From analysis to action
Our research tackles Australia’s most complex economic challenges with rigour and pragmatism. We go beyond identifying problems to deliver actionable reforms that strengthen prosperity, equity, and opportunity.
What we research
At Policy Institute Australia, we focus on the big levers of national prosperity, looking at ways to use market-oriented solutions, smart incentives, effective government and a dynamic private sector to drive long term, sustainable economic growth.
Our work is solutions-oriented, not just analysis for its own sake. Every project is designed to move beyond problem diagnosis into actionable reform. We are non-partisan, evidence-led and independent, and research and test ideas on their merit.
By combining rigorous research with market-informed insight, we develop and advocate for reforms that create measurable economic and social impact to unlock prosperity, equity, and opportunity for Australians across generations.
In Focus
Match fit: Reinvigorating competition in Australia
Australia’s productivity has stalled, threatening living standards and future prosperity. This paper calls for bold reform to reignite competition the...
March 2026 | Research Report
Over the next decade, plans are to build at least $65-$85 billion in transmission lines across the east coast of Australia – more than tripling the value of our transmission grid. Transmission is essential for our energy transition, as renewable generation replaces our ageing coal fired power stations that are nearing the end of life.
Insights, news, and commentary
The Australian editorial argues that better means testing is essential to ensure government support is directed to Australians who need it most. It endorses Policy Institute Australia’s proposal to reform pensions, aged care, childcare and parental leave, saying the changes could save up to $21 billion a year while improving the fairness and sustainability of […]
Australian taxpayers are set to fund $2.7 billion in combined paid parental leave and childcare subsidies for households with incomes above $300,000 in the next financial year, according to Policy Institute Australia.
YourLifeChoices has highlighted new research from Policy Institute Australia proposing changes to Age Pension means testing, including counting a portion of high-value homes in the assets test. The report argues the reforms would better target support to those most in need while improving the long-term sustainability of Australia’s retirement income system.
Policy Institute Australia has proposed reforms to save up to $21 billion a year by better targeting government support. The changes focus on pensions, aged care, childcare and parental leave, directing assistance to those most in need. The report argues the reforms would make the welfare system fairer and more sustainable.
Policy Institute Australia estimates taxpayers provide $2.7 billion each year in Child Care Subsidy and Parental Leave Pay to high-income families who need little government support. The report argues current income thresholds are too generous and no longer well targeted. It recommends tightening means testing to better direct assistance to lower- and middle-income households while […]
Policy Institute Australia has proposed major reforms to Australia’s welfare system, including counting high-value homes in the Age Pension assets test and introducing a HECS-style Retirement Contribution Scheme. The reforms aim to better target support, improve fairness, and save up to $21 billion a yea
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