Episodes of debt accumulation have been a recurrent feature of the global economy over the past fifty years. This paper examines the factors that are likely to determine the outcome of the most recent debt wave, and considers policy options to help reduce the likelihood that it ends again in widespread crises.

As investors and capital providers, banks are significant to Australia’s transition to a net zero emissions economy. This report finds that 85 per cent of the banks assessed are taking steps to reduce their investment and lending portfolio emissions, but that these commitments are not yet comprehensive or fully aligned with the Paris Climate Agreement.

This paper examines the governance problems in the monetary system and global trade and regulation. It then explores whether issues have arisen because the US has given up its dominant role, and if so, how these might be rectified.

Deloitte Access Economics was engaged to explore the factors that motivate consumer choices in retail banking. This report uses new evidence from a nationally representative survey of Australian retail banking consumers to understand the underlying preferences driving consumer choices over banks throughout a customer’s relationship to their bank.

This review report notes the benefits of financial counselling to the community, including early intervention and prevention of further financial hardship, advocacy support, and referral to other services for complex issues. It also highlights the challenges faced by the financial counselling sector.