Australia’s 2026–27 Defence Budget commits the Commonwealth to spending approximately $181.9 million on defence every day. This report examines the Australian Government’s progress with, and spending on, the 2026 National Defence Strategy and the updated Integrated Investment Program. The series has, year after year, assessed what governments said they would do against what the books...

A national survey of university teaching conditions in Australia. The survey of more than 4,000 Australian university staff found that class sizes have expanded dramatically since 2019, with profound consequences for the quality of education, the experience of students and staff working conditions.

The Australian Government is reforming mainstream employment services to better meet the needs of individuals, employers, communities and the economy. This paper outlines a vision and framework for the future employment services system based on extensive community feedback. The Government invites feedback on particular aspects of the design of a new employment services system.

This study uses population-wide birth registration data linked to census records to examine the relationship between socioeconomic factors and the birth weight of Australian children. The findings suggest policies aimed at improving socioeconomic conditions may contribute to better early-life health outcomes by reducing the risk of low birth weight.

The Census is Australia’s largest data collection exercise and has followed a digital-first approach since 2016. The objective of this audit was to assess the readiness of the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ cyber security arrangements for the 2026 Census. To be ready for the 2026 Census, the ABS must address key remaining cyber security vulnerabilities.