This research aims to deepen understanding of the design and impact of the ‘machinery of government’ – the administrative, bureaucratic or institutional arrangements that deliver public policy – with respect to housing policy in Australia. Drawing on the insights of current and former senior housing policy officials, the study identifies a set of principles to guide the best feasible governance and policy outcomes. 

Machinery of government (MoG) changes occur regularly in Australia’s public sector at the federal and state/territory levels. However, there has been little focus on the impact of such changes for the delivery of housing policy, or which arrangements are most suitable for effective delivery. Changes to the MoG may lead to a loss of institutional knowledge and key expertise, and impede efficiency, effectiveness and innovation. 

The research is organised around three main themes: 

• the influence of MoG structures
• the significance of people, leadership and culture in making the most of MoG settings
• the ways that politics, partisanship and short-term policies shape the outcomes of MoG reforms.

The report concludes identifying and settling on a feasible and effective governance and administrative structure will allow agencies – and the people working within them – the longevity and stability to deliver better policy outcomes.