Peter Martin, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University
Only one-third of the top economists surveyed give Jim Chalmers’ third budget an A or a B, down from two-thirds in 2023. Many say it left big issues unaddressed.
As we launch into a Future Made in Australia, we need to map and better understand the social and economic risks – as well as potential benefits – for remote and disadvantaged communities.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles is falling behind his Liberal counterpart as preferred premier. Federally, Labor and the Coalition remain tied, according to Freshwater polling.
People who menstruate in rural and remote Indigenous communities face a unique set of challenges, and have a particular need for better access to period products.
International students have come under fire for their supposed impact on Australian housing. Our research shows they are finding it stressful and difficult to secure accommodation.
Marnee Shay, The University of Queensland and Grace Sarra, Queensland University of Technology
There is a strong body of evidence about what works in Indigenous education. But budgets seem to keep ignoring research that says we need to listen to Indigenous people.
Many of the party’s more ambitious proposals – like free cancer treatment and dental care for pensioners – were abandoned after the 2019 election, and have not resurfaced.
An ACCC taskforce may well prove effective in controlling unfair overcharging and NDIS costs. But the scheme’s pricing model could also use a redesign.
The government says it is serious about improving living standards but it has failed to provide targeted and long-term relief for the people who need it the most.
For the last 40 years or so, successive federal governments have focused on developing the international education sector. The Albanese government is now signalling a new approach.
If we’re going to prime a future-ready Australia, we need more research and development funding, and a diverse, highly skilled workforce. Are this year’s commitments in the right places?
The budget sets the foundation for a new approach to community-based mental health care, eases cost-of-living pressures and aims to keep people out of hospital. Will they work? And what’s missing?