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Study Short courses Mechanics of Government

Public Sector Leadership

Mechanics of Government

Gain a thorough insight into the workings of government in Australia. 

Mode of delivery
Face-to-face

Duration
1 full day

Investment
From $575

Course details 

Enrol now

Overview

Gain a comprehensive understanding of how government functions in Australia, emphasising the Australian and South Australian political systems and the broader role of the public sector. You’ll explore the federal framework including the constitution, federalism, High Court, election processes, and the three spheres of government, alongside the legislative and executive branches, cabinet structures, and the latest developments such as outsourcing and privatisation. This course is ideal for public sector newcomers, those transitioning into policy or communication roles, or anyone seeking to refresh their grasp of government operations.

What you will study keyboard_arrow_up

In this short course, you will explore a range of engaging modules designed to deepen your understanding of the role and process of government in Australia:

  • An overview of the Australian system of government, including; the new Australian Leader and Liberal
  • Liberal Democracy, the constitution, the federal system, the role of the High Court, how the vote is counted and the three spheres of Government
  • The role of parliament and the legislative process in relation to the Executive Branch and the public service
  • The relationship between Cabinet and ministers, the public service and other public agencies
  • The role of the public service in policy development and service delivery.
  • Recent developments in the public sector including management, outsourcing and privatisation
  • The Media – new and old forms
Who should attend keyboard_arrow_up

This course is highly recommended for those new to the public sector (at any level), for those moving into policy and communication roles, and anyone looking to refresh their knowledge on the workings of government.

The training can be taken through the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) more information under IPAA training link. 

The training can also be delivered in-house for a public sector cohort. Please register interest to enquire about this option. 

Learning outcomes keyboard_arrow_up

On completion of this short course participants will be able to:

  1. Apply a better understanding of the role and process of government in Australia
  2. Understand how the machinery of government relates to current issues in public administration and policy development, and where you sit in the ‘bigger’ picture

Benefits to You and Your Organisation

You will better understand the development of policy within the cabinet process, as well as a better understand the function of Parliament, its relationship to the public service and its role in the passage of legislation.

Course dates for 2025 

September 2025

  • Wednesday, 10 September 2025 - register here.

November 2025

  • Wednesday, 19 November 2025 - register here.

 

Enquiries

Contact:

Jessica Genauer

jessica.genauer@flinders.edu.au

+61 8 7421 9896

Register interest for IPAA training

Course details 

Structure and Assessment

1 full day 
9:30am-4:30pm (9:15am registration)
Contact us for alternate duration and delivery style options

Competency framework
All levels Common

Inclusions
Workbook, resources, lunch, morning tea and refreshments

Location
Adelaide CBD, SA 5000
(please visit registration links for further information)
View map

Costs
Personal Member $575
State Govt Employee Member $615
Corporate Member $625
Non-member $725

The facilitator may vary but will be a Flinders University Facilitator.

Assessment

Course assessment is designed to help you apply the skills and knowledge gained throughout the program to your professional context. Assessment includes: Participation, Quizzes, Case Study Brief and an Engagement Plan.

Course cancellation & refunds

Courses are subject to sufficient registrations. Flinders University reserves the right to cancel a course. If a course is cancelled, you will have the opportunity to transfer your registration or be issued a full refund. If a registrant cancels within 14 calendar days of course commencement, a 50% registration fee will apply.

Facilitators

Associate Professor Rob Manwaring keyboard_arrow_up

Rob Manwaring is a senior lecturer in the College of Business, Law and Government. Rob's background is in public policy, and worked for the UK's Commission for Racial Equality as a senior policy adviser, and also for the South Australian Council of Social Services.

Since completing his PhD at Flinders in 2010, he teaches a range of policy and politics topics, and researches into the areas of centre-left political parties, democratic politics, and public policy. Most recently, his edited collection (with Paul Kennedy from the University of Bath) 'Why the Left Loses' (Policy Press) examined the electoral fortunes of the family of centre-left political parties and the ongoing crisis of social democracy.

Dr Josh Holloway keyboard_arrow_up

Dr Josh Holloway is a Lecturer in Government in the College of Business, Government & Law at Flinders University, and is the Course Coordinator for the Bachelor of International Relations & Political Science.

Josh’s research interests include political parties, party finance, electoral management, and democratic resilience to crisis. His research has been published in leading journals, including Perspectives on Politics, European Political Science Review, Government & Opposition, Contemporary Politics, Election Law Journal, Defence Studies, and the Australian Journal of Political Science. His research has received domestic and international media coverage. Josh’s work has attracted highly competitive external funding from stakeholders such as the Department of Defence, Australian Army, and international climate change networks.

Josh is an experienced and passionate teacher, and has contributed to two leading textbooks on Australian politics and public policy.

Study Short courses Mechanics of Government

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Last Updated: 03 Sep 2025

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