Research Papers

Research Papers from the Centre for Future Work.

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False Economies: The Unintended Consequences of NSW Public Sector Wage Restraint

Budget-cutting political leaders regularly target the jobs and incomes of public sector workers as the first and most politically convenient

Wage suppression a time bomb in superannuation system

The record-slow pace of wage growth in Australia’s economy is not just making it difficult for families to balance their

June GDP numbers confirm lopsided economy

This week the ABS released new GDP data, covering the June quarter, which confirm the continuing structural shift away labour

Economic impacts of reductions in penalty rates for Sunday & holiday work

Our Centre has conducted considerable research into the impacts of the Fair Work Commission’s decision to substantially reduce penalty rates

New research symposium on work in the ‘gig economy’

The informal work practices of the so-called ‘gig’ economy are widening existing cracks in Australia’s system of labour regulations, and

Manufacturing: a moment of opportunity

In conjunction with the National Manufacturing Summit, titled ‘From Opportunity to Action’, at Parliament House in Canberra on June 21

Labour share of Australian GDP hits all-time record low

Amidst increasing concerns among economists and budget forecasters about the historic stagnation of Australian wages, the latest GDP statistics from

Penalty rates, minimum wages, and purchasing power

The Fair Work Commission released 2 major decisions this week: its order regarding the timing for the implementation of reductions

Of levies, profits, and backstops: the bank tax in context

The Australian government’s surprising decision to impose a new tax targeted precisely at the biggest financial institutions in the country

Tip of the iceberg: weekend work and penalty pay in 108 industries

As Australians debate the Fair Work Commission’s decision to reduce penalty rates for retail and hospitality workers, the Centre for

A ‘transition’ to nowhere

Government and business leaders have proposed a range of possible ‘transition’ mechanisms to ease the economic hardship, and defuse political

Women’s wages and the penalty rate cut

Today is International Women’s Day, a time to reflect on the continued inequality faced by women – including in the