Research Papers

Research Papers from the Centre for Future Work.

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Capital works: the economic and fiscal benefits of investment in public school infrastructure

This new research report, authored by Dr Lisa Heap and Dr Jim Stanford, shows that capital investment in public schools

By Lisa Heap, Jim Stanford

Cogs in the machine: algorithmic management, surveillance and big data at work

Cogs in the machine shows that using AI to manage people has serious negative consequences for workers. Algorithmic management involving

By Fiona Macdonald

Contractual distancing, insecure work and the law

Can legislation respond to changes in capitalism that are adverse for workers?

By David Peetz

The real cost of profit: markets and profit in early childhood education and care

Redirecting public funding to only not-for-profit providers would generate at least $1.2 billion more in economic activity in 2026.

By Fiona Macdonald, Matt Saunders

In it for the long haul: the role of rail freight in an era of energy uncertainty

Rail freight offers Australia an underused opportunity to cut fuel costs, reduce carbon emissions, and reduce vulnerability to global energy

By Phillip Toner, Jim Stanford

Submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Legislation, Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026 and a related bill

The Centre for Future Work’s submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Legislation, Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No.

By Ben Spies-Butcher, David Peetz

Budget briefing paper 2026–2027

We examine the Budget in detail, from the perspective of workers and labour markets.

By David Peetz, Fiona Macdonald, Lisa Heap, Ben Spies-Butcher

Submission to the Inquiry into the National Employment Standards

Our short submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Workplace Relations, Skills and Training Inquiry into the

By Fiona Macdonald

Expert report: working from home

In August 2025, Dr Fiona Macdonald and Dr Lisa Heap prepared an expert report for proceedings before the Fair Work

By Fiona Macdonald, Lisa Heap

Submission to the Senate Select Committee on Productivity in Australia

The Centre's submission shows that Australia’s productivity depends on investing in secure jobs, skills, care industries, and equitable economic policy

By David Peetz

Submission to the Closing Loopholes Review

The Centre's submission says closing workplace law loopholes has boosted job security, pay equity, enforcement, and fairness across Australia’s labour

By David Peetz

Addressing the health workforce crisis in the Pacific

The challenges of health worker labour migration and the need for cooperation for quality public health systems across Oceania.

By Fiona Macdonald, Lisa Heap, Charlie Joyce