Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/59834

Download PDF (Published version) (Adobe Acrobat PDF, -1 bytes)

Title

A passion for white elephants: some lessons from Australia's experience of nation building

Author(s)

Evans, Richard W.

Abstract

A 'white elephant' is a magnificent, high-status possession that is not particularly productive, costs a lot to maintain, and which you cannot get rid of. Since colonial times, Australians have had a weakness for white elephants. Traditionally, these were massive, debt-funded public works schemes that were economically, environmentally or socially dubious. In recent years, our white elephants have taken on different guises, but the ruinous expense and misdirected effort remain the same. This paper explores some of the reasons for our society's historic enthusiasm for white elephants, and suggests some remedies.

Publication type

Book chapter

Source

Australia under construction: nation-building past, present and future / John Butcher (ed.), pp. 49-56

Publication year

2008

Keyword(s)

Australia;  Construction;  Drought;  Economics;  Engineering events;  History;  Sporting events

Publisher

ANU E-Press and Australian New Zealand School of Government

ISBN

9781921313776, 9781921313783

Publisher URL

http://epress.anu.edu.au/auc_citation.html

Copyright

Copyright © 2008 ANU E Press. This chapter is reproduced here in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.

Additional information

This book is available to download in various formats from the ANU E-press website: http://epress.anu.edu.au/auc_citation.html

Full text

Peer reviewed