Information industries have lost some 60,000 jobs in Australia in the last 15 years, almost half during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research report highlights the need for active policy supports to stabilise the media industry and protect the public good function of quality journalism.

The research outlined in this briefing paper confirms that Australian workers in casual and insecure jobs have borne the lion’s share of job losses during the COVID-19 pandemic – both the first lockdowns in 2020, and the more recent second wave of closures.

Eighteen months after Australia's borders were first closed, things are getting worse for universities, not better. This research confirms that tertiary education has been hit by bigger job losses this year than any other non-agricultural sector in the economy.

This report reveals the ongoing and devastating impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s arts and entertainment sector and provides a series of recommendations to government that would reboot the creative sector after the crisis subsides.

The research outlined in this report suggests that by requiring stronger monitoring and prevention measures in Australian workplaces, a significant share of mental illness and injury could be avoided. In addition to reducing the toll of mental illness for workers and their families, these measures would also generate substantial economic and fiscal benefits.