New analysis for this report by Impact Economics and Policy shows that while headline inflation has fallen to 2.8 per cent, the living costs growth for families with children remains high. 

Since mid-2021 the living cost index increases for families with the youngest child under five (27.1 per cent) and the youngest child aged 5-14 (28.0 per cent) have also been well above increases for employee households (21.8 per cent) and self-funded retirees (15.5 per cent). 

As the Government considers two major reports into the child care sector, in this report we make the case for fundamental market reform.

We outline how a $10 per day flat fee model would provide an opportunity for market reform, delivering cost effective and higher quality care. 

Ahead of the 2024-25 Budget our Lead Economist Dr Angela Jackson addressed the National Press Club as part of the Women in Economics annual pre-budget event. Dr Jackson discussed the importance of addressing economic inclusion to lift long term productivity and economic prosperity…

Making pre-school more affordable for families would lead to more children finishing school, lower unemployment, less crime and better health outcomes, according to new…

Our report into the impacts of the Activity Test on female participation find that rather than acting as an incentive it is acting as a barrier to female participation, through…

Impact Economics and Policy worked with Women for Progress a group of leading women from business, philanthopy and the non-profit sector to develop their…

The final report in our series of reports Aftershock: Addressing the Economic and Social Costs of the Pandemic and Natural Disasters focuses on Children’s Wellbeing and Development…

A new report from Impact Economics and Policy, Child Care Subsidy Activity Test: Undermining Child Development and Parental Participation, shows that the current activity test for…