Evaluation in the Australian Public Service: What can the case of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade tell us about an enduring challenge for public administration?

Abstract

Since the 1970s the evaluation of policies and programs has been viewed as essential for the efficiency and effectiveness of public policy and for accountability in the Australian Public Service (APS). Despite this, evaluation has varied in its practice and influence. At the time of writing, in 1The author was engaged over the 2012-20 period in DFAT's evaluation function as a member of the Independent Evaluation Committee (2012-20) and as a member of the Audit and Risk Committee . She was also a member of the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) Indigenous Evaluation Committee (within the Prime Minister and Cabinet portfolio) 2018-22. While DFAT officials commented on earlier versions of this chapter, her observations do not reflect views of DFAT or NIAA officials. The author is grateful to the many people who contributed information for this chapter and commented on it. These include