This report compares Australia’s superannuation scheme and Age Pension program with the pension systems of Sweden and Norway to show that the mostly public systems of these Nordic Countries are more effective at ensuring income security for retirees. Compared to both Sweden and Norway, Australia has a significantly higher poverty rate among people in retirement.

This report examines how Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland have been able to cultivate a diverse media landscape, and how the lessons learned from doing so could inform the Albanese Government’s strategy on reforming Australia’s media.

Planned new funds from the national and two major state governments for early years learning have huge potential. This paper argues that Nordic-style measures to reduce privatised childcare – and now boost wages, job security and training support for children’s educators and carers – are urgently needed to realise that potential.

Australia’s housing affordability crisis results from an over-reliance on just two options – private home ownership and private renting. To tackle it, a wider repertoire of policies is required. This report brings together three essays from writers with knowledge of Australian and Nordic social policy, with a focus on housing and homelessness.

Examining poverty rates and welfare policies in Nordic countries highlights the inadequacy of Australian policies and what can and should now be done to improve them.