An antinomy is a contradiction between a principle and its opposite, where there is a
compelling case for accepting both. This thesis adopts the antinomy of local-state
government in Australia as its central conceptual theme, describing it with the following
defensible, but contradictory principles that:¶
· Australian local governments are statutory agencies of Australias state
governments, with no power or authority beyond that which is ascribed to them by
the states (the outside-in principle); and¶
· Local governments in Australia are independent agencies whose authority and
interests transcend their regulatory powers by nature of their attachment to their
local area (the inside-out principle).¶
The central conceptual theme of the antinomy of local-state government shapes the
overall thesis, as well as providing the focus for its introduction and conclusion. The thesis
induces elements of the antinomy and structures much of its discussion around these key
issues. It does not try to prove or resolve the antinomy. Instead the thesis uses the concept to
explore and develop its second complex theme - the practical and applied experience of
Australian local governments (LGs) as they attempt to deliver beneficial environmental
outcomes. The great bulk of the substantive work presented in the thesis focuses on
descriptions and analyses of LGs environmental work and the contexts within which they
do it. The thesis contends that the local-state antinomy underpins many problems facing
Australian LGs as they attempt to deliver beneficial environmental outcomes.
Four research questions are addressed. They are:¶
· How can Australian LG capacity to deliver beneficial environmental outcomes be
understood?¶
· Within this capacity, what are the environmental outcomes now being achieved by
Australian LGs?¶
· How can Australian local government extend its capacity to deliver beneficial
environmental outcomes? And¶
· What are the implications of the local-state antinomy on Australian LG capacity to
deliver beneficial environmental outcomes?¶
This thesis reviews literature on Australian LG, LG environmental work, and the
methods that are appropriate in investigating these questions. The overall thesis uses
scientific, grounded theory and action research methods and draws on ideas from symbolic
interactionism. Parts of the thesis also use environmental risk assessment, gap analysis
techniques, case study and comparative analysis. The goal of generating grounded theories
led to a strong focus on the development and exploration of analytical categories and the
relationships between them. One such category summarises the relationship between LG
and state government (SG), whereby LGs are identified as the inside sphere of government,
while the SG is one of several outside spheres. Environmental efforts that impact between
the spheres are described in relation to their source and impact, using this terminology, so
that inside-out initiatives are driven by LGs but impact more broadly, and outside-in
initiatives are driven by states but impact on local areas.¶
Two extensive studies are presented, each stemming primarily from one side of the
local-state antinomy. The first is a quantitative, statewide study of local (and state)
government implementation of the Queensland Environmental Protection Act. That process
is considered a predominantly outside-in environmental initiative, in that LG interest and
authority for that work stem directly from a SG statute. For simplicity, this is referred to as
an outside-in study. That study involved the development and application of the
Comparative Environmental Risk Assessment Method, that enabled the assessment of the
environmental and other outcomes from the Queensland legislation.¶
The outside-in study is complimented by comparative case studies that mostly
reflect inside-out environmental initiatives as they are defined and described by LGs.
Again, this required the development of innovative research methods, specifically a
comparative case study method. 34 case studies gathered from different types of LGs across
Australia are presented, each representing an attempt by LG to deliver beneficial
environmental outcomes.¶
In answer to the research questions, LG capacity to deliver environmental outcomes
can be understood when the antinomy is examined through the research methods and
analytical categories developed and presented here. LGs are delivering significant beneficial
environmental outcomes, both as agents of SGs and through their own initiatives.
Improving LG capacity to deliver environmental outcomes primarily requires a respect for
LG perspectives, and for LG priorities, which inherently include a focus on their own local
areas. State governments can build effective partnerships between the spheres and enhance
LG environmental capacity by recognising and supporting LGs own priorities, while
assisting their engagement with broader strategic objectives.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/216762 |
| Date | January 2002 |
| Creators | Wild River, Su, swildriv@cres20.anu.edu.au |
| Publisher | The Australian National University. Centre for Resource and Environmental Studies |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | http://www.anu.edu.au/legal/copyrit.html), Copyright Su Wild River |
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