Menu
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
September 22, 2023
Submission to the ACTU Inquiry into Price Gouging and Unfair Pricing Practices
Our submission discusses how the state of competition in Australian industries can harm consumers and workers, and fuel inequality. It advocates for expeditious reforms to our consumer and industrial law, to empower consumers and workers, and lessen the effect of future shocks.
Work and Workers
September 18, 2023
Cracks in the Foundation: Exploring barriers to successful sectoral programs for young workers
The IT industry says yes to sector programs to solve its skills shortages and give young people a go at better quality jobs
Equitable Housing
August 31, 2023
Light as Air: Regulating Short Term Rentals in Australia
The impact of short-term rental (STR) platforms such as Airbnb has become increasingly problematic, particularly since the end of the COVID-19 lockdowns, as long-term rental dwelling availability has shrunk, and prices increased.
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
View all events
Current Event
November 1, 2023
WEBINAR: Courting Power: Law, Democracy and the Public Interest in Australia, with Isabelle Reinecke
Past
Events
View all events
Past Events
September 7, 2023
Building the Foundations of the Future: Solutions to the Housing Crisis – With Peter Khalil MP
Past Events
June 21, 2023
The Careless State: Reforming Australia’s Social Services, with Mark Considine
Our Latest
Podcast Episodes
View all podcast episodes
Podcast
September 5, 2023
Re:CAP Ep.10: Glass Ceilings – Gendered Inequality in the Housing System
Welcome back 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 Per Capita’s Andrew Herington Fellow, Lucy Tonkin, to chat about the Centre for Equitable Housing’s second paper from their Australian Housing Monitor – Glass Ceilings: Gendered ... Read more
Podcast
August 29, 2023
JCL Series: Building the Foundations of the Future – Peter Khalil MP
What can be done to build more homes sooner, drive down prices and make the Australian dream a reality for more people? Peter Khalil MP joined Per Capita for their August John Cain Lunch to lead a discussion focused on tackling the current housing crisis. Peter Khalil is the Federal Labor member for Wills. The ... Read more
Podcast
August 16, 2023
Re:CAP Ep.09: Reforming Casual Employment in Australia
Welcome back 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 Research Associate for the Centre for New Industry, Sarah Mackenzie to discuss their latest report: Towards Fairness and Security – Reforming Casual Employment in Australia Read ... 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.
