Australia's leading applied economic and social research institute
The Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research has worked for over 60 years to advance opportunity, equity, and prosperity in Australia and our region. Our world-class economists conduct rigorous, independent research and analysis, providing an evidence base for effective policy reform. We are a trusted partner for governments, industry, and communities, working to solve the complex challenges of our time.
News
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Call to modernise Australia’s private health insurance
In response to the Government’s Private Health Insurance Amendment (Modernising the Private Health Insurance Rebate) Bill 2026, the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research has prepared a submission supporting the removal of the higher private health insurance rebate for people aged 65 and older.
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Vale Bill Evans (1950 - 2026)
Over the decades of his involvement with the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, Bill, as chief Economist of Westpac, was a valuable and respected collaborator. He was a terrific member of the Melbourne Institute Advisory Board and was responsible for a wonderful and enduring partnership with Westpac.
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RBA pause likely to continue, inflation battle far from over
The Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research expects the Reserve Bank of Australia’s Monetary Policy Board to hold the policy interest rate unchanged at 4.35% today.
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Health insurance rebates may change for the over‑65s. Our new study shows what to expect
Since the federal government announced earlier this year it would scrap the higher private health insurance rebate for people aged 65 and over, opponents have come out in force.
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For the first time, the census will ask your sexual orientation. My new study shows why it matters
The change to this year’s census means for the first time, researchers will be able to examine how people’s health differs by sexual orientation across the whole population, not just in those living with a same-sex partner.
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Monthly inflation rose in July
The Melbourne Institute Monthly Inflation Gauge increased materially in July, after falling in the previous two months.
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Per-capita recession likely — too early to call
The effects of the conflict in the Middle East may be more pronounced in the June quarter, although a considerable amount of uncertainty exists.
