Research
Hawker Britton's occasional papers provide in-depth analysis on the most important public policy issues of the day, across Australia. You can view the Research & Papers Archive here.
Thriving Kids Advisory Group Final Report
04/02/2026On 3 February 2026, the Hon. Mark Butler MP released the Thriving Kids Advisory Group’s final report. This report’s release follows Minister Butler’s announcement of the Thriving Kids initiative at the National Press Club in August 2025. The Thriving Kids Advisory Group was co-chaired by the Minister Butler, and Professor Frank Oberklaid from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. National Cabinet has endorsed the model proposed by the Advisory Group. The State and Territory Governments have agreed to invest a combined total of $4 billion, with… Continue reading Thriving Kids Advisory Group Final Report
Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (2025-26)
18/12/2025On 17th December 2025, Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher released the Albanese Government’s mid-year budget update. The complete Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) budget document can be accessed here. Stronger Budget The 2025–26 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) delivers a stronger budget, with lower deficits and less debt over the… Continue reading Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (2025-26)
Victorian Government Response to the Independent Review of the Victorian Public Service
08/12/2025On Tuesday 2 December 2025, the Victorian Government released their response to the Independent Review of the Victorian Public Service (VPS). The Review was commissioned in early 2025 by Victorian Treasurer Jaclyn Symes, shortly after she took on the role following the retirement of long-term Treasurer Tim Pallas. The Review aims to reduce waste and… Continue reading Victorian Government Response to the Independent Review of the Victorian Public Service
Reforming Defence Capability Development and Delivery
02/12/2025On 01 December 2025, the Hon. Richard Marles MP, Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Defence and the Hon. Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry and for Pacific Island Affairs, announced changes to the Department of Defence with the amalgamation of three groups into the newly formed Defence Delivery Agency. The Albanese Government has… Continue reading Reforming Defence Capability Development and Delivery
Environmental Protection Reform Bill 2025
27/11/2025On 27 November 2025, the Environmental Protection Reform Bill 2025 is expected to be passed by the Senate and sent to the House of Representatives for endorsement of the amendments passed in the Senate. The Reform Bill is the primary component of a package aimed to modernise the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act and has been the subject of widespread industry, state government and cross party consultation over several years. The passage of the package of Bills through the… Continue reading Environmental Protection Reform Bill 2025