook is organized into 3 key sections:
• Frameworks: Core concepts, definitions, categories, the policy journey and a step by step guide for delivering policy outcomes, with practical templates and resources you can use in your own work. Also includes guidance on evidence, continual evaluation, managing risk dynamically and working with Ministers and their offices.
• Fitness: The mindset, skills and tools needed for adaptively delivering effective policy.
• Foundations: Useful history on policymaking in Australia and the unique characteristics of the Australian “Washminster” system of government and how it should inform the behaviours and approach taken by public servants in Australia.

Step-by-step approach for first-time users To get the most out of this playbook, you could choose to:

• Start with the frameworks: Read the introductory sections to build a practical foundation in policy concepts and terminology.

• Identify your focus area: Determine which policy type(s) (foundational, political, operational or international) is most relevant to your work.

• Explore and consider the policy journey as a holistic model for your work, and how you can contribute to the journey as a whole to deliver the intended policy outcomes: Follow the detailed walkthroughs that match your interests or current projects.

• Review decision-making structures: Understand who holds authority and how decisions flow in your area of focus.

• Apply the public good framework: use evidence and continual evaluation to assess existing policies or design new ones using the tools provided.

• Utilise templates and tools: to put concepts into practice. Tips for navigating and getting the most value

• Use as a reference: You don’t need to read cover-to-cover; jump to sections relevant to your current needs.

• Follow cross-references: Links throughout the document connect related concepts and examples.

• Study the diagrams: Visual representations help clarify complex policy structures and processes.

• Engage with examples: Real-world case studies illustrate how concepts apply in practice.

• Bookmark key sections: Mark pages you’ll return to frequently for quick reference.

• Adapt to your context: While examples may be specific, principles can be applied across different settings.

• Share and discuss: Use this playbook as a common language with colleagues and stakeholders. Where to find interactive templates and resources Throughout the playbook, we encourage you to look for:

• Template sections: Clearly marked areas with downloadable or fillable frameworks.

• Resource boxes: Highlighted sections with links to additional tools and readings.

• Appendices: End-of-document collection of all templates,

• checklists, and reference materials.

• Online companion materials: Digital resources referenced throughout the text for deeper exploration. Ready to begin? Go to the next section to dive into policy frameworks or jump to the topic, policy type or context most relevant to your current work.