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.

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Prisons weakest link in the fight against blood borne viruses in Australia

Harm reduction programs in prisons will be key to achieving public health goals, says UNSW and sector experts.

Mar 14, 2023

Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) Public health Hepatitis C, HCV, hepC Social Affairs Prison Social Policy Research Centre

UNSW Professor Deborah Brennan co-leads inquiry into universal child care

Prof. Brennan is an international leader in families and work, comparative social policy, gender, and politics.

Feb 14, 2023

Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) Art-Architecture-Design

The rent crisis is set to spread: here's the case for doubling rent assistance

Rent assistance is only $10-14 per day, well below rent levels.

Jan 12, 2023

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

Research shows the harmful effects of removing the Coronavirus Supplement

A UNSW Sydney and ACOSS partnership report explores the lived experiences of poverty among the most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dec 01, 2022

Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) Social Affairs Poverty COVID-19, coronavirus, long covid Social Policy Research Centre

Tackling the housing crisis: new report outlines comprehensive strategy

COVID turbo-charged Australia’s existing housing problems, but policy solutions are available, says a new report.

Mar 20, 2023

Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) Social Affairs School of Social Sciences School of Built Environment

Prisons weakest link in the fight against blood borne viruses in Australia

Harm reduction programs in prisons will be key to achieving public health goals, says UNSW and sector experts.

Mar 14, 2023

Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) Public health Hepatitis C, HCV, hepC Social Affairs Prison Social Policy Research Centre

Housing crisis: five initiatives that should be on the NSW election agenda

UNSW housing experts weigh in on the policies that could provide relief from the state’s housing crisis.

Mar 07, 2023

Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) Social Affairs Housing and urban planning policy

How Sydney house prices affect the regions

There is more nuance in the city-regions property price relationship than you might expect.

Feb 16, 2023

Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) Social Affairs School of Built Environment

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.

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