Trish Mercer

Perrin and Mahrree’s sense of security is shattered. Not only have the Guarders returned, they’ve been after Mahrree and the Shins’ children. Captain Shin, in violation of army rules, barged into the forests after the Guarders, which earned him warnings from Idumea, the increased hatred of Chairman Mal, and a slashed back. It'd be helpful to have a little inside information, and the forest agrees. So it's sending an insider named Shem Zenos: a volunteer soldier who’s brawny, charismatic, and conveniently loves babies. All of which leaves Chairman Mal wondering: just who is this “Quiet Man” who’s told his Guarders he has Captain Shin under control, and exactly what kind of “help” is he providing?

Soldier at the Door

Lieutenant Colonel Perrin Shin is not happy. Not happy about the changes he's seen in Edge since he arrived sixteen years ago. Not about his daughter and son turning into teenagers. And certainly not about the Guarders turning the village teens into thieves, or the world not noticing anything but the latest entertainment. Which also means no one’s noticing the ever-tightening control of Chairman Mal and the Administrators. While Perrin and Mahrree notice, as does their claimed brother Shem Zenos, there's nothing that two soldiers and a school teacher can do about those who rule the world. So when a disaster hits Edge and half of the world, then Perrin receives an urgent message demanding that he return immediately to Idumea--Well, he’s not sure what's worse: the fact that he has to leave his village that desperately needs him in order to face the government he hates, or that his wife and children are going with him.

The Mansions of Idumea

John Wanna

Brian Head

Russell Ayres

When it comes to policymaking, public servants have traditionally learned ‘on the job’, with practical experience and tacit knowledge valued over theory-based learning and academic analysis. Yet increasing numbers of public servants are undertaking policy training through postgraduate qualifications and/or through short courses in policy training. Learning Policy, Doing Policy explores how policy theory is understood by practitioners and how it influences their practice. The book brings together insights from research, teaching and practice on an issue that has so far been understudied. Contributors include Australian and international policy scholars, and current and former practitioners from government agencies. The first part of the book focuses on theorising, teaching and learning about the policymaking process; the second part outlines how current and former practitioners have employed policy process theory in the form of models or frameworks to guide and analyse policymaking in practice; and the final part examines how policy theory insights can assist policy practitioners. In exploring how policy process theory is developed, taught and taken into policymaking practice, Learning Policy, Doing Policy draws on the expertise of academics and practitioners, and also ‘pracademics’ who often serve as a bridge between the academy and government. It draws on a range of both conceptual and applied examples. Its themes are highly relevant for both individuals and institutions, and reflect trends towards a stronger professional ethos in the Australian Public Service. This book is a timely resource for policy scholars, teaching academics, students and policy practitioners.

Interactions Between Public Policy Theory, Practice and Teaching

Learning Policy, Doing Policy

Captain Perrin Shin, assigned to village Edge of the World, is out to do more than command the new fort. He’s determined to uncover the mystery of the Guarders: where they live, why they attack, and what they want. Suspiciously, none of their behavior has ever made sense. Mahrree Peto, a teacher in Edge, is also growing suspicious. Of the Administrators who promise to eradicate the Guarders, and of the arrogant captain they sent to protect Edge. It’s hard to know who to trust. The most powerful man in the world is also fascinated by trust, and precisely what it takes to destroy it. He’s looking for research subjects, and up in Edge a brash captain and a nosy teacher have caught his attention. Let the experiment begin. Part fantasy, part adventure, part humor, part romance, part mystery all equates to a wholly entertaining and unique family saga. Think you know who to trust? Think you know the color of the sky? Probably not . . .

Trish Mercer

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