&w=828&q=100)
&w=3840&q=100)
McKinnon Simplified Guide to Policymaking
08 JUL 2025
The McKinnon Simplified Guide to Policymaking is a practical guide to contemporary good practice in public policy development in Australia and includes two parts:
The McKinnon Policymaking Checklist: A list of practical questions to be used during policy projects
The McKinnon Policymaking Guidance: More detailed information about actions to take within policy projects, to support the use of the checklist and understanding of policymaking processes.
While more comprehensive policymaking guides are available, this guide is intentionally simplified. It is a practical tool—to be used rather than studied—and is particularly aimed at supporting practitioners (inc. public servants, consultants, advocacy groups) who are newer to the policymaking process.
Published 08/07/2025
McKinnon Policymaking Tools Focus Area
For further resources on good practice policymaking, see the McKinnon Policymaking Tools Focus Area on the Analysis & Policy Observatory (APO). This repository of policymaking tools supplements the Guide with more detailed information and provides a regularly maintained collection of best practice policymaking.
DO YOU HAVE FEEDBACK ON OUR POLICYMAKING RESOURCES?
Our policymaking resources are intended to be evolving products that respond to the needs of users and the latest evidence on best practice in policymaking. Please contact our Public Sector team if you have any comments on how these tools can be improved or better tailored to the different types of policy and environments in which policy is made.
EXPLORE MORE FROM MCKINNON
Leadership
Outstanding Leadership
The quality of Australia’s political leadership directly impacts our nation’s ability to address complex challenges and seize opportunities. That is why we invest in building and celebrating exceptional Leaders.
Democracy
Strengthening Democracy
A resilient and vibrant democracy requires constant vigilance and renewal. With declining trust in institutions, global disruptions, and youth disengagement, supporting and strengthening our democratic foundations has become critical for Australia’s future.
Policy Innovation
Practical Policy approaches
Australia faces specific challenges that require fresh thinking and proven solutions. From education inequality to economic productivity, we need policy approaches that work - not just in theory, but in practice. That’s why we focus on finding and implementing the best policy innovation to accelerate progress and build trust.