Partnership dashboard
Western Sydney University
Learn more about the partnership between Western Sydney University and the Australian Public Policy Institute (APPI).
September 2026
About the partnership
Driving policy impact through partnership
Western Sydney University has been a partner of the Australian Public Policy Institute since its establishment, reflecting a shared commitment to driving impact, social purpose and research that delivers real-world benefits for communities.
This partnership aligns with Western 2030, the University’s strategy to accelerate action through transdisciplinary research, innovation and education that build future industries and address the challenges our communities face.
Through APPI’s programs, including the Policy Challenge Grants, Policy Fellowships and government-commissioned projects, Western Sydney University researchers are helping shape solutions to complex issues such as disaster resilience, affordable housing, childcare access and Industry 4.0 adoption.
Together, we’re strengthening the bridge between academia and government, translating evidence into action, advising on timely policy priorities, and contributing to better outcomes for people across Western Sydney and beyond.
Government partners
As part of their work with APPI, researchers from Western Sydney University helped inform policy and reform efforts across Australian government departments, including:
- Australian Department of Education
- Australian Tertiary Education Commission
- The Cabinet Office of NSW
- NSW Department of Communities and Justice
- NSW Department of Education
- NSW Ministry of Health
- NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
- NSW Reconstruction Authority
Researcher insights
Grants and fellowships
Ongoing projects
Completed projects
Expert contributions
Developing evidence-based solutions for Australian policymakers
Western Sydney researchers working with APPI play a direct role in shaping smarter, more effective public policy for Australia.
Through government-responsive policy projects, applied research supported by grants and fellowships, and thought leadership pieces, researchers contribute practical, evidence-based solutions to Australia’s most complex challenges.
Government projects: Acknowledgments
APPI acknowledges the invaluable contributions of researchers from Western Sydney University to policy projects delivered by APPI for Australian governments.
2025-26 (Selected researchers)
- Professor Awais Piracha, Project for the NSW Reconstruction Authority
- Professor Robert Gorkin, Project for the Cabinet Office of NSW
- Professor Kate McBride, Project for the Cabinet Office of NSW
- Professor Andrew Page, Project for the Cabinet Office of NSW
2024-25 (Selected researchers)
- Professor Neil Perry, Project for the Cabinet Office of NSW
- Associate Professor Dilupa Nakandala, Project for the Cabinet Office of NSW
- Professor Freya MacMillan, Project for the Cabinet Office of NSW
- Dr Cristy Brooks, Project for the Cabinet Office of NSW
- Professor Merrillees Dolla, Project for the NSW Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport
2023-24 (Selected researchers)
- Professor Rebekah Grace, Project for NSW Department of Communities and Justice
- Professor Heather Horst, Project for the NSW Chief Data Scientist
- Dr Kay Carroll, Project for NESA
2022-23 (Selected researchers)
- Rebecca Dominguez, Project for the Office of the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner
- Rebekah Grace, Project for the NSW Department of Education
2021-22 (Selected researchers)
- Professor Kathy Tannous, Project for NSW Treasury
- Dr Elizabeth Conroy, Project for the NSW Department of Communities and Justice
Reports
Western Sydney researchers share their findings in targeted reports for policy audiences.
Thought leadership
Western Sydney researchers regularly publish opinion articles in our digital publication, The Policymaker.
Opportunities for researchers
Building capacity for policy engagement
Researchers at Western Sydney University can access a range of opportunities through our partnership: from grants and fellowships that support applied policy research, to dedicated university courses that build practical skills in influencing policy. These initiatives are designed to help academics translate their work into real-world impact and contribute to ongoing policy reform initiatives.
Policy Challenge Grants
The Policy Challenge Grant program supports applied public policy research to tackle key challenges and foster collaboration between academics and policymakers. The next grant round will open in early 2026. Learn more
Policy Fellowships
APPI Policy Fellows (Academic stream) analyse significant policy challenges and propose bold, practical solutions for public policy development. These fellowships are advertised directly by our university partners. Learn more
Western Sydney University courses
Western Sydney University offers a Master of Planning, a Master of Public Health and a Graduate Certificate in Public Health. Learn more
University Key Contact
Our University Key Contacts are the central points of contact for assistance and advice in navigating our partner universities.
Annette McLaren
Western Sydney University