You are here

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.

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 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.

Joint Agency Drought Taskforce

Joint Agency Drought Taskforce

Assistance for farmers, their families and rural communities

North Queensland Livestock Industry Recovery Agency

North Queensland Livestock Industry Recovery Agency

Religious Freedom Review

Religious Freedom Review

On 18 May 2018, the Panel delivered its Report to the Prime Minister.

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.

The National Office For Child Safety

National Office for Child Safety

The National Office for Child Safety (the National Office) provides national leadership, working across governments and sectors, to deliver national policies and strategies to enhance children’s safety and reduce future harm to children.

Vocational education and training review

Vocational education and training review

On 28 November 2018, the Prime Minister announced an independent review of Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) sector to examine ways to deliver skilled workers for a stronger economy.

Latest News

Head and shoulders image of Elizabeth Hardy. She is smiling. The text reads: BETA podcast, Elizabeth Hardy.

BETA Podcast: Interview with Elizabeth Hardy

Behavioural Economics

Thursday, 20 June 2019

How do we improve public services? Elizabeth Hardy has been working for many years on ways to improve the lives of Canadians, and shares her ideas on BETA’s latest podcast.

Image of Michael Luca with the words BETA Podcast

BETA Podcast: Interview with Michael Luca

Behavioural Economics

Wednesday, 15 May 2019

How do online rankings affect our decisions? US academic Michael Luca dissects this and more in BETA’s latest podcast.

Fees hidden in plain sight

Behavioural Economics

Wednesday, 24 April 2019

Ever been stung by the fine print? Read some tips for avoiding these common traps.

Resources

Strengthening Skills: Expert Review of Australia’s Vocational Education and Training System

Domestic Policy

On 28 November 2018, the Prime Minister announced an independent review of Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) sector to examine ways to deliver skilled workers for a stronger economy.

Planning for Australia's Future Population

Domestic Policy

20th March 2019

Australia’s population story is one of strong growth. Each state and city and region has its own population story and these have varied over time. In general, growth has been strongest in Australia’s cities, although some regional areas have also grown strongly.

Advisory Board to the North Queensland Livestock Industry Recovery Agency

Domestic Policy

13th March 2019

The Advisory Board will support Shane Stone AC QC and the North Queensland Livestock Recovery Agency (NQLIRA) with the recovery of the northern livestock industry.

North Queensland Livestock Industry Recovery Agency - The Hon Shane Stone AC QC

Domestic Policy

Shane Stone’s appointment as head of the North Queensland Livestock Industry Recovery Agency further builds on a life dedicated to public service.

National Principles for Child Safe Organisations poster

Domestic Policy

18th February 2019

Download and print the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations poster.