Moving to a more authentic and comprehensive measure of productivity means recognising that not all value is immediate, monetised or measurable in output per hour terms. This paper outlines some practical, forward-looking approaches to ensure Australia's productivity framework reflects the true value of service-sector investments and supports better policy decisions in a time of transformation.

This note looks at the evolution of inflation over the last term of government, failures of wage growth to keep up with inflation, and what the major parties proposed in the 2025 federal election campaign to alleviate cost-of-living pressures. It suggests that structural changes are needed to provide long-term relief and to protect consumers from...

This paper argues election promises of cuts to income tax rarely offer meaningful tax reform and are usually quickly reversed by bracket creep. Pledges made ahead of the 2025 federal election should not be seen as structural tax reform propositions and highlight the need for real tax reform in the form of indexation of tax...

This briefing paper takes stock of the current incidence and changing nature of family and domestic violence (FDV) in Australia, reporting that FDV-related homicides and police reporting rates are rising. It reflects on the impacts of FDV and what can be done to promote change, including improved resourcing, better coordination of policy, and consistent data...

This briefing note assesses trade and US tariffs, including an explanation and learnings for Australia. It seeks to explain the economic basis for tariffs, the apparent motives and impact of the so-called ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs, the benefits of trade, the exposure of the Australian economy to tariff wars, as well as discussing potential responses.