There are problems which seem to defy any solution, and yet must be tackled. These are wicked problems. As defined by Laurence J. Peter, author of the Peter Principle, a wicked problem is “so complex that you have to be highly intelligent and well informed just to be undecided about them.”
One example of a wicked problem is homelessness which is both complex and apparently intractable. It has its roots in drug abuse, family breakdown, unemployment, mental disabilities and any number of combinations of these issues and more. Such a multidimensional problem often is met with a one dimensional response which will only ever partly deal with the issue. Indeed, a simplistic response might make the issue even worse.
Local Government is facing a raft of wicked problems. It is trying to balance the competing demands of economic development, environmental responsibility and social amenity, on top of showing financial restraint while meeting community pressure for a growing list of services.
Australia’s first national community development conference to look at wrestling with wicked problems will be held in Canberra on 2–4 May. The inaugural Australian event features speakers and presenters from government, academia and the community sector with special and unique experience of wicked problems to discuss practical responses. The conference will address wicked problems focusing on:
- culture
- homelessness
- women
- Indigenous Australians
- health
- place management.
The conference is hosted by the ACT Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services, the Institute for Regional Community Development at the University of Canberra and Northside Community Service Inc.
For more information telephone (02) 6292 9000.
