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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.

ICT Procurement Taskforce

ICT Procurement Taskforce

A review into how government buys ICT products and services began in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in October 2016. It moved over to the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) in February 2017.

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 Project Financing Agency

Infrastructure and Project Financing Agency

The Infrastructure and Project Financing Agency (IPFA) was established as a small agency within the Prime Minister’s portfolio on 1 July 2017 to advise the Government on funding and financing options for infrastructure projects. Further information about the IPFA can be found at www.ipfa.gov.au

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.

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.

Latest News

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Changing how Government does business

A More Innovative and Agile Australia PM&C

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

PM&C Secretary and Head of the APS, Martin Parkinson, is on the record that the Public Service needs to be on the front-foot when it comes to service delivery.

David Gruen standing in front of a bookshelf.

Dr David Gruen's speech to the 2017 Economic and Social Outlook Conference

Strengthening the Budget and the Economy

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you. The title of this morning’s session is: ‘The Challenges of an Uncertain World’.

Four icons referencing the job application process. The first icon, labeled Job Listing, has a micro glass looking at a piece of paper. The second icon has a cut of of a man with the text Reviewing of job applications. The third icon us a group of speech bubbles with the label Interviewing. The final icon has a cut out of a man with the text Merit listing.

BETA Animation: Unconscious Bias

Behavioural Economics

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

How can we improve the diversity and gender balance of our workplaces?

Resources

Going blind to see more clearly: unconscious bias in Australian Public Services shortlisting processes

Domestic Policy

This study assessed whether women and minorities are discriminated against in the early stages of the recruitment process for senior positions in the Australian Public Service (APS). It also tested the impact of implementing a ‘blind’ or de-identified approach to reviewing candidates.

Supporting retirees in retirement income planning

Domestic Policy

This study examined how people respond to a new income plan for retirement, known as a Comprehensive Income Product for Retirement (CIPR).

About behavioural economics

Domestic Policy

2nd September 2016

Behavioural economics is a field of economic analysis that applies psychological insights to human behaviour to explain and predict how people make decisions.

BETA Guide to developing behavioural interventions for randomised controlled trials

Domestic Policy

2nd September 2016

This guide outlines BETA’s approach to developing behavioural interventions for randomised controlled trials (RCTs). It pulls together behavioural and RCT expertise from around the world, in an easy to use guide for those looking to develop behavioural interventions for RCTs in government.

Final Report of the National Ice Taskforce

Domestic Policy

6th December 2015

This is the Final Report of the National Ice Taskforce.