Pork-barrelling – misusing public money for political gain – is common in Australia. This report argues that while pork-barrelling may be legally grey, it is not good government. It wastes taxpayers’ money, undermines public trust in Australia's political leaders and institutions, and promotes a corrupt culture.

Many federal and state government boards, tribunals and agencies are stacked with people who have worked in politics – almost always for the party that was in government when they got the job. This report argues that Australian politics has a growing ‘jobs for mates’ culture and it is undermining our democracy.

The authors of this report argue that Australia needs an updated industry policy, so that the nation can become an industrial success story as the world moves to net-zero carbon emissions.

This report shows why Australia should aim to lock in full employment – where everyone who wants a job can find a job. It demonstrates that all workers suffer when unemployment is high, but the most vulnerable workers suffer the most.

The COVID crisis highlights how important migrant workers are to the Australian economy, yet the role migrants play in the jobs market is poorly understood. This guidebook seeks to fill that knowledge gap so policy-makers can reform the system to supercharge the economic benefits of migration to Australians.