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Draft:BehaviourWorks Australia

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BehaviourWorks Australia is a University-based applied behaviour change research unit in Australia.[1] Situated within the Monash Sustainable Development Institute at Monash University, it provides behaviour change research, education, and training solutions to social, environmental, and organisational problems.

History

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Originally founded in October 2010 as the Behaviour Change Initiative, BehaviourWorks Australia was launched in 2011 by Monash University and three consortium partners: Environment Protection Authority (Victoria), Sustainability Victoria, and The Shannon Company.[2] Between 2012 and 2023 additional partners joined the BehaviourWorks consortium at various stages, including the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) in Victoria, the Federal Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Australia Post, Worksafe Victoria, Vicroads, New South Wales Environment Protection Authority,[3] and the now-restructured Office of Environment and Heritage NSW.

The founding directors were Professor Liam Smith,[4] and Associate Professor Jim Curtis. Professor Smith was invited to establish the centre by the chair of what is now Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Professor John Twaites, whose earlier role as Deputy Premier of Victoria led him to recognise that not enough policy decisions were based on an understanding of human behaviour and how to influence it. John Thwaites has said that "Governments can make decisions, they can introduce legislation and policies, but it is not enough. Very often it is the behaviour of people that makes the big difference."

Today, the BehaviourWorks Australia the work of the organisation is largely directed by focusing on established strategic goals in research and education. This includes working together with numerous industry partners to apply behavioural science where it can have the greatest impact. Their work now spans hundreds of projects with industry, government and community partners, across four key domains of environment, health, social, financial and organisational.

Overview

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Locations

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BehaviourWorks Australia is located at 8 Scenic Boulevard, Clayton, Victoria, Australia and 750 Collins Street, Docklands, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Methods

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BehaviourWorks Australia uses the BehaviourWorks Method[5] as its primary way of approaching sustainable behaviour change.[6] This method follows a three-part process of Exploration (problem focus), Deep Dive (behaviour focus) and Application (impact focus). The aim of this method is to ensure a clear understanding of the problem and the context before solutions are reached. In 2024, BehaviourWorks Australia published a book on this method, titled Inspiring Change: How to Influence Behaviour for a Better World.[7]

Organisation, Governance and Affiliations

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BehaviourWorks Australia is part of Monash University, and the Monash Sustainable Development Institute. BehaviourWorks Australia is an integral part of Inclusive Australia[8] and the One Planet Network.[9] In addition, their staff sit on various committees, panels, and boards, including the Biodiversity Council of Australia, South East Water's Customer Advisory Council, Board of Directors for Inclusive Australia.

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References

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  1. ^ "BehaviourWorks Australia". ANZSOG. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  2. ^ "Who we are – Shannon Behaviour Change". The Shannon Company.
  3. ^ . NSW Environment Protection Authority https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/newsletters/epa-connect-newsletter/summer-december-2017/stakeholder-profile. {{cite news}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  4. ^ "Liam Smith". Monash University.
  5. ^ Research Gate https://www.researchgate.net/figure/BehaviourWorks-Australia-Method-Framework_fig8_335456223. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  6. ^ "Resource: BehaviourWorks Guide to Methods – Behavioural Insights Wiki". UBC Sauder School of Business.
  7. ^ Smith, Liam; Curtis, James; Bragge, Peter; Kellner, Paul. Inspiring Change: How to Influence Behaviour for a Better World. Monash University Publishing.
  8. ^ "Monash-University". Inclusive Australia.
  9. ^ "BehaviourWorks". One Planet Network. 4 April 2022.