This brief summarises the support measures governments have implemented in response to the sharp rise in energy prices linked to the Middle East conflict. Many OECD countries have moved quickly to provide support, most often through fuel-tax cuts and other price-support measures, while targeted income support and regulatory interventions have been used less widely.

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.

This policy brief examines the Australian Government's compassionate release of super scheme and its impacts on women's economic security, with a particular focus on medical-related early withdrawals. The brief argues that while the scheme can provide short-term relief, it can also significantly reduce retirement savings and deepen the gender gap in superannuation outcomes.

This note on the capital gains tax (CGT) discount focuses on leverage distortions by investigating data on housing investments. By examining the individual rental income and capital gains returns for 900,000 housing investments held over 2008 to 2025, the note demonstrates how and why the CGT discount encourages investors to borrow more than they otherwise...

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.