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An independent public policy think tank working to build a new vision for Australia based on fairness, shared prosperity, and social justice.
Per Capita — Fighting inequality in Australia
Our Latest Publications
View all publicationsProgressive Economics
May 28, 2023
The Australian Inequality Index
The Australian Inequality Index is a ground-breaking new tool that provides a multidimensional measure of inequality across a range of economic, social, and demographic indicators.
Work and Workers
April 29, 2023
Submission to the Workforce Australia Inquiry
The employment services system is failing. Privatisation, announced with much fanfare 25 years ago, has not delivered on its promises, and substantial change is urgently needed.
Work and Workers
April 27, 2023
Submission to the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Protecting Worker Entitlements) Bill 2022
We acknowledge that the Bill is the next step in building a fairer more securing workplace relations system, after years of neglect, and look forward to making further submissions relating to governments agenda of closing the loopholes some businesses use to undercut worker security.
Uncategorised
April 21, 2023
Submission to the Inquiry into Management and Assurance of Integrity by Consulting Services
This submission is primarily concerned with outsourcing functions to private consultants, which have historically been within the purview of the Australian Public Service (‘APS’).
Our Research
Areas
Our research is rigorous, evidence-based and long-term in its outlook. We consider the national challenges of the next decade rather than the next election cycle. We ask original questions and offer fresh solutions, drawing on new thinking in social science, economics and public policy.
Learn more about our research areas
Ageing
The extra 25 years of high-quality life expectancy over the last century constitute an unquestionably positive development for both individuals and society. Australia should embrace longer lives as a remarkable opportunity rather than a grave challenge. We seek solutions to issues resulting from Australia’s ageing population, aiming to increase the social and economic wellbeing of older Australians.
Education
In theory, education paves the road to a good job, which can lift people out of poverty and create a more equal society. In practice, however, the link between additional years of post-secondary education and increased income and employment opportunities has been eroded over recent decades. A good education should be accessible for all, not only for those who were born into a wealthy family.
Equitable Housing
Secure and appropriate housing is a fundamental human right, essential to household wellbeing and critical for communities and the economy. Housing policies at the national, state and local level are failing to adapt to changing social needs and economic conditions, and frequently entrench inequalities within and between generations. Per Capita’s Centre for Equitable Housing works toward a future where all Australians can be sure of a secure, appropriate, sustainable and affordable home, regardless of their personal circumstances.
Gender Equality
Women and other gender-diverse people continue to experience economic, material and social disadvantage. Australia has dropped from 15th in the world on the Global Gender Gap Index to 44th over the 14 years to 2020. From lower pay and less superannuation to a higher risk of experiencing family violence and homelessness and a disproportionate load of domestic labour and caring responsibilities, there is much work to be done still to achieve gender equality.
Post Carbon Economy
Per Capita’s Centre for New Industry delves into the practicalities of Australia’s inevitable shift to a post carbon economy and the effects this will have on workers. The Centre will build a vision of the future that provides greater employment opportunities for workers, greater stability and security for regional communities, and works with community, workers and industry for a successful shift to a zero carbon, full employment economy.
Progressive Economics
We challenge the belief that disadvantage arises from personal fault or failure and point out the policy choices that have deepened inequality in Australia over recent decades. Returns to capital have increased while returns to workers for their labour have stalled. We call out the negative effects of privatisation and the deliberate shrinking of essential public services.
Social Innovation
We examine the growing difficulty of accessing good jobs and adequate income support. We seek to understand and highlight the experiences of those who bear the brunt of the effects of policy choices that exacerbate inequality, including underpaid and exploited workers, people who can’t get a decent job, women, First Nations people, members of the LGBTQ+ community, people with disability and their carers, migrants and refugees, and others who are marginalised by our economic and social structures and denied their fair share of power and resources.
Work and Workers
A secure job with decent working conditions is a fundamental right for everyone and the means to build a better life for oneself and one’s family. In recent decades returns to capital have increased while returns to workers for their labour have stalled. Standing with workers enables individuals and the country to prosper and is the means by which we enable social mobility.
Current
Events
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Past
Events
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Past Events
April 19, 2023
The Morrison Government – Governing through crisis 2019 – 2022, with Dr Chris Wallace
Our Latest
Podcast Episodes
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Podcast
May 31, 2023
Cooked Ep.04: Operation Buffalo
Welcome back to Cooked – Per Capita’s podcast which dives into the weird and bizarre moments that shaped Australian history. From missing Prime Ministers to wild conspiracy theories, there is no shortage of true-blue cooked moments and figures to talk about. Join Shirley, Sam, and Rebecca this week as they educate themselves on Australia’s history ... Read more
Podcast
May 16, 2023
Cooked Ep.03: Deakin Part 3 – A Higher Power
Welcome back to Cooked – Per Capita’s podcast which dives into the weird and bizarre moments that shaped Australian history. Join Shirley, Sam, and Rebecca this week as they reach the conclusion of Alfred Deakin’s story, where he gains more power and responsibility in the political forum and his theosophical believes evolve into more gnostic ... Read more
Podcast
May 11, 2023
Re:CAP Ep.04: 2023 Federal Budget Post Mortem
Welcome to Re:CAP – Per Capita’s premier podcast where we unpack our latest research and examine the inequalities in Australian society. This week, Emma Dawson is joined by Shirley Jackson, Matthew Lloyd-Cape, and Senior Research Fellow, Margaret MacKenzie, to give our 2023 Federal Budget Postmortem.
We are a small team having a big impact. You can be part of our team fighting inequality together by donating to our work.
