Crawford School of Public Policy

Crawford School introduces our fantastic staff, so you can get to meet the people of Asia and the Pacific’s leading graduate policy school.

In this interview, Senior Lecturer Dr Michael Di Francesco, who joined us in November 2019, shares his thoughts about the return of bureaucracy as a social science concept, and tells us how to keep both your child and your puppy entertained.

Why did you choose to work at Crawford School?

I chose Crawford for three reasons. First, it is one of the world’s great public policy schools, period. It is a tremendous privilege to be part of it. I am working with very talented people and students, and located right at the doorstep of national public policy institutions. Second, I was fortunate enough to do my PhD not only at ANU, but on the first floor of Old Canberra House, with very fond memories of a rewarding time, people and place. Third, what is there not to like about being perched on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin?

What is – in your opinion – the most interesting development in your research area?

My broad research area is public administration. Whilst it also has strong detractors, I think a particularly interesting - and important - development is the recovery of bureaucracy as a social science concept for informing public institutional design and the need to re-evaluate historically significant changes to public service in Westminster-based systems. In conjunction with technological advances, these changes have generated a range of unintended consequences for public governance and public policy. Notions like office, merit, technical expertise, and public interest - all of which remain in form - are making a welcome return to the substance of public life, and are resurging in response to the urgent demands of COVID-19.

Can you tell us about a feel-good dish that you or someone in your family makes in stressful times?

This question is very easy to answer. Sticky toffee pudding. Let me stress that I can’t make it myself, I only eat it. It is chock full of dates, and its pre-internet 1990s provenance dates me. I think it gives comfort food its good name.

Can you tell us about one of your funniest/most special moments when teaching a class

During my first academic appointment at the University of Sydney, I took a secondment in the strategic budget reform area of NSW Treasury. On my first day, a number of new recruits also started in my area. I was delighted to see someone I had taught in my first graduate course only the previous year. At that time, he was working in management consultancy, but had returned to public service. When I asked him why, he said ‘because of you and your course’. Impact, when it happens, is not always visible, but when it does, it makes teaching very worthwhile.

Can you give us your top 3 tips about how to stay positive during the COVID-19 outbreak?

1. I have a young family and a new pup. Being at home can have everyone climbing the walls (and in the case of my young son, literally). But take time to pause, and appreciate having this time together.

2. If you’re able to, go outdoors, get some sun, fresh air, and do your best to exhaust said son and pup.

3. If you, like me, identify at the introvert end of personality types, consider how well placed you are for the restrictions imposed to keep everyone safe.