In Policy Matters, the Sydney Policy Lab and the University of Sydney Business School have come together to take you through the policy issues we think should be top of mind

Drawing upon our research and expertise, we explore the economy, health, climate change, COVID recovery and the future of democracy.

According to the ABC’s Vote Compass, the AFR and other public opinion research, these are among the issues that matter most to Australian voters.

So what is at stake with these issues? And how should our political leaders be responding? Policy Matters is our take on why policy matters.

Beyond the political theatre of the campaign trail, what are the issues that should matter for Australians this federal election? 

Election contests always involve a battle over economic management. Clinton Free and Claire Connelly explore the lived experience of the economy, and the kind of vision needed to build our future prosperity.

COVID has put health front of mind for all of us. Yet we are faced with an ageing population, a stretched public hospital system and the threat of future pandemics. Helena Nguyen and John Buchanan outline the changes needed to build a stronger healthcare system.

We are already seeing the effects of climate change in Australia. Amanda Tattersall and Tanya Fiedler explore the urgent need to address climate risk and transition to clean renewable energy.

What does a post-pandemic recovery look like for Australia, and how can we rejuvenate our democracy? Tim Soutphommasane, Nick Bryant and Clinton Free explore some big questions about Australia’s post-COVID future.

Researchers and experts featured in Policy Matters include:

• Professor Tim Soutphommasane - Acting Director, Sydney Policy Lab
• Professor Clinton Free – Deputy Dean and Head of School, Corporate governance expert, University of Sydney Business School
• Dr Tanya Fiedler – Climate risk expert, University of Sydney Business School
• Associate Professor Amanda Tattersall – Climate transition researcher, Sydney Policy Lab
• Claire Connelly – Economics and data specialist, Sydney Policy Lab
• Associate Professor Helena Nguyen – Business health and wellbeing expert, University of Sydney Business School
• Professor John Buchanan – Health and work researcher, University of Sydney Business School
• Nick Bryant – Author on democracy and global politics, Sydney Policy Lab