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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.

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

Monthly inflation rose in September

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

Published 05 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

Persistent underlying inflation strengthens the case for a September interest rate hike

The Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research expects the Reserve Bank of Australia’s Monetary Policy Board to increase the policy interest rate to 4.6% on Tuesday, 29 September.

Published 24 Sep 2026

Weakening growth prospects in NSW, VIC and SA

The latest Melbourne Institute State Leading Indexes of Economic Activity indicate that economic activity in QLD and WA is likely to be just above trend in the coming quarters, while economic activity in NSW, VIC, SA, and TAS is likely to be around or below trend.

Published 24 Sep 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 24 Sep 2026

First Nowcast of Growth in the September Quarter 2026 is 0.5 per cent

The Melbourne Institute anticipates that Australian economic growth in the September quarter of 0.5 per cent.

Published 24 Sep 2026

Huge jump in university education, increased financial stress – and we really love our partners

The 2026 Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Annual Statistical Report has been released, revealing how the lives of Australians have changed since 2001 across areas including income, employment, family life and wellbeing.

Published 23 Sep 2026

How is economic reform achieved?

On Tuesday 1 September 2026, the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research hosted its Inaugural Director’s Lecture. In her speech, Professor Beth Webster, who was appointed as Director and Ronald Henderson Chair in 2024, spoke on the topic of economic reform and how initial ideas move from concept into reality.

Published 17 Sep 2026

Christopher Hoy receives Paul Bourke Award for Early Career Research

We are thrilled to congratulate Dr Christopher Hoy on his recent achievement in being awarded The Paul Bourke Award for Early Career Research, recognising his outstanding contribution to social sciences research and public policy around the world.

Published 14 Sep 2026

For the first time, we’ve mapped where Australia's innovation really thrives

A new index charts Australian innovation across nearly two decades. It shows a country with real potential, and where we need to focus to realise it.

Published 11 Sep 2026

Reform wasn’t meant to be easy. Here’s how the battles for Medicare and child support defeated vested interests

Can you imagine Australia without Medicare, the age pension, or with 50% tariffs on imported goods such as cars, clothes and shoes? Institutions we take for granted now took many decades of agitating, fighting vested interests and staring down passive resistance to be created. This is the realpolitik of economics.

Published 10 Sep 2026

Why health insurance cuts for the over‑65s won’t swamp public hospitals after all

The controversy surrounding the federal government’s plan to scrap extra private health insurance rebates for the over-65s continues. Not everyone agrees on the impact of the higher premiums, whether that’s the number of people set to cancel their cover or the impact on the public health system.

Published 10 Sep 2026

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