Research Papers

Research Papers from the Centre for Future Work.

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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

The Centre provided expert evidence in a work from home test case in the Fair Work Commission.

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

Too much work and too few paid hours?

The 2025 Go Home on Time survey highlights widespread dissatisfaction with paid work hours, and employees working excessive unpaid overtime.

By Fiona Macdonald

Australian Sovereignty and the Path to Peace – 2025 Laurie Carmichael Lecture

The Hon. Doug Cameron argues that Australia is sacrificing its sovereignty and long‑term economic and social interests by deepening its