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 publicationsEquitable Housing
July 7, 2026
Submission to Productivity Commission Inquiry into Housing Supply Regulation
Per Capita's submission to the Productivity Commission's inquiry into Housing Supply Regulation
Progressive Economics
June 15, 2026
Submission to Inquiry into Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill
This legislation is fair, balanced, and should be passed by the Senate.
Multicultural communities
June 9, 2026
King’s Birthday Order of Australia Honours List Analysis
This document analyses the cultural composition of recipients in the King's Birthday 2026 Order of Australia Honours List.
Equitable Housing
June 1, 2026
Closing the Gender Gap in Housing: A roadmap for change
Women are more likely to experience economic insecurity across their lives which influences housing security, affordability and access. This roadmap outlines short, medium and long-term actions to help integrate gender considerations into housing strategies, investments and organisational practices.
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.
Responsible Technology
Our public square has been transformed into a place of division, disinformation and diatribes, manipulated by global digital platforms that undermine trust in government, social cohesion and democracy. In order to combat this, we must build better ways of imagining what strong civic connections look like. We will advocate for responsible technology to mitigate against the harms of Big Tech and their influence in our public square. We will build better models of citizen engagement and civic collaboration.
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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Our Latest
Podcast Episodes
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Podcast
August 4, 2026
Re:CAP – Pricing Land Development Rights
Did you know that land increases in value when it’s zoned use changes? “Zoning” is permission from the government that controls how property is used and developed. Granting permission to develop land in new ways adds value to the land, even before any development has actually taken place. This value is created by and belongs ... Read more
Homes not Houses
July 22, 2026
Homes Not Houses – Women’s Homelessness and Family Violence
As Australia’s housing crisis deepens, one alarming outcome from the lack of accessible rentals or supportive housing is the rise of Australian’s facing homelessness. Women and girls are at the centre of this. One this week’s episode of Homes Not Houses, Dr Kate Raynor is joined by Allison Heller, director of Urbis, to dissect this ... Read more
Homes not Houses
July 15, 2026
Homes Not Houses – Changing Care and Work Practices
Across cultures and workplaces, there are gendered expectations. In particular, there are entrenched expectations around women and the role of caregiving. Dr Kate Raynor is joined by Chifley Research Institute’s Emma Dawson on this episode of Homes Not Houses to explore how housing reflects expectations about gendered roles and the geography of care giving and ... Read more
We are a small team having a big impact. You can be part of our team fighting inequality together by donating to our work.
