Multidimensional interests in horizontal intergovernmental coordination : the case of the German Bundesrat

Erworben im Rahmen der Schweizer Nationallizenzen (http://www.nationallizenzen.ch)In the German Bundesrat, an arena of horizontal intergovernmental relations, sixteen Länder governments composed of approximately 170 governmental departments coordinate and negotiate their positions on federal motions. This article analyzes the coordination process and argues that the interests that the actors pursue, as well as the coordination strategies stemming from these interests, are less clear-cut than commonly assumed. Based on a novel network dataset collected by the author, evidence is found for sectoral, political party, and territorial coordination strategies. The main findings are first, that political party coordination in Germany is more frequent than territorial coordination but performs a structuring instead of a substantial function during the coordination process. Second, sectoral coordination mainly takes place at an early stage of the coordination process and is able to solve a bulk of coordination problems by drawing on expert knowledge

The Impact of Postal Voting on Participation, Evidence for Switzerland

Many countries are forging ahead with convenient balloting methods, in particular electronic and postal voting, in order to re-engage voters. In this paper, we test whether thencost reductions with postal voting increase turnout. The empirical analysis is based on annewly collected data set on the introduction of postal voting in Swiss cantons. We take advantage of the unique fact that voting by mail was introduced at different times across cantons. This allows identifying the impact of postal voting on turnout, independent of time,nissue and canton specific effects. The estimated average effect on turnout is roughly 4.1npercentage points for an average turnout of 43 percent between 1970 and 2005

‘Time for a Change in Direction’: Using Indigenous Knowledges as the Driving Force for Change

We live in a time of change, of rapid change in some cases. Regardless of where we live as Indigenous peoples we see this, feel this, know this and understand this. Yet how do we manage this? At times Indigenous knowledge and Western knowledge are aligned and at other times diametrically opposed. This is also the case when examining how Indigenous knowledges are viewed, accessed and used even when politicians, governments and institutions are searching for answers and solutions for Indigenous people and for broader Australian society. Sometimes we have witnessed Indigenous knowledges too far down the back, at the bottom of the list and even disregarded. In some cases Indigenous peoples and our knowledges have been positioned as the victims of modernity. Imagine if we could draw on the strength of Indigenous knowledges as the driving force to change direction or for change. We can do this. This paper will explore some of the ways we might do this and bring about an improved society for all peoples

Valsts kancelejas 2002. gada parskats

Available from Latvian Academic Library / LAL - Latvian Academic LibrarySIGLELVLatvi

The Japanese-Australian Multifunction Polis: context and issues

The Multifunction Polis (MFP) is jargon for a proposed Japanese-Australian new city, which is currently the subject of a major feasibility study. The joint project is expected to result in a new city in Australia of 50 000-100 000 population, but its location and viability have yet to be determined. The MFP is viewed by both governments as highly significant for future industrial, urban and international development in the Pacific region. This article examines the background to the MFP concept, the issues being considered by the feasibility study, and the motives and perceived benefits for both partners. Some of the possible problems are also outlined, particularly those of social polarisation

Understanding Indigenous Women’s Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Wellness – program development in conjunction with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women

The term “Social and Emotional Wellbeing” (SEWB) was coined through the noted inability of conventional psychiatric terminology when addressing Indigenous holistic connections and opposes the mainstream terminology that often boxes “mental health” as a diagnosis, disease or illness into separate origins from that of other personal holistic Indigenous existence, which in turn directly objects to Indigenous thinking and perceptions of wellbeing. In an attempt to capture the broader and more holistic ways of Indigenous thinking and interpretations around Indigenous mental health, Indigenous Australian Brisbane North women’s perceptions of wellbeing and wellness were explored through the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women whom had experienced or were at risk of developing SEWB problems. This Indigenous mental health nurse led research highlighted the inherent differences intertwined within the essence of Indigenous women’s SEWB perceptions, beliefs and knowledge’s. Including the interconnectiveness that centres around not only ones physical wellness but the inherent connections embedded within the land, environment, community, and law/lore underpinning the fabric of a women’s life, relationships and wellbeing and intern directly attributing to their mental health and wellness. Data was derived from semi-structured narrative focus groups and included the incorporation of Indigenous specific “Yarning approaches”. The major themes centred around wellness and wellbeing, autonomy, Indigenous women being heard, historical factors of discrimination and racism, support, and the development of an Indigenous Women’s Wellness program including the SEWB benefits of this while encompassing a mental health centred Indigenous women’s specific program development focus, that is effective, inviting and community centred

Negotiating space: alternative masculinities at the work/home boundary

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Indigenous Women’s Wellness

The term “Social and Emotional Wellbeing” (SEWB) was developed to address Indigenous holistic connections to state of wellbeing and opposes constructs around “mental health” such as a diagnosis, disease or illness. This study’s aim was to explore what Indigenous Women’s Wellbeing is broadly and what Social and Emotional Wellbeing is, through Indigenous perceptions, beliefs and knowledge of Indigenous Women’s Wellbeing experiences within North Brisbane. Data was derived from semi-structured focus group incorporating Indigenous specific Yarning, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who have experienced or were at risk of developing Social and Emotional Wellness problems came together. The women identified many factors underpinning Wellbeing and Social and Emotional Wellness and what it means for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women. The major themes centred around wellness and health, autonomy, Indigenous women being heard, historical factors, support and Indigenous women’s group development and continuation