This report illustrates the substantial direct costs governments incur by failing to address the root causes of social and environmental issues. The report uses three examples – childhood poverty, preventable disease and chemical contamination – to illustrate the extent of avoidable spending, and make the fiscal case for tackling issues as early as possible.

This report provides governments with a practical manual for how to achieve better outcomes for the people they serve. It identifies six principles for an effective approach to transformational government change and makes 13 recommendations for practical actions that governments can take to ensure systems are set up to put wellbeing at the heart of...

With the release of its Measuring What Matters framework the Australian Government has taken the first steps to embedding wellbeing in policy and decision-making. Critical to its success will be gaining the perspectives and buy-in of the Australian public. This paper provides the foundations to support the government and community sector to embark on a...

Australia has little-known rules in place around our federal budget that could be amended to help us in planning for the long term. This report details how the federal Budget Process Operational Rules can be reformed to incentivise long-term, holistic policymaking that prioritises wellbeing.

This briefing paper, from the Centre for Policy Development’s 'Wellbeing Initiative', examines Australia’s history in relation to wellbeing economics and government.