The Department publishes and contributes to a number of economic policy papers on behalf of the Government.
2009
A proposed health technology assessment model for Victoria (281kb PDF) |
(387 kb Word)
Medical technology is an important driver of health budgets. Inevitably health systems need to make choices about which new technologies and techniques are adopted. This paper examines current arrangements and the process of decision making. In particular, it emphasises the importance of economic evaluation in the process of health technology decision making.
Employment and public infrastructure - An estimation framework (176 kb Word)
The employment impact of infrastructure spending (404 kb PDF)
Victoria is set to deliver one of the largest infrastructure construction programs in the State’s history in 2009-10. In addition to providing longer term productivity benefits, in a period of economic downturn, infrastructure investment also provides short term benefits by securing employment. This paper describes the methodology used to derive the estimated employment associated with the 2009-10 infrastructure investment program.
Employment effects during the construction phase of government infrastructure projects in Victoria (997 kb PDF)
Employment and public infrastructure: net economy-wide impacts (203 kb Word)
The Centre of Policy Studies was commissioned to analyse the impacts on the Victorian economy of increased investment expenditure on infrastructure construction projects in Victoria and the rest of Australia. Using general equilibrium modelling techniques, this paper (Employment effects during the construction phase of government infrastructure projects in Victoria) describes the impacts of the 2009-10 infrastructure program on Victorian employment, gross state product and industries over the forward estimates period. The second paper (Employment and public infrastructure: net economy-wide impacts) explains how this modelling is related to the estimation framework results presented above.
2008
Evaluation of the Victorian Drought Relief Package - Final Report (826 kb PDF)
In January 2008, DTF contracted the South Australian Centre for Economic Studies to evaluate Victoria's drought response initiatives. This evaluation has informed the development and further refinement of Victoria's drought assistance measures.
2006
The Economic and Fiscal Dividends of a New National Reform Agenda (76 kb PDF)
National Reform Agenda - The Case for Sharing Gains (259 kb PDF)
In 2006, DTF modelled the medium and long-term benefits of the National Reform Agenda. The fiscal gains from reform are expected to disproportionately benefit the Commonwealth Government, due to the Commonwealth’s broad tax base and the states’ and territories’ extensive service delivery obligations. The Case for Sharing Gains advocates for developing new financial arrangements to share the costs and benefits of the NRA fairly between the state and territory governments and the Commonwealth Government. COAG has agreed in principle to a fair sharing of the costs and benefits of reform.
A Tale of Two Economies: the regional impact of Australia's resources boom (87 kb PDF)
The global boom in resource commodity prices, driven by strong world demand and the rapid industrialisation of China, has been a major driver of Australian economic growth in recent years. This paper examines the regional impacts of the growth in commodity prices. While the economies of the resource-rich States are benefiting from strong world demand for their exports, high commodity prices are a mixed blessing for the remainder of the States.
2005
Addressing Impacts of Population Ageing on Labour Force Participation (139 kb PDF)
May 2005: Projections of labour force participation rates in Australia over the next forty years suggest that without policy changes or significant changes in the labour supply behaviour of different age and gender groups, the ageing of the population will lead to a reduction in aggregate labour force participation rate, approaching ten per cent. The DTF policy document Addressing Impacts of Population Ageing on Labour Force Participation identifies five major policy drivers to maintain aggregate labour force participation rates at around current levels - these are improving educational attainment; delaying retirement; improving childcare services; undertaking welfare reform; and improving health outcomes. The paper discusses the development of policies in each of these areas by both Commonwealth and state governments.
2004
The Impacts of Population Ageing on Labour Force Participation (980 kb PDF)
Non-Regulatory Impediments to the Labour Market Participation of Mature Workers (739 kb PDF)
DTF commissioned two studies that provided evidence to identify policy drivers for federal and state governments seeking to maintain aggregate labour force participation rates at around current levels.
Challenges and Opportunities in an ageing population (925 kb PDF)
Coming decades will see Victorians living longer, and the Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that the challenges are addressed and the opportunities maximised. This submission explores the economic and fiscal impacts that are associated with the shift in the age structure of our population, and argues that increased labour force participation, productivity and economic growth are essential to address the combination of low fertility rates and longer life spans. This issue also provides opportunities for the Commonwealth and all state governments to work together, in a cooperative and coordinated manner, to provide the right conditions for a healthy and prosperous nation.
Shaping a Prosperous Future: Prospects, Issues and Choices (1,911 kb PDF)
DTF's vision is a prosperous future for all Victorians. The realisation of this vision demands innovative, expert advice that delivers economic, social and environmental goals within a framework of responsible financial management. Recent work in developing innovative approaches to policy advice includes the discussion paper, Shaping a Prosperous Future: Prospects, Issues and Choices, which aims to stimulate debate within the community and across all levels of government about the sorts of economic, social and environmental outcomes we all want for the future. (April 2003)
