Per Capita undertakes research and develops policy recommendations in a number of focus areas. Our overarching focus is fighting inequality in Australia. Once our ideas are developed, they are subjected to rigorous peer review, and then communicated widely, both in the public domain and through our own extensive network of senior decision makers in government, industry, and the public service.
Our track record in developing new policy approaches that have been subsequently adopted by government demonstrates our influence.
Our
Publications
Responsible Technology
September 26, 2025
Submission to the Productivity Commission’s Five pillars of productivity inquiry – Harnessing data and digital technology
This submission is for the Productivity Commission's Harnessing Data and Digital Technology Inquiry
Responsible Technology
August 19, 2025
Checking for MistAIkes, the hidden negative externalities in the AI productivity debate
This report challenges popular notions of AI productivity benefits, and looks at detailed, evidence-based, real-world studies which paints a more complex and realistic picture.
Gender Equality
August 18, 2025
A Home of One’s Own: Philanthropic and social sector solutions for women’s housing
Australia is experiencing a housing crisis, and its impact is highly gendered.
Work and Workers
August 12, 2025
Submission to the Inquiry into the Protecting Penalty and Overtime Rates Bill 2025
From the earliest days of Australia’s industrial relations system, it has been understood that decent work is about more than what occurs in the workplace. It is about protecting the time workers need for rest, family and community life. When work takes up that time, it should be fairly compensated. This principle has long been part of our workplace laws, but recent changes to modern awards have shown that penalty and overtime entitlements can be reduced. This Bill is an important safeguard to prevent that from happening again.
Per Capita supports its swift passage and notes the value of ensuring any potential unintended consequences are addressed in the drafting.
Equitable Housing
August 11, 2025
Poverty and Housing in South Australia
South Australia is experiencing rising levels of housing stress, poverty, and homelessness, driven by a combination of low incomes, rapidly increasing rental costs, limited housing supply, falling provision of social housing and under-resourced support systems.
Progressive Economics
July 28, 2025
Submission to the Economic Reform Roundtable
This submission from Per Capita to the Economic Reform Roundtable builds on the success of our Community Tax Summit and lays the groundwork for a broader tax reform paper to be released later this year.
Progressive Economics
June 11, 2025
Community Tax Summit 2025 – Summary Document
This document summarises the conversations at the Community Tax Summit 2025, held 20-21 February 2025.
Equitable Housing
April 9, 2025
Submission to the Inquiry into the Redevelopment of Melbourne’s Public Housing Towers
Per Capita joins many others in questioning the lack of transparency around the costs associated with retrofit or knock-down and rebuild of public housing towers in Melbourne. We also question the rationale that underpins the decision-making process.
Progressive Economics
March 31, 2025
The Lost Decade: How low wage growth stopped young Australians buying a home
This report examines the impact of a Lost Decade, during which real wages barely grew. It explores how this has affected young Australians setting out on their careers, trying to build the financial security needed to buy a home and start a family, and grasp the now elusive great Australian dream of home ownership.