UWA Public Policy Institute
Providing informed leadership by maximising the policy impact of UWA research in Western Australia, Australia and the Indian Ocean region
The UWA Public Policy Institute (UWA PPI) is a bridge between academic research and government, public and business needs, delivering real-world policy impact at state, national and regional levels.
Drawing on UWA’s distinct geographical advantage as Australia’s Indian Ocean capital city, and by championing an evidence-based approach to policy-making, we also create fresh opportunities for UWA to collaborate with countries across the region.
What we do
- Run a dynamic public events program
- Produce and disseminate reports
- Provide expertise to policymakers
- Organise private roundtable discussions
Public events program
Our events span a range of diverse and provocative topics, including mental health, environmental protection, and Aboriginal cultural heritage. Members of the community are warmly welcomed to attend, actively participate, and contribute to discussions.
Breakfast by the Bay | Global economic outlook 2022: Implications for WA
Wednesday 1 December, 7am - 9am
Banquet Hall, The University Club of Western Australia
Members $55, Non-members $65, Table of 10 $600
Book tickets
The world economy is experiencing an unexpected and strange boom. This is most surprising because it was feared that COVID-19 would cause an extended recession comparable to the GFC. Global growth is now being reported at its highest since 2006, however, an examination of this upturn calls for caution.
There are new factors that will all play a role in shaping a sustainable global economy in 2022 and beyond, including:
- varying vaccination-levels,
- fluctuations in open and closed economies based on pandemic management, and
- anticipated withdrawal of government stimulus packages.
The rebound of the global giants, the US, China and the EU, will all depend on how capital markets access each of these factors.
During this breakfast event we will take a closer look at the economic forecast for the coming year and how it will affect our state. How does WA fit into these new trends, what are its unique points of weakness and how can it capitalise on its strengths?
Researcher training: How to work with government
February 2022 (TBC)
For UWA researchers
See more and register
How can you, as a UWA researcher, shape evidence-based policymaking?
During this interactive lunchtime workshop, we'll demystify how government collaborates with researchers, and ways that you can work closely with government officials and policymakers.
This training workshop is particularly designed around the needs of busy academics who wish to engage with policymakers to ensure their research has leads to real-world impact and feeds into policy design and decision-making processes within government.
Expert commentary
COP26
The 26th annual UN Climate Change Conference, or 'Conference of the Parties', brought together almost every country for a global climate summit in Glasgow. Here are some comments on Australia's role in this uniquely urgent world event.
- Professor Shamit Saggar sets the scene: do politicians have the courage to lead the change needed? Do we need a better way to think about how we value nature?
- Expert in rural development Professor Petra Tschakert explains how COP26 ought to deliver the 2030 target and climate finance to ensure assistance from high-income countries to developing countries.
- Environmental engineer and water expert Professor Anas Ghadouani hones in on water policy, its economic opportunities, and its absolute importance to our survival.
2021-22 WA state budget
With the release of the state budget and news of surplus, we asked our experts to explain what it means for the West Australian population.
- Professor Shamit Saggar considers reform, economic diversification and vulnerability.
- Labour economist Professor Alison Preston notes changes in public sector wage caps and an upcoming policy review.
- Economist Professor Peter Robertson outlines reasons for the surplus, including iron ore prices and COVID luck.
Australian Census 2021
As Census time rolls around again, we take a deep dive into what it is, what it's used for, and how it might be improved.
- Professor Shamit Saggar encourages you to consider the privacy and relevance of the data that will result from the 2021 census questions.
- Human Geography and Planning expert Dr Clare Mouat explains why the census is important and how it helps shape a range of services and support for Australians.
- Migration sociologist Associate Professor Farida Fozdar questions the lack of ancestry and race data, and explains the policy implications of such a gap.
- Professor Loretta Baldassar and Dr Rita Afsar note how census questions show us trends in migration and ageing.
Tokyo Olympics
Are the Olympics still relevant? How can they remain viable in the current socio-political climate?
- Historian Dr Andrew Broertjes kicks off the series with an overview of the history of the Olympics.
- Professor Shamit Saggar continues by outlining policy challenges facing the Olympics, including high risk for host cities, doping scandals, and political neutrality.
'Fortress Australia' and closed borders
How long can we stay closed? What are the implications of keeping our borders shut, interstate and internationally?
- Senior Law lecturer Dr Marco Rizzi questions why fully vaccinated people shouldn't be able to leave the country freely.
- Science educator Professor Vaille Dawson notes the elimination of international life-changing opportunities for young people.
- Confucius Institute Australian Director Associate Professor Maggie Ying Jiang explains how the 'nation-state' has been strengthened by travel bans.
- Political sociologist Dr Yu Tao explores the socioeconomic reasons to open borders.
- Migration and aged care sociologist Dr Catriona Stevens explains how closed borders puts serious pressure on the aged care sector, which increasingly relies on a migrant workforce.
2021 Intergenerational Report
Download the federal 2021 Intergenerational Report to view modelling projections on Australia's position in 2061 and hear responses to the report from our experts:
- Director Professor Shamit Saggar explains what an Intergenerational Report is and the importance of migration in securing a future workforce.
- UWA Business School Dean and economist Professor Peter Roberson reflects on COVID's effect on our economic future.
- Macroeconomist Professor Jakob Madsen shows how economic growth will likely need to come from research and development.
- Researcher Dr Caleb Goods focusses on climate change targets and net-zero impacts to jobs.
- Sociologist Professor Farida Fozdar encourages support for diverse communities and multicultural inclusion.
- Economist Professor Alison Preston exposes some of the report's assumptions and the future gender gaps in superannuation balances at retirement.
Publications
Going Further, Faster –
A Policy Agenda for WA 2021
The Preparedness Report - Climate change and the challenges facing universities and professions
Our collaborators
Government, not-for-profit and industry bodies we work with include but are not limited to:
UWA and UWA-affiliated entities we work with include:
- The Centre for Human & Cultural Values
- Centre for Muslim States and Societies
- Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre
- The Institute for Agriculture
- The Migration, Mobilities and Belonging (MMoB) Research Cluster
- Not-for-Profits UWA
- Perth USAsia Centre
- UWA Africa Research & Engagement Centre (AfREC)
- UWA Centre for Social Impact
- UWA Business School
- UWA Social Care and Ageing Living Lab
