Changing behaviour: A public policy perspective

10. Possible Next Steps

Some suggested ways in which APS agencies could assist their employees to more effectively achieve sustained behavioural change are set out below.

At the whole of government level:

consider whether a similar initiative to the UK Government’s Behaviour Change Forum (discussed in the Introduction to this paper) should be implemented for Australia. In Australia, such a forum could be coordinated by the APS but also involve state, territory and local government. It might focus on:
- exchanging experience of behavioural change policies and their implementation
- disseminating research findings and good practice across government
- advising on and promoting common policy tools and supporting those engaged in behaviour-focused policies.
incorporate training and case studies on achieving behavioural change into the Australian Public Service Commission’s programmes that focus on the broad range of skills required, including a basic understanding of behavioural theory and evidence.

At the agency level:

focus on recruitment and investment in training and experiential learning to ensure that the necessary skills for policy makers and programme designers are available within the teams tackling policy issues that require behavioural change. Contracting in social marketing expertise can be one efficient mechanism for use by medium and small agencies.
encourage a style of management that expects policy makers to consider whether an explicit behavioural change approach informed by behavioural theory and evidence would be useful in tackling a broad range of policy issues—not only those issues that most obviously require behavioural change. A broader culture that encourages initiative but recognises the need for learning would support such a management style and assist in modifying behavioural change measures in the light of what works and what doesn’t. Such a learning culture, which is characterised by a willingness to think and work in new and innovative ways, also requires flexible and creative implementation (e.g. using trials, prototypes and multiple iterations).

Australia's Comprehensive Strategy for Tobacco Control - The Seven Es
	Environment Regulation of promotion Regulation of sale Smoke-free regulation
Enable Quit lines and other cessation services Pharmacotherapies e.g. NRT Counselling and referral by health professional Target disadvantaged groups Workforce development Addressing social, economic & cultural determinants of health		Encourage (Discourage) Smoke-free regulation Tobacco tax Regulation of packaging Promotion of Quit & smoke-free messages Educational resources for schools Advice from health professional
	Evaluate equity Research Monitoring Evaluation Equity analysis

Enforce No sales to minors Enforce other regulation on promotion, sale, place of use. tax, packaging	Exemplify Smoke-free public sector workplaces Achieve consistency in policies	Engage Promotion of Quit & smoke-free messages Disadvantaged groups Health professionals Universities & tertiary institutions that train health professionals Community support & health centres Educational resources NGOs e.g. Cancer Councils
Source: M. Lewis 2007, States of Reason: Freedom, Responsibility and the Governing of Behaviour Change, Institute for Public Policy Research, London, p. 64.