Addressing locational disadvantage effectively (International evidence)

This report is the final output of a synthesis examining the nature of locational disadvantage and ways in which governments can intervene to improve the lives of disadvantaged residents in areas of concentrated poverty and disadvantage.The report outlines the synthesis methodology used, then explores the complex and contested concept of locational disadvantage. This is followed by discussion of some interventions used in the US, UK and EU to improve the life chances of residents of disadvantaged areas, leading to conclusions about broad principles for achieving lasting improvements.

Intermediate housing markets and effective policy responses

This report examines both Australian and international evidence around the nature of housing stress for many low–moderate income households, as well as ways to assist these families into sustainable, affordable housing that meets a variety of individual needs. The findings suggest that whilst there are existing initiatives which make a positive difference in their lives, more needs to be done to alleviate their housing stress.Interventions from across Australia, the US, Canada and Europe are described here and recommendations emerge for further action to address the housing needs of low–moderate income households in NSW.

What makes a difference? Building a foundation for nationally consistent outcome measures

This project sought a solid, credible basis for measuring the effectiveness of homelessness services. It assumed that an effective service creates successful results for people experiencing homelessness, results which make a difference. To identify which results, which 'client outcomes', make a difference, the project used the international research evidence base and input from experienced practitioners and policy-makers.

Development in Kyrgyzstan : Failed State or Failed Statebuilding?

This chapter examines the tensions present in approaches to development in Kyrgyzstan. It argues that development in this small post-Soviet republic has been approached primarily as formal statebuilding (Marquette & Beswick 2011), implying a belief that domestic political institutions and processes are the primary cause of fragility and that the adoption of democratic institutions and free market economic policies will result in development. The consequences of this inherently normative endeavour are explored in terms of the local political economy that has developed since independence and especially in the 2000s. Centrally, it is demonstrated how the competing interests and priorities of donors and local elite have undermined development efforts. On the basis of this analysis, it is suggested that rather than being framed as a failing or failed state, Kyrgyzstan is better understood as a case of failed statebuilding that cannot be remedied by the adoption of the current principles for development in fragile states situations, as adopted by the international community. Instead, the focus needs to be on facilitating the rebuilding of state-society relations both locally and internationally with a view to beginning to check the marketization of the state that has occurred.

Financial cooperatives and the development of social capital.

 Financial Cooperatives and the Development of Social Capital thesis examines the generation of social capital within locally owned and managed financial cooperatives and their communities in Cambodia, Timor Leste and the Solomon Islands and contrasts factors which affect the development of social capital and the associated impacts on the institution.

Secessionist aspects to the Buddhist-Muslim sectarian conflict in Rakhine State, Myanmar

This volume examines the various aspects of territorial separatism, focusing on how and why separatist movements arise.

Child sponsorship NGOs: origins, evolution and motives for change

 The thesis, titled Child Sponsorship NGOs: Origins, Evolution and Motives for Change, explored issues in Child Sponsorship, a phenomenon impacting millions of children annually.