National public policy and bureaucratic responses to international pressures : the case of foreign direct investment and the FIRB under the Rudd and Gillard governments

Exploring patterns of conflict and adaption in governance this paper examines the reshaping of the role and function of the Australian government’s Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) in response to the latest flows of investment. Using a case study approach this research draws on insights from both business and government to show how such experience played out under both the Rudd and Gillard governments, particularly in response to engagement with investment from China. In doing so this research sheds light on how internationalising pressures along political and administrative dimensions in both in the private sector and national government contribute to shaping public policy. This work seeks to extend work on the interaction between the concept of internationalisation in disciplines such as political science, public administration and international business, and reflects on the nature of changing capacity within government to engage and harness, or be harnessed by, such pressures.