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Domestic Policy

Domestic policy covers priorities that affect the lives of all Australians. Our work involves advising the Prime Minister, the Cabinet and Portfolio Ministers on issues such as jobs and economic growth, the budget, industry, infrastructure, agriculture, innovation, health, education and the environment. Our aim is to provide the Government with high quality advice on how to make Australia more prosperous, successful and stronger.

Current Initiatives

A More Innovative and Agile Australia

A More Innovative and Agile Australia

New ideas in innovation and science will be major drivers of Australia’s future economic prosperity.

Agriculture

As part of the Domestic Policy Group we provide advice on agriculture related matters from a whole of government perspective.

Behavioural Economics

Behavioural Economics

Our work encourages people-centred design, which means: simpler, clearer and faster public services.

Cities

Australia’s growth as a knowledge-based economy, and the prosperity this offers, goes hand-in-hand with the growth of our cities and the regions surrounding them.

Early Childhood Education and Care, Schools and Higher Education

Early Childhood Education and Care, Schools and Higher Education

We are looking at national funding arrangements for schools beyond 2018.

Effective Commonwealth-State Relations

Effective Commonwealth-State Relations

We support the development of productive relationships between state, territory and Commonwealth Governments to promote policy reforms of national significance.

Improving the Health System

Improving the Health System

The Australian Government has reached agreement with the states and territories on additional funding for public hospital services over the next three years.

Infrastructure and Project Financing Agency

Infrastructure and Project Financing Agency

The Infrastructure and Project Financing Agency (IPFA) was established as a small agency within the Prime Minister’s portfolio on 1 July 2017 to advise the Government on funding and financing options for infrastructure projects. Further information about the IPFA can be found at www.ipfa.gov.au

Infrastructure and regional development

Infrastructure and Regional Development

We provide advice on infrastructure and regional development from a whole of government perspective to the Prime Minister and Cabinet. We work with the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development to deliver infrastructure programmes to build our nation.

Religious Freedom Review

Religious Freedom Review

The Expert Panel on Religious Freedom is conducting face-to-face consultations ahead of delivering its report to the Prime Minister by 18 May 2018.

Social Services and Immigration

Social Services and Immigration

We work with other Government organisations on a range of social services and immigration policies and issues.

Strengthening the Budget and the Economy

Strengthening the Budget and the Economy

We work closely with other Government organisations on tax reform, improved employment outcomes, and economic development policies.

Tackling Climate Change, Energy Productivity and Improving Our Environment

Tackling Climate Change and Improving Our Environment

Addressing issues related to climate change, energy, biodiversity and water resources is important for the quality of our environment, our economy and society.

Taskforces on Past Domestic Policy Initiatives

Taskforces on Past Domestic Policy Initiatives

Past initiatives include the UNFCCC, the National Ice Taskforce and the Agricultural Competitiveness White paper.

Latest News

BETA reports: helping consumers make smarter energy choices

BETA reports: Helping consumers make smarter energy choices

Behavioural Economics BETA registered trials

Wednesday, 28 March 2018

Are you influenced by energy efficiency star‑rating labels when shopping for household appliances? Do you use energy fact sheets to compare plans and pick the best one for you? BETA has published two new reports showing how behavioural insights can help consumers make smarter energy choices

Behavioural exchange 2018: Register now!

The Behavioural Exchange Conference (BX2018) is coming to Australia 25-26 June

Behavioural Economics

Friday, 02 March 2018

Registration is now open.

BETA Podcast: Interview with Dr David Halpern

Behavioural Economics

Thursday, 01 March 2018

BETA’s next podcast interview features Dr David Halpern, Chief Executive and Board Director of the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT).

Resources

Report: Energy labels that make cents

Domestic Policy

28th March 2018

When shopping for appliances, people can find it difficult to weigh up the advertised cost of an appliance against its long-term running costs. This is sometimes referred to as the ‘energy‑efficiency gap’.

Report: Saying more with less

Domestic Policy

28th March 2018

BETA joined forces with the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) to test whether energy fact sheets can improve people’s ability to understand and compare energy plans—and ultimately choose the best one for them.

BETA Academic Directory

Domestic Policy

2nd January 2018

BETA is committed to fostering links between the Australian Public Service and the behavioural economics research community, here and overseas. With the growing interest and demand for behavioural science, there are many opportunities to better connect the public service with academia.

Religious Freedom Review Terms of Reference

Domestic Policy

14th December 2017

Expert Panel to examine religious freedom protection in Australia Terms of Reference (ToR).

REPORT: Effective use of SMS: improving government confirmation processes

Domestic Policy

12th December 2017

BETA partnered with the Australian Government Department of Human Services to simplify the process parents undertake when updating their details with the Child Support Scheme.