The extent of government intervention in markets and business is subject of many policy debates. This is a course in public economics; it will examine the role of government in a market economy. We will look at possible reasons for market failure, the justification for government intervention, and the effects of various government policies in theory and practice. Further, the course will cover government policy approaches in specific areas such as income distribution, national savings and superannuation, equity in the taxation system, urban planning, privatisation, and the health system. The course will equip students with the necessary knowledge to be active participants in economic policy debates.