Making Progress: How good policy happens

by Jenny Macklin, Joel Deane

Is big policy reform still possible? Does Australia have the political will to tackle generational issues such as climate change, the housing crisis, rising inequality and Closing the Gap? Legendary Labor policymaker Jenny Macklin believes that if Australia wants to remain prosperous and fair, big policy reform is not just possible, it's essential. Making Progress takes us into the policy engine room and details how Macklin went about developing transformational initiatives such as the Apology to the Stolen Generations, paid parental leave and the National Disability Insurance Scheme, as well as delivering pension reforms that lifted one million Australians out of poverty. She explains how she became a policy wonk, and interviews key policymakers such as Julia Gillard, Brian Howe, Bill Kelty, Tanya Plibersek and Ross Garnaut, who share how they war-gamed ways to turn good policy ideas into reality. Part policy memoir, part war-room drama, part field guide, Making How Good Policy Happens is a political book with a message-and a method.

349 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 16, 2025

Reviews

[Hutch Hussein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll preface this with saying that “When I grow up I want to be like Jenny Macklin!” So grateful that this national treasure has written this field guide on achieving long term good policy outcomes that also combines keys to good campaigning recognising they go hand in hand. Joel Deane’s nudge for her to include personal biographical elements brings the political memoir elements that humanise this book. Together with the interviews with key policy leaders, who all share unique and diverse tips, this book combines theory and practice. Don’t think I’ve ever underlined so many lines in a book before. I’ll be going back to re-read many parts of this book in years to come. Must read for anyone who wants to achieve social change.