Public Policy Analysis

Current Research

The University of Canberra is well known in Australia and internationally for its applied economics and policy relevant research mainly through NATSEM and the Centre for Labour Market Research. There are also a number of people doing useful policy relevant research in areas that do not fit into the categories of micro modelling and labour. The theme, Socioeconomic Research and Policy seeks to embrace research within the School of Business and Government broadly defined in this area which also includes staff in other Schools and Divisions

Research topics from this theme include:

• The New Economy and the Labour Market
• Minimum Wages and Employment
• Financial Literacy Among Indigenous Australians
• Social Exclusion in Regional Australia
• Marketing and Water Consumption
• Infrastructure Privatisation

Minimum Wages and Employment

The Australian Fair Pay Commission (AFPC) commissioned research examining the evidence on the impact of minimum wages on employment in Australia . A report based on this work is published on the AFPC website and was considered by the Commission as part of its deliberations on the National Minimum Wage. The report also created much lively debate in the media. A follow up study was commissioned by Employers First for the AFPC's second national wage decision. This report, available on the AFPC website, also received extensive media coverage.

One of the major findings of the research was that in the current system of setting minimum wages there is no lobby group for the unemployed with most welfare groups arguing for higher wages. The focus of policy should be to raise the incomes of low income households rather than of low wage workers . There is substantial evidence that many low wage workers are in relatively high income households and that poor households are usually poor because members of the households are out of work. Thus, facilitating jobs growth should take preference over raising wages of those in work.

Research Studies in Governance
Those interested in research studies in governance should see the Faculty research students webpages and inquiries should be addressed to Dr Anni Dugdale, Faculty Director Research Higher Degrees.

Website Work-In-Progress

The Institute is still working to make information about people and events from this research theme available from our database. You can find publications by research members in this theme now.