This paper examines how two major policies responding to the COVID-19 pandemic affected the wellbeing of eligible recipients, one that increased liquidity by releasing personal savings and one that increased wealth through a government transfer. The findings suggest the former raised life satisfaction while the latter did not.

This paper examines the impact of allowing superannuation withdrawals for housing purchases in New Zealand and its implications for the 'Super for Housing' proposal in Australia. It includes expert analysis of the New Zealand policy – setting out its effects on house prices, retirement savings, pension outlays and investment returns for super fund members.

This second interim report explores policy options for harnessing superannuation to assist homeowners during the repayment stage, with particular focus on mortgage offset.

Using superannuation for a housing deposit would make homes more expensive, hinder the home ownership aspirations of young Australians, reduce retirement incomes, and lead to a significant long-term cost to the Budget, this report finds. It charts how a long list of demand-side Australian housing policies over several decades have simply made homes more expensive.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commonwealth Government provided a range of financial support measures to alleviate the adverse economic consequences faced by individuals and businesses, and stimulate economic activity. The authors analyse the effectiveness of four support measures. By understanding the effectiveness of these measures, governments can be ready to respond to future economic downturns...