The Australian Public Policy Institute (APPI) has released its Annual Impact Report 2024-25, marking a year of significant impact.
In April, we rebranded from the James Martin Institute for Public Policy to APPI, a milestone that better reflects our national mission of bringing government and universities together to deliver evidence-based solutions for the public good. This momentum was reinforced by a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Australian Public Service Commission in January 2025, signalling the growing demand for APPI’s expertise across all levels of government.
Navigating complexity in public policy
Over a year marked by elections, economic pressures, and global conflict, the complexity of public policy continues to increase. Rather than turning away from evidence in the face of change, Australian policymakers continue to seek out research and expert advice to inform their decision-making.
Four years on, the Institute has established itself as a trusted partner of government and universities, with policy impact and public good at our core.
Professor Libby Hackett, CEO of APPI
As challenges increasingly cross traditional boundaries, from housing and health to energy transition and economic reform, the demand for multidisciplinary expertise is greater than ever. APPI plays a key role in connecting governments with academic insights, ensuring policy solutions are robust, pragmatic and future focused.
Delivering impact through research and collaboration
Over the past year, APPI has supported governments and universities in addressing some of Australia’s most pressing policy challenges. Our Government Policy Projects have informed work on child protection and out-of-home care, mode shift in transportation policy, and strengthening health and disability support systems.
By the end of 2025, we will have distributed $2 million in funds in Policy Challenge Grants to university research teams. This year, we published four of their reports on Net Zero and the role of Aboriginal Land Councils in the energy transition, disaster management and recovery and electric vehicle uptake. We also welcomed several Policy Fellows from our government and university partners, three of whom completed their projects – on manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technology, strategic approaches to public finance and the nursing workforce.
Through the Policy Futures workstream, APPI is building capability across the public sector and academia. More than 1,500 public servants and researchers participated in programs such as the NSW Budget Masterclass and Policy Capability Clinic, strengthening the skills needed to navigate complex policy environments. At the same time, The Policymaker reached 125 published contributions, providing a platform for evidence-based analysis and commentary on major social, economic and environmental issues.
Strategic growth and national partnerships
Guided by our new 2030 Strategy, APPI has invested in dedicated policy leads across economic, social, and energy and environment portfolios, along with a Deputy CEO in Canberra, to expand our reach and strengthen collaboration nationwide. Our growing partnership with government ensures that universities can bring research to bear on real-world challenges, supporting evidence-based policymaking for the benefit of all Australians.
This has been a truly transformational year that sets the course for even greater impact ahead.
Jillian Kilby (Interim Chair) and Professor Peter Shergold AC (Former Chair)
We extend our sincere thanks to our government and university partners, researchers, and advisors for their collaboration, expertise, and commitment. Your partnership is central to APPI’s mission and achievements, and we look forward to continuing to work together to advance evidence-based public policy in Australia.
Read the full Annual Impact Report 2024-25 here.
