The Role of Economics in Policy Advice: An Agriculture Perspective

Abstract

It is widely understood within the policy literature that economic advice is critical in policy development. Ken Henry argued that economic policy advice should be analytically sound, strategically focused and compelling. But where do these skills come from in the policy advisor, and what role do they have going forward? This paper will explore this idea in the agricultural context, using the legacy of John L. Dillon, Foundation Professor of Farm Management at the University of New England, case studies from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland and the authors’ own experiences. Moving from the hey-day of agricultural economics to the present and future, the contemporary role of economics in agricultural policy advice will be explored through practical examples of biosecurity and investment prioritisation.