Researching critical social issues

The Social Policy Research Centre makes a positive impact through independent and leading research that tackles critical social issues.

Our research

We're dedicated to tackling critical social issues through research with a focus on poverty, inequality, wellbeing and justice. Explore our research areas to learn more.

Our people

Our researchers are leaders in their fields, with a strong reputation in the academic community, lending authority to our work and influence to public debate.

Our projects

We focus on projects that enhance the lives and wellbeing of individuals and communities. Our research enlightens public debate and enhances policy formation, both nationally and internationally.

Want to study with the Social Policy Research Centre?

The disability royal commission delivers its findings today. We must all listen to end violence, abuse and neglect

The disability royal commission has heard from thousands of people with disability and their families. But the response must involve everyone.

Disability services Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) Social Affairs Social Policy Research Centre

As states weigh legalising cannabis, here’s what they can learn from growers in Canberra

Cannabis growers in the capital report many obstacles, from purchasing seeds to the lack of information on growing conditions.

School of Public Health and Community Medicine Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) Health Social Policy Research Centre

Former prisoners tell what happens when support services fail

Most people leaving prison face an uphill battle navigating services focused on individual failures and punitive responses.

Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) School of the Arts and Media Crime Social Affairs Prisoners of war Medicine & Health Social Policy Research Centre

Why are First Nations children still not coming home from out-of-home care?

New research shows keeping First Nations families together is better for the children’s wellbeing. How can First Nations families be better supported to achieve this?

Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) Social Affairs Medicine & Health Social Policy Research Centre

The disability royal commission delivers its findings today. We must all listen to end violence, abuse and neglect

The disability royal commission has heard from thousands of people with disability and their families. But the response must involve everyone.

Disability services Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) Social Affairs Social Policy Research Centre

Planning laws protect people. A poorly regulated rush to boost housing supply will cost us all

Bypassing planning regulations is likely to have impacts on social inequity and wellbeing that could prove very costly for both governments and people.

Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) Housing and urban planning policy Art, Architecture & Design Medicine & Health

We urgently need $100bn for renewable energy. But call it statecraft, not ‘industry policy’

The federal government has been challenged to provide $100 billion over the next ten years to boost the renewables sector. But will policymakers respond to the challenge?

Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering Science & Tech Climate Change Research Centre (CCRC) Diplomacy Climate change

What is the Housing Australia Future Fund and how will it boost social housing?

A new funding model would see large-scale institutional investors finance much-needed social and affordable rental housing.

Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) Social Affairs

Social Policy Research Centre's acknowledgement

UNSW Sydney’s Kensington campus is built on the land of the Aboriginal people. We pay our respects to the Bedegal people of the Eora nation who are the Custodians of this land.

We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the First Australians, whose lands, winds and waters we all now share, and pay respect to their unique values, and their continuing and enduring cultures which deepen and enrich the life of our nation and communities.