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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Australia found to currently be in a per capita recession
A GDP per capita recession is less severe than a conventional recession; for example, associated increases in the unemployment rate are likely to be smaller.
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Nowcast in September Quarter lowered to 0.4 per cent
The Melbourne Institute has lowered its nowcast of Australian economic growth in the September quarter to 0.4 per cent.
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Consumer pessimism remains a major drag on growth prospects
The latest Melbourne Institute State Leading Indexes of Economic Activity indicate that growth prospects have weakened considerably across most states over the past 12 months.
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When tax officials visit: why softer tax outreach can build trust in some places and erode it in others
Across sub-Saharan Africa, revenue authorities are increasingly changing how they engage with small businesses. The traditional approach involved audits, penalties and inspections. But more recently many are investing in taxpayer education, “door-to-door” visits, and focusing on ways to make it easier to comply.
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2026 HILDA Conference – Showcasing best-practice longitudinal data and research
On 1-2 October 2026, the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, in partnership with the Department of Social Services, hosted the eighth 2026 Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey Research Conference, an event that brings the HILDA research community together.
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Consumer inflation expectations rose in October
The expected inflation rate (30-per-cent trimmed mean measure) rose to 5.3 per cent in October.
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Historical Frontier Violence and consequences for modern Australia
On Thursday September 24th, the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research was pleased to host our Public Economics Forum in partnership with the Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership (convened by Professor Evans), on why truth-telling and reconciliation are a ‘must’ for Indigenous economic empowerment.
