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.
Review of Australia’s mutual recognition schemes for workers
06/05/2026On 5 May 2026, the Federal Government opened consultation on the interim findings of the review into Australia’s Mutual Recognition Schemes for workers. This follows the announcement made by the Assistant Minister for Productivity Andrew Leigh, alongside Ministers Giles and Rishworth in February 2026, and an initial round of consultation supported by a Call for Submissions paper, in March and April. … Continue reading Review of Australia’s mutual recognition schemes for workers
2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program
16/04/2026On 16 April 2026, Defence Minister the Hon. Richard Marles MP announced the 2026 National Defence Strategy (NDS) and Integrated Investment Program (IIP) at the National Press Club. The Strategy builds on the inaugural 2024 NDS and is a recognition of the growing volatility on the global stage. In his speech, Marles stated that Australia faces its most complex strategic circumstances since the end of World War II, and the Albanese Government is pursuing every… Continue reading 2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program
GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
01/04/20261 April 2026 On Wednesday 1 April 2026, the Treasurer the Hon. Jim Chalmers, the Assistant Treasurer the Hon. Daniel Mulino and the Minister for Small Business the Hon. Anne Aly announced that the Albanese Government is coordinating action with industry and regulators to ease the economic cost of the war in the Middle East… Continue reading GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Australian Fuel Supply
31/03/2026In response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its escalating impact on the global energy markets, the Australian Government has activated a coordinated national fuel security response. National Cabinet has agreed to a National Fuel Security Plan, a four-stage escalation framework. Australia is currently operating at Level 2 of this framework, with further stages to be engaged should the… Continue reading Australian Fuel Supply
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