This background note presents graphs, tables and commentary on the subject of identifiable Commonwealth expenditure in the area of Indigenous Affairs - expenditure which we have termed 'Indigenous-specific' as, although it may come through any portfolio, it is always through programs or program components specifically addressing Indigenous issues or needs.

This research paper summarises the performance of the economy during each administration from Whitlam through to Howard by providing period averages across a range of economic indicators. Though this approach has its limitations, it provides a useful overview and means of comparing the different administrations.

This report examines how universities currently develop and teach undergraduate students employability skills, and how graduate employability skills might be assessed and reported on in the future. The report presents recommendations based on an integrated approach that emphasises improved processes for identifying, developing, assessing and reporting on graduate employability skills. Examples and descriptions of similar...

This roundtable explored the application of behavioural economics to public policy development and addressed two main questions: how do behavioural economic insights help policy makers achieve given policy goals more effectively; and can the findings of behavioural economics be used to support or justify a particular policy goal?

This roundtable examined the policy implications of behavioural economics – a relatively new field that applies insights from psychology to economic issues and analysis. Participants discussed the contribution that behavioural economics can make to a broader understanding of people’s motivation and behaviour in markets and the implications for policy and regulatory approaches. Behavioural economics has...