Policy Areas
APPI drives effective policy outcomes across four key areas that shape Australia's future. Our government policy research and policy development work is specifically designed to support Australian policymakers in addressing the nation's most pressing challenges, harnessing leading university expertise to develop practical, evidence-based policy solutions that deliver lasting impact for all Australians.
Economy and productivity
Promoting economic growth starts with evidence-based economic policy research, driving solutions-oriented collaboration to unlock opportunities in innovation policy, competitiveness, and sectoral development through comprehensive productivity policy solutions.
We work closely with policymakers to identify their challenges and leverage university expertise and data to develop innovative solutions that drive progress. By bringing key stakeholders together, we identify strategies that boost economic performance, support competitiveness and innovation, and fuel sector growth to deliver lasting benefits for all Australians.
Our economic policy research spans public finance and investment strategies, gender equity in the workplace, innovation policy development, digital technologies in construction, and supporting entrepreneurship and economic empowerment across diverse communities through targeted productivity policy initiatives.
Highlights
Public finance
The report by our Senior Policy Fellow Simon Rowell highlights the pivotal role public financing can play in shaping a more resilient, competitive NSW economy.
Workforce development
The address by NSW Minister of Finance, The Hon. Courtney Houssos MLC, underscored the government’s vital role in advancing gender equity and fostering inclusive workplaces.
Industry policy
NSW Minister for Industry and Innovation, The Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong MP, outlined his vision for the NSW economy with research and evidence driving the government’s industry, decarbonisation and innovation policies.
Energy & Environment
Advancing solutions to energy and environmental challenges begins with evidence-based environmental policy research, fostering solutions-oriented collaboration to unlock opportunities in clean energy, green technology and energy capture, and climate policy adaptation through comprehensive energy policy Australia frameworks.
We work closely with policymakers to identify their challenges and leverage university expertise to develop innovative solutions that drive progress. By bringing together key stakeholders, we identify strategies that enhance environmental outcomes, support long-term sustainability, and create lasting benefits for all Australians.
Our environmental policy research focus areas include expanding electric vehicle infrastructure, developing integrated climate policy strategies for Net Zero transitions, advancing renewable energy policy Australia solutions, supporting First Nations voices in environmental policy, and building community resilience against natural disasters.
Highlights
A new report developed by a research team from Western Sydney University outlines key strategies to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure in apartment buildings across NSW.
Three projects awarded a Policy Challenge Grant in 2024 will develop and advance policy solutions for Australia’s transition to a Net Zero economy.
The episode features contributions from Anthony Lean, Secretary of the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Dr Thomas Longden from Western Sydney University and Beth Mitchell from Beyond Zero Emissions.
Infrastructure, Mobility and Technology
Effective solutions begin with evidence-based infrastructure policy research, fostering collaboration to address challenges such as sustainable transport policy, urban and regional development, and the risks and impacts of AI through comprehensive technology policy Australia frameworks.
We work closely with policymakers to identify their challenges and leverage university expertise to develop innovative solutions that drive progress. By bringing stakeholders together, we help policymakers address challenges related to digital infrastructure, mobility, and AI, fostering solutions that drive progress and benefit all Australians.
Our infrastructure policy work encompasses transport policy strategy development, electric vehicle charging expansion, AI governance and regulation through technology policy Australia initiatives, facial recognition technology policy, data-driven mobility solutions, and building future-ready infrastructure through strategic partnerships.
Highlights
Transport
APPI supported Transport for NSW in developing a new strategy to drive mode shift and increase patronage of public and active transport.
Mobility
Infrastructure
The panel explored how partnerships could drive the development of infrastructure that meets evolving societal needs.
Society & Wellbeing
Advancing societal wellbeing in Australia requires practical, evidence-based social policy research approaches to address challenges such as the cost of living, housing policy affordability, health policy access, and equal opportunities through comprehensive education policy frameworks.
We work closely with policymakers to identify their challenges and leverage university expertise and evidence to find innovative solutions to these pressing issues, identifying actionable strategies that address local needs, support long-term sustainability, and create lasting, positive impact for all Australians.
Our social policy research portfolio includes transforming child protection systems, developing new education policy and higher education funding models, combating modern slavery, innovative housing policy solutions, addressing teacher shortages, early childhood development, domestic violence prevention, and social justice initiatives through evidence-based health policy approaches.
Highlights
Our pioneering report, developed in close collaboration with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice and the Centre for Relational Care, outlines clear, actionable steps for driving a course change in child protection in NSW, paving the way for more effective and inclusive approaches to safeguarding vulnerable children.
