Indicators show if change is underway
As part of developing the theory of change, Infrastructure Australia has identified indicators that would help measure progress towards outcomes and the desired ultimate outcome, where available.
Where appropriate, we have included indicators that provide a measurable way to understand whether change is happening over the 15-year horizon.
These indicators have been drawn from existing government commitments, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,26 to which Australia is a signatory. This approach can help policy-makers understand how reforms can contribute to their shared goals. Indicators also allow stakeholders to monitor implementation, measure realisation and allow for course correction if required.
Where else is theory of change used? Theory of change is being used more frequently to inform infrastructure planning and investment decisions across sectors and government agencies. • Government agencies, such as the CSIRO, have developed impact frameworks using theory of change as the foundation that informs their activities and investments.27 • For disaster recovery, infrastructure and built environment recovery outcomes need to be prioritised using a theory of change approach, as seen in the 2018 guide from the Australian and New Zealand School of Government.28 • Understanding the change pathway can be used to help groups working on innovative community-led approaches to climate change and energy solutions, such as the Transition Network.29
Sources: Australian and New Zealand School of Government (2018), Transition Network (2016), CSIRO (2018, derived from the work of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation) |
