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Higher interest rates increasingly likely on Melbourne Cup Day

The Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research expects the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to increase the cash rate to 4.85 per cent on Melbourne Cup Day (3 November), marking the fifth increase for 2026.

Published 02 Nov 2026

Monthly inflation rose in September

The Melbourne Institute Monthly Inflation Gauge increased for a fourth consecutive month in October, after falling in May and June.

Published 02 Nov 2026

Children who grow up in poverty are 5 times more likely to be poor young adults: new study

Our research, recently published in The Economic Record, suggests childhood poverty casts a long shadow, affecting young Australians well into their 20s and 30s.

Published 02 Nov 2026

The 2026 Melbourne Macro Policy Meeting

The 2026 Melbourne Macro Policy Meeting was successfully held on October 26 and 27, co-hosted by the Department of Economics and the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economics and Social Research.

Published 30 Oct 2026

Exempting pensioners from private health rebate changes won’t make it fairer. Here’s what would

The government wants to take the savings from the rebate changes and increase funding for aged care. The case for doing so is sound. But if concessions are made, they should target those on low incomes, regardless of age.

Published 29 Oct 2026

Eight University of Melbourne academics elected to the Academy of the Social Sciences

Professor Yuting Zhang is one of eight University of Melbourne academics elected to the Academy of the Social Sciences. She will join several other colleagues from the Melbourne Institute who have previously been awarded this prestigious honour.

Published 23 Oct 2026

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.

Published 22 Oct 2026

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.

Published 22 Oct 2026

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.

Published 22 Oct 2026

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.

Published 22 Oct 2026

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.

Published 20 Oct 2026

Consumer inflation expectations rose in October

The expected inflation rate (30-per-cent trimmed mean measure) rose to 5.3 per cent in October.

Published 12 Oct 2026

Historical Frontier Violence and consequences for modern Australia

On Thursday September 24^th, 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.

Published 07 Oct 2026

PNG’s food tax cut: only eight toea in every kina reached the poorest

This study demonstrates that VAT/ Tax cuts are an inefficient way for governments to support poorer households and raises questions about the suitability of these cuts as an equity-enhancing instrument in low-income countries.

Published 06 Oct 2026

Young Australians are the only age group whose thinking scores are falling

Something is happening to 15- to 24-year-olds. New HILDA Survey data show that cognitive and financial literacy scores are falling among young Australians. So, what's driving it, and can schools and parents help?

Published 28 Sep 2026

Australian workers feel over-skilled and over-educated

Almost half of Australia's workers (49.5 per cent) feel over-educated, meaning they have a higher level of education than they believe their job requires. Additionally, about one in four (25.7 per cent) say their role doesn't stretch their skills and abilities.

Published 28 Sep 2026

Many Australians are happy in love – but will it stay this way?

On average, Australians seem quite happy in their relationships. The annual HILDA Survey finds most couples rate their partnerships highly, but financial stress takes a heavier toll than anything else.

Published 28 Sep 2026

Housing stress is on the rise: 7 essential charts from this year’s HILDA survey

The Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey provides unique insights into the lives of Australians, and collects rich data on income, employment, health and wellbeing. So, what are the highlights from the 2026 report?

Published 28 Sep 2026

Many Australians are overqualified for their jobs – which comes at a price, new data shows

Close to half of Australians believe they have more education than their job requires, a dynamic that is associated with lower job and life satisfaction. A quarter of people also cannot fully use their skills and abilities in their current job. These figures come from the latest annual report from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey.

Published 28 Sep 2026

New Innovation Index maps Australia’s business innovation strengths

New research draws on 18 years of data to show where innovation activity is strongest across industries and regions and compares selected emerging technologies.

Published 28 Sep 2026

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