This topic guide provides an overview of the development of social impact bonds, a mechanism for using private investment funds to finance social programs, together with links to reports and articles in the Australian Policy Online archive.

The concept has spread like wildfire but the results, here and overseas, are mixed, reports Mike Steketee NSW PREMIER Mike Baird says they have the “potential to change the world.” When he was still social services minister, Scott Morrison said he was “very keen” to explore them further. According to an OECD study, “few social...