Your small policy analysis will be presented in the form of a ministerial briefing note, addressed to the relevant minister. The briefing should be presented from you in your 'role' as the policy analyst in the relevant government department, and should include the following: • Appropriate heading stating your name and role; the relevant Minister for whom the note is intended; the subject of the note • Purpose: succinct statement of the purpose of the briefing note • Background: brief description of the context and history of the policy topic • Issues: identify the main issues pertinent to understanding the policy topic. The issues should be analysed from multiple perspectives (e.g. historical, financial, economic, political, social and ethical) • Options: identify and evaluate alternative policy options • Recommendations: based on the above analysis, advise the Minister on the most suitable course of action to be taken. Topics: You may select from the following policy issues / questions to be addressed in the Ministerial briefing note. 1. Advertising by the gambling industry on prime-time television has increased. What advice would you give the Minister on regulating advertising of the gambling industry to prevent potential community harm? 2. Should the Medicare payments system be outsourced to private companies? 3. Should co-payments for medical services be introduced in order to prevent inappropriate use of medical services and reduce rising health care costs? 4. What advice would you give the Minister for Health in relation to feasible options and strategies for preventing the further decline of immunisation rates in Australia? 5. The continuing spread of the Zika virus infection in Latin America has been a matter of concern for the international community. What advice would you give the government about travel by Australian athletes to the Olympic Games in Brazil? 6. The recently released Closing the Gap annual report on the quality of life of Indigenous Australians revealed improvements in some but not all health indicators. What policy advice would you give the Minister in relation to priorities for action to close the life expectancy gap for Indigenous Australians? What not to do - Do not: • Waffle: you only have 1,000 words, so give careful consideration to what you include. • Regurgitate: you do not need to provide a lengthy summary of the background and history of the policy or large amounts of epidemiological information to support a policy position. Only short descriptions are necessary to illustrate your arguments rather the emphasis should be on analysis and synthesis of a policy issue. • Cut-and-paste information that includes large segments describing a specific policy. Instead, you need to analyse and interpret the evidence and information in relation to a specific policy. Presentation: The assignment should be presented in the form of a Ministerial briefing format that includes purpose, background, summary of main issues, identification and analysis of options, and recommendations. It is appropriate to use headings and sub-headings in Ministerial briefings, which will contribute to the word count. References: In an official briefing note, references would not be used. However, as this is a learning activity, please attach a list of references you used in preparing the note. In-text referencing must be used, according to a recognised referencing style such as APA6 Style requirements: The paper must be written in Times New Roman, 12 font. Use 1.5 line spacing. Please insert a cover page that includes your name, student number, title of assignment and word count. Also ensure page numbers are included in the paper. Assessment criteria: Your grade will be based on clear and succinct writing and logical argument, as well as comprehensive coverage and analysis of issues. 1. Demonstration of knowledge relevant to the topic 6 marks 2. Clarity and strength of policy analysis and arguments: current situation and policy positions explained; alternatives analysed and evaluated 8 marks 3. Use of evidence to support arguments, options and recommendations 6 marks 4. Logical and convincing arguments that supports recommendations 6 marks 5. Structure and format Clarity of expression, spelling/grammar and referencing 4 marks Please see the attachment WBR Sayed