This year, the Australian Government is saying the budget will restore 'intergenerational equity'. This analysis argues that policies presented as promoting ‘intergenerational equity’ are failing to address the structural drivers of inequality. It presents recent polling indicating that young Australians are worried about burgeoning public debt. The paper proposes alternative policies to deliver intergenerational fairness.

Concerns about poverty in Australia are rising as cost-of-living pressures hit hard, with a majority of people agreeing income support payments are not enough to live on, according to this research. It finds that 60% of people agree government policies have caused some Australians to experience poverty.

Australian households are being hit by another global fuel shock. Australia's heavy reliance on fossil fuels means international crises quickly translate into higher costs at home. This report proposes that a step-change, focused on electrification, renewables, batteries and cleaner transport, can cut fossils fuel dependency permanently.

Australia’s cost of living crisis continues to be a significant issue. It is not just of economic concern, it is a major social determinant of health, having profound negative impacts on the protective factors for mental health and wellbeing. Young Australians are particularly vulnerable. This policy brief outlines four policy recommendations to address the crisis.

This research report uses key economic indicators to compare Australia’s economic conditions in the post-pandemic years against previous decades. It finds that Australia is increasingly dependent on government spending and population growth to fuel headline economic growth. Private investment and net export has declined since 2000.