10 years of BETA

2026 marks 10 years since the Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government (BETA) was established to bring behavioural science to the forefront of public policy and service design.

Over the past decade, behavioural insights has become an integral part of how government approaches complex policy challenges. By focusing on how people make decisions, and the barriers that can stand in the way of action, BETA has helped design services that are easier to navigate, more accessible, and more likely to achieve their intended outcomes in benefitting Australians.

Secretaries Board communique: 22 April 2026

The Secretaries Board met today at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to discuss the following matters.

Strategic outlook

The Board discussed government priorities, strategic issues and emerging risks.

The Board received an update on geostrategic issues from Ms Jan Adams AO PSM, Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Ms Cath Patterson, Acting Secretary, Department of Defence.

National Fuel Security Plan

The National Fuel Security Plan sets out a staged response to fuel supply challenges to keep Australia moving.

The plan is guided by 4 response levels:

  1. Plan and prepare
  2. Keeping Australia moving 
  3. Taking targeted action
  4. Protecting critical services for all Australians

Australia is currently operating at Level 2: “Keep Australia moving.” This means fuel supplies are continuing, but there are pressures on the system. 

Paid Parental Leave decisions

In 2023 the Australian Government reformed the Paid Parental Leave (PPL) scheme to make it more flexible and gender neutral. A key objective of the reforms was to encourage both parents to share caring arrangements. In this project, we explored how forms and websites support parents’ intentions to share their parental leave entitlements.

Moving from nudges to evidence-based system change

Policymakers across Australia and beyond are turning to behavioural insights and rigorous evaluation to design effective public policy. But how are these tools evolving to meet the next generation of challenges?

On the 18 February 2026, BETA and the Australian Centre for Evaluation (ACE) welcomed Professor David Halpern, CBE, President Emeritus of the Behavioural Insights Team and one of the world’s leading voices in evidence-based government to discuss.

Kickstart your career at the centre of government

Applications for the 2027 PM&C Graduate Program are now open.

PM&C graduates have the unique opportunity to contribute to diverse, high-impact policy issues spanning across the Australian Public Service.

Across the 12 month program, you will apply your skills to real-world challenges and contribute to projects that shape Australia’s future. You’ll gain diverse experiences as you complete rotations across the department. You’ll also build valuable connections with opportunities to network and be mentored by experts across government.

Secretaries Board communique: 18 March 2026

Strategic Outlook

The Board discussed government priorities, strategic issues and emerging risks.

The Board received an update on geostrategic issues from Mr Craig Maclachlan, Deputy Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Mr Greg Moriarty AO, Secretary, Department of Defence.

The Board received an economic and budget update from Ms Jenny Wilkinson PSM, Secretary, Department of the Treasury, and Mr Matt Yannopoulos PSM, Secretary, Department of Finance.