This issues paper outlines the Australian Government’s approach to consumer policy, as well as existing Australian Government support for consumer advocacy and consumer policy research. It raises issues in relation to finding sustainable approaches to supporting consumer advocacy and consumer policy-focused research in the medium to long term. Interested parties are invited to submit comments...

This article provides a brief analysis of Australia’s public debt. It describes the various ways of measuring public debt and what these measures tell us about the strength of the government’s finances. The article summarises the history of Australia’s public debt, for both the Australian and State governments.

Health is a key component of individual and social wellbeing. Furthermore, the health of a population is a key driver of labour and capital investment and consequent economic growth. Good health can lead to higher gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in the long run due to its impact on population; participation; and productivity. Health...

Following a Productivity Commission review of Australia's consumer policy framework, all Australian governments agreed to a new consumer policy framework, comprising a single national consumer law and streamlined enforcement arrangements. An Australian Consumer Law will significantly enhance consumer protection, reduce regulatory complexity for businesses and encourage the development of a seamless national economy. Greater enforcement...

This report presents the results of the Treasury's economic modelling of the potential economic impacts of reducing emissions over the medium and long term. It spans global, national and sectoral scales, and looks at distributional impacts, such as the implications of emission pricing for the goods and services that households consume. The Treasury's modelling demonstrates...