In conclusion, the goal of evidence-based policy making is unquestionably important, and it is encouraging that it has received vocal support at the highest political levels. However, measured against the various ingredients for an effective approach, it seems clear that current practice continues to fall short. Addressing this is now largely up to the Public Service. Not only is there a need to improve the capacity of the Public Service to deliver evidence-based policy advice, there is a need for it to improve political understanding of what that entails. If we fail, it won’t just vindicate the public’s cynicism about The Hollowmen syndrome; it will compromise government’s capacity to implement the beneficial national reforms that this country needs for the long term.