ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to contribute to the debate by reflecting on the initial attempts by the Australian State government of Victoria to develop a more integrated approach to social, economic and environmental policy making. The public policy legacy of the last twenty years to have come under significant criticism is the managerialist faith in hierarchical, rational planning mechanisms linking mission statements, goals, objectives, programs and performance in straightforward chains of cause and effect. The initial directions of the Bracks Government focused on the implementation of the independently costed election policy document known as the Labour Financial Statement. In order to provide a focus for communicating the Government's broader directions, the following 'four pillars' were identified by the Premier as overarching themes: financial responsibility; revitalizing democracy; restoring services; and growing the whole State. The chapter identifies the key factors likely to engender support and therefore the probability of implementation of Growing Victoria Together.
