The McKell Institute

Thanks to Australian Associated Press (AAP) for covering our The McKell Institute labour market analysis today, ahead of Budget 2025. The historically low unemployment rate sustained throughout this parliament matters — not least because it has disproven arguments by some that long overdue corrections to the industrial relations system would increase the unemployment rate. You can read Max Douglass' analysis here: https://lnkd.in/gUFkYpUm

It was great to host Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Youth Sam O'Connor MP today with the support of Deloitte. The Minister provided insights into the priorities of addressing homelessness and increasing housing supply, boosting home ownership rates—particularly in Indigenous communities—and exploring different models that can be adopted to empower the community housing sector. The Minister was keen to hear from The McKell Institute members, sparking valuable discussion on innovative solutions to tackle housing challenges and support community-driven initiatives. Rachel Nolan

What will determine this year's federal election? What are voters already saying, and are they paying attention? Join our conversation with political strategists Kosmos Samaras and Tony Barry from RedBridge on Thursday, April 3 at 6.30pm, the Wheeler Centre, Melbourne. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gE7gPxkf

"There should be no compromising the health of South Australians", McKell's Ed Cavanough told The Advertiser, in its coverage of McKell SA/NT's latest report, arguing for an allied health enterprise agreement in the state. Our report found that South Australia had the lowest rate of allied health professionals in the public hospital system, due in no small part to the inadequate conditions many allied health professionals have been describing. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gxY6RNFt

On Saturday, West Australians head to the polls. It's WA's first election since the 2021 landslide, that saw Mark McGowan's Labor Party win 53 of 59 seats. Here's what to watch for this weekend: https://lnkd.in/gxKk_h-C

We've partnered with the Health Services Union SA/NT branch to outline why public sector allied health workers in South Australia deserve their own enterprise agreement, and why this will improve health outcomes for all South Australians. In SA, allied health workers within the public sector are on the same agreement as 35,000 other public servants. This limits the ability for this specific cohort to bargain for an agreement that respects the specific attributes and complexities of their profession. Our report, authored by Dr Gemma Beale, details why the status quo isn't working for SA's allied health workers. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gxY6RNFt

Arguing for new ideas to make renting fairer; making the case for sovereign capability; and bringing people together on energy policy, workers' rights and defence industry jobs. Here's what we've been working on so far 2025: https://lnkd.in/gAtkpB-x

"A report from the McKell Institute’s SA branch released on Wednesday said Australia would become “dangerously dependent” on Chinese steel imports if the steelworks were to fail. 'That would leave us completely exposed to coercion from strategic adversaries,” McKell’s chief executive, Ed Cavanough, said. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gSmyfjAa

Today the Coalition pledged to cut $24bn from the public service over the forward estimates if elected this year. Previous attempts to drastically cut public sector headcount have led to an expansion in outsourcing, and the emergence of an effective “shadow public service” operating within a number of large private firms. In 2023, we testified to Senate, warning of the consequences to APS capability and trust in government caused by arbitrary cuts to the public sector. Read our submission: https://lnkd.in/dtYwJqne

We have partnered with Woolworths Supermarkets & the Retail Supply Chain Alliance of unions to advocate for greater protections for vulnerable horticulture workers. The McKell Institute has long advocated for uniform rules for labour hire across Australia. In 2022, the Albanese Government committed to establishing a national scheme, which is now in the process of being designed. Our latest report, Licensing Labour Hire, details how the proposed scheme can best be shaped to protect the most vulnerable, while not unnecessarily harming all those business committed to doing the right thing. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gHp8zrUG