A small number of refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia have been living in precarious visa situations for lengthy periods. Prolonged visa insecurity creates a sub-class of people and has negative impacts on those affected. This paper proposes a policy to enable the regularisation of visa status in certain circumstances would significantly improve outcomes.

Specialised services and responses play a critical role in maintaining and strengthening Australia’s multicultural society. Too often, differences in access and outcomes persist for people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. These disparities are magnified by service responses that inadequately meet their needs and preferences. This policy brief explores specialised services and initiatives for a multicultural...

This paper investigates employment transitions for humanitarian migrants and offers insights on the patterns and key drivers of the transition from income support payments to paid employment as a main income source. It makes findings in areas such as participation in English language study, overseas qualifications and early engagement in other studies or job training.

This analysis reveals that a fair and appropriate increase to the minimum wage, and accompanying increases to award rates, would not have a significant effect on inflation in Australia. The analysis examines the correlation between minimum wage increases and inflation going back 30 years, and finds no consistent link between minimum wage increases and inflation.

A sharp escalation in tensions between the United States and Iran has pushed oil prices higher. This policy briefing examines how the current shock compares to previous oil supply disruptions, and how this price shock can spread through Australia’s economy. It also provides early policy actions Australia can take to stabilise fuel supply and support...