Editorial

The main title of the journal "Agenda" refers to the common definition of the term: ‘items to be considered’. Any proposal for a government role in economy and society is entertained, so long as it observes the hallmarks of serious policy analysis: comprehensive and reliable evidence, and sound interpretation. This includes an emphasis above all on the remote, unseen and unintended consequences of policies and policy proposals.

Neither the title nor the subtitle limits the journal’s scope to economic policy. We give space to articles on the ideas and doctrines that inform policy debate, and on the institutions and processes through which policies are formulated and implemented. We welcome contributions from all disciplines and from all professions relevant to public policy; Agenda regularly carries articles and notes from lawyers, public servants, consultants and journalists as well as academics. Specialisation may be unavoidable, but it need not result in ‘narrowness’ if experts in their chosen fields retain a curiosity in and openness towards other disciplines. But if these qualities are to bear fruit, there has to be easy and lively communication between writer and reader; and this in turn requires an effort to write English plainly and with as little resort to technical terms as the topic under discussion allows.

The growth of government, combined with the expansion of media technology, has produced an explosion of policy information that threatens to become overwhelming. But, since it was launched in 1994 Agenda, has shown that a place exists for a policy journal that, while observing the traditional standards and procedures of academic publishing, appeals to a readership that takes the long view and is confident that, in open societies like Australia and New Zealand, sound policy analysis is eventually reflected in the policy choices of governments.