Professor Peter Whiteford

Adjunct Professor

BA (Hons) Qld, Litt. B. ANU, D. Phil. York

Arts,Design & Architecture
Social Policy Research Centre

Professor Peter Whiteford previously was a Principal Administrator, Social Policy Division, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Paris, and he has also worked at the Social Policy Research Unit at the University of York in the United Kingdom, as well as a Consultant to the Social Security Review.

Peter Whiteford's research has concentrated on international comparisons of systems of social protection and comparisons of poverty and income distribution, and his areas of interest include: Child poverty; family policy; international comparisons of income inequality and poverty; comparative social policy and the welfare state; reconciliation of work and family life; lone parenthood and joblessness among families with children; social policy and the life course; social assistance policies; pension policies; social policy and income disparities in China; Australian social policy, especially social security policy.

 

He was an invited keynote speaker at the Australian Institute of Family Studies conference in 2008, and also as a keynote speaker for various international seminars organised by the International Social Security Association in Budapest, Oslo and Seoul between 2001 and 2007.  In 2008 he was appointed by the Government to the Reference Group for the Review of the Australian pension system and in 2009 he was an invited keynote speaker for the Australian Treasury Conference on reform of the Australian tax system.  

 Recent projects include for UNICEF (Pacific) on child poverty and disparities in Kiribati, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, as well as on Australian Government projects on family joblessness in Australia. He is Chief Investigator (with Gerry Redmond) of an Australian Research Council (ARC) funded linkage project on “Supporting Families: Equity in the Australian Tax-Transfer System”. He is an Associate Investigator with the ARC Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research. (CEPAR)

 

 

  • Books | 2018
    2018, Hybrid Public Policy Innovations, Fabian M; Breunig R, (ed.), Routledge, http://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9781351245944
    Books | 2007
    Adema W; Whiteford P, 2007, Babies and Bosses: Reconciling Work and Family Life in OECD Countries: Synthesis Report, Original, OECD, Paris
    Books | 2007
    2007, Modernising Social Policy for the New Life Course, Whiteford P, (ed.), OECD, Paris
    Books | 2003
    Whiteford P; Millar J; Mendelson M, 2003, Timing it Right?: Tax Credits and How to Respond to Income Changes, Original, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, London, UK, http://www.jrf.org.uk/bookshop/eBooks/1859351107.pdf
    Books | 2003
    2003, Practical Lessons In Pension Reform: Sharing the Experiences of Transition and OECD Countries, Whiteford P, (ed.), OECD, Paris
  • Book Chapters | 2021
    Adema W; Whiteford P, 2021, 'Public and Private Social Welfare', in Béland D; Leibfried S; Morgan KJ; Obinger H; Pierson C (ed.), , Oxford University Press, pp. 152 - 172, http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780198828389.013.9
    Book Chapters | 2010
    Whiteford P, 2010, 'Equity issues in pension design and pension reform: New Zealand in comparative perspective', in Rashbrooke G; Davey J; Stephens B (ed.), Retirement income policy and intergenerational equity, edn. 1st ed., Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, NZ, pp. 33 - 77
    Book Chapters | 2008
    D’Addio AC; Whiteford P, 2008, 'From Separated Life Phases to Interrelated Life Risks', in Modernising Social Policy for the New Life Course, OECD, pp. 13 - 22, http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/9789264041271-2-en
    Book Chapters | 2008
    Whiteford P, 2008, 'How Much Redistribution do Governments Achieve? The Role of Cash Transfers and Household Taxes', in OECD (ed.), Growing Unequal: Income Distribution and Poverty in OECD Countries, edn. Original, OECD, Paris, pp. 97 - 121, http://www.oecd.org/document/4/0,3343,en_2649_33933_41460917_1_1_1_1,00.html
    Book Chapters | 2006
    Whiteford P, 2006, 'Increasing Employment among Older Workers: Social Security Reform in OECD Countries - A Survey and Assessment', in Han E (ed.), Ageing And The Labour Market: Issues And Solutions, Or Are There?, edn. Original, Intersentia, pp. 11 - 41
    Book Chapters | 2005
    Whiteford P, 2005, 'Sustaining Social Security and Enhancing Employment', in OECD (ed.), Ageing and Employment Policies : United States, edn. Original, OECD, Paris, pp. 69 - 102, http://213.253.134.43/oecd/pdfs/browseit/8105101E.PDF
    Book Chapters | 2004
    Maurice M; Whiteford P, 2004, 'Income Disparities in Post-Reform China: A Review of the International Evidence', in Income Disparities In China: An Oecd Perspective, edn. Original, OECD, Paris
    Book Chapters | 2004
    Whiteford P, 2004, 'Mandating Pensions: The Australian Experience', in Rein M; Schmahl W (ed.), Rethinking the Welfare State: The Political Economy of Pension Reform, edn. Original, Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd
    Book Chapters | 2004
    Whiteford P, 2004, 'Striking the Right Balance: Income Support and Work Incentives for Older People', in Ageing and Employment Policies: United Kingdom, edn. Original, OECD, Paris
    Book Chapters | 2003
    Saint-martin A; Whiteford P, 2003, 'Making Work Pay - Making Work Possible', in Employment Outlook: 2003, edn. Original, OECD, Paris
  • Journal articles | 2022
    Griffiths D; Sheehan L; Petrie D; van Vreden C; Whiteford P; Collie A, 2022, 'The health impacts of a 4-month long community-wide COVID-19 lockdown: Findings from a prospective longitudinal study in the state of Victoria, Australia.', PLoS One, 17, pp. e0266650, http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0266650
    Journal articles | 2022
    Griffiths D; Sheehan L; van Vreden C; Petrie D; Whiteford P; Sim MR; Collie A, 2022, 'Changes in work and health of Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal cohort study.', BMC Public Health, 22, pp. 487, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-12897-4
    Journal articles | 2022
    Whiteford P, 2022, 'Statistics and stereotypes: The taxed and the taxed‐not', Australian Journal of Social Issues, 57, pp. 4 - 22, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ajs4.182
    Journal articles | 2021
    Griffiths D; Sheehan L; Vreden CV; Petrie D; Whiteford P; Sim M; Collie A, 2021, '1359Changes in work and health of Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal cohort study', International Journal of Epidemiology, 50, http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ije/dyab168.239
    Journal articles | 2021
    Griffiths D; Sheehan L; van Vreden C; Petrie D; Grant G; Whiteford P; Sim MR; Collie A, 2021, 'The Impact of Work Loss on Mental and Physical Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Baseline Findings from a Prospective Cohort Study.', J Occup Rehabil, 31, pp. 455 - 462, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10926-021-09958-7
    Journal articles | 2021
    Griffiths D; Sheehan L; van Vreden C; Whiteford P; Collie A, 2021, 'Returning to the Workplace During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Concerns of Australian Workers.', J Occup Rehabil, 31, pp. 711 - 720, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10926-021-09990-7
    Journal articles | 2021
    Mumtaz Z; Whiteford P, 2021, 'Comparing formal and informal social protection: a case study exploring the usefulness of informal social protection in Pakistan', Journal of International and Comparative Social Policy, 37, pp. 243 - 272, http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/ics.2021.9
    Journal articles | 2021
    Mumtaz Z; Whiteford P, 2021, 'Machine Learning Based Approach for Sustainable Social Protection Policies in Developing Societies', Mobile Networks and Applications, 26, pp. 159 - 173, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11036-020-01696-z
    Journal articles | 2021
    Whiteford P, 2021, 'Debt by design: The anatomy of a social policy fiasco – Or was it something worse?', Australian Journal of Public Administration, 80, pp. 340 - 360, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1467-8500.12479
    Journal articles | 2021
    Yanotti MB; Banks M; de Silva A; Anantharama N; Whiteford P; Bowman D; Csereklyei Z, 2021, 'Using flow data to understand housing insecurity: an exploratory analysis', AHURI Final Report, http://dx.doi.org/10.18408/ahuri5321801
    Journal articles | 2020
    Millar J; Whiteford P, 2020, 'Timing it right or timing it wrong: how should income-tested benefits deal with changes in circumstances?', Journal of Poverty and Social Justice, 28, pp. 3 - 20, http://dx.doi.org/10.1332/175982719x15723525915871
    Journal articles | 2017
    Mumtaz Z; Whiteford P, 2017, 'Social safety nets in the development of a welfare system in Pakistan: an analysis of the Benazir Income Support Programme', Asia Pacific Journal of Public Administration, 39, pp. 16 - 38, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/23276665.2017.1290902
    Journal articles | 2015
    Whiteford P, 2015, 'Inequality and Its Socioeconomic Impacts', Australian Economic Review, 48, pp. 83 - 92, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1467-8462.12099
    Journal articles | 2014
    Podger A; Stanton D; Whiteford P, 2014, 'DESIGNING SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEMS: LEARNING FROM AUSTRALIA AND OTHER COUNTRIES', Public Administration and Development, 34, pp. 231 - 250, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/pad.1689
    Journal articles | 2013
    Redmond G; Patulny R; Whiteford P, 2013, 'The Global Financial Crisis and Child Poverty: The Case of Australia 2006-10', Social Policy & Administration, 47, pp. 709 - 728, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/spol.12039
    Journal articles | 2012
    Whiteford P, 2012, 'Social Security Reform: The Tax Forum and Beyond', Economic Papers, 31, pp. 24 - 29, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1759-3441.2012.00169.x
    Journal articles | 2010
    Whiteford P, 2010, 'The Australian tax-transfer system: architecture and outcomes', The Economic Record, 86, pp. 528 - 544, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-4932.2010.00634.x
    Journal articles | 2010
    Whiteford P, 2010, 'The Henry Review and the Social Security System', Australian Economic Review, 43, pp. 429 - 436, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8462.2010.00613.x
    Journal articles | 2010
    Whiteford P, 2010, 'The Henry Review and the Social Security System', The Australian Economic Review, 43, pp. 429 - 436, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8462.2010.00613.x/abstract
    Journal articles | 2008
    Adema W; Whiteford P, 2008, 'Matching work and family commitments: Australian outcomes in a comparative perspective', Family Matters, 80, pp. 9 - 16
    Journal articles | 2008
    Salditt F; Whiteford P; Adema W, 2008, 'La réforme des pensions en Chine', Revue Internationale de Sécurité Sociale, 61, pp. 51 - 78, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-1718.2008.00316.x
    Journal articles | 2008
    Salditt F; Whiteford P; Adema W, 2008, 'Pension Reform in China', International Social Security Review, 61, pp. 47 - 71
    Journal articles | 2008
    Salditt F; Whiteford P; Adema W, 2008, 'Pension reform in China', International Social Security Review, 61, pp. 47 - 71, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-246x.2008.00316.x
    Journal articles | 2008
    Salditt F; Whiteford P; Adema W, 2008, 'Reforma de las pensiones en China', Revista Internacional de Seguridad Social, 61, pp. 53 - 80, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-1734.2008.00316.x
    Journal articles | 2008
    Salditt F; Whiteford P; Adema W, 2008, 'Rentenreform in China', Internationale Revue für Soziale Sicherheit, 61, pp. 53 - 79, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-1726.2008.00316.x
    Journal articles | 2007
    D'Addio AC; Whiteford P, 2007, 'Intergenerational Transmission of Disadvantage: Policy Implications', Socialinė teorija, empirija, politika ir praktika, 4, pp. 13 - 13, http://dx.doi.org/10.15388/stepp.2007.4.8722
    Journal articles | 2007
    Queisser M; Whitehouse E; Whiteford P, 2007, 'The Public-Private Pension Mix in OECD Countries', Industrial Relations Journal, 38, pp. 542 - 568
    Journal articles | 2007
    2007, 'What Works Best in Reducing Child Poverty', , http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/233310267230
    Journal articles | 2006
    Whiteford P; Adema W, 2006, 'Combating Child Poverty in OECD Countries: Is Work the Answer?', European Journal of Social Security, 8, pp. 235 - 256
    Journal articles | 2006
    Whiteford P, 2006, 'Pension Challenges and Pension Reforms in OECD Countries', Oxford Review of Economic Policy, 22, pp. 78 - 94
    Journal articles | 2006
    Whiteford P, 2006, 'The Welfare Expenditure Debate: Economic Myths of the Left and the Right Revisited', Economic and Labour Relations Review, 17, pp. 33 - 78
    Journal articles | 2006
    Whiteford P, 2006, 'The Welfare Expenditure Debate: ‘Economic Myths of the Left and the Right’ Revisited', The Economic and Labour Relations Review, 17, pp. 33 - 77, http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/103530460601700103
    Journal articles | 2006
    Whiteford P, 2006, 'Welfare State Reform in Continental and Southern Europe: An Overview of Challenges and Strategies', Revue francaise des affaires sociales, 2006/1 January-March, pp. 22 - 50
    Journal articles | 2003
    Whiteford P, 2003, 'From Enterprise Protection to Social Protection: Pension Reform in China', Global Social Policy, 3, pp. 45 - 77
    Journal articles | 1997
    Gough I; Bradshaw J; Ditch J; Eardley T; Whiteford P, 1997, 'Social Assistance in Oecd Countries', Journal of European Social Policy, 7, pp. 17 - 43, http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/095892879700700102
    Journal articles | 1997
    WHITEFORD P, 1997, 'Targeting Welfare: A Comment', Economic Record, 73, pp. 45 - 50, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-4932.1997.tb00978.x
    Journal articles | 1995
    Whiteford P, 1995, 'The use of replacement rates in international comparisons of benefit systems', International Social Security Review, 48, pp. 3 - 30, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-246x.1995.tb00427.x
    Journal articles | 1994
    Bradshaw J; Ditch J; Holmes H; Ray J-C; Whiteford P, 1994, 'Une comparaison internationale des aides aux familles', Recherches et Prévisions, 37, pp. 11 - 26, http://dx.doi.org/10.3406/caf.1994.1645
    Journal articles | 1994
    Whiteford P; Bradshaw J, 1994, 'Benefits and incentives for lone parents: A comparative analysis', International Social Security Review, 47, pp. 69 - 89, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-246x.1994.tb00411.x
    Journal articles | 1993
    Millar J; Whiteford P, 1993, 'Child Support in Lone-Parent Families: policies in Australia and the UK', Policy & Politics, 21, pp. 59 - 72, http://dx.doi.org/10.1332/030557393782453925
    Journal articles | 1991
    Whiteford P, 1991, 'Are immigrants overrepresented in the Australian social security system?', J Aust Popul Assoc, 8, pp. 93 - 109, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF03029439
    Journal articles | 1990
    BINH TN; WHITEFORD P, 1990, 'HOUSEHOLD EQUIVALENCE SCALES - NEW AUSTRALIAN ESTIMATES FROM THE 1984 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY', ECONOMIC RECORD, 66, pp. 221 - 234, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-4932.1990.tb01724.x
    Journal articles | 1989
    Whiteford P; Bradbury B; Saunders P, 1989, 'Poverty Traps in the Australian Social Security System', Economic Analysis and Policy, 19, pp. 1 - 28, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0313-5926(89)50001-8
    Journal articles | 1988
    Edwards M; Whiteford P, 1988, 'The Development of Government Policies on Poverty and Income Distribution', The Australian Economic Review, 21, pp. 54 - 73, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8462.1988.tb00555.x
    Journal articles | 1987
    Borowski A; Schulz JH; Whiteford P, 1987, 'PROVIDING ADEQUATE RETIREMENT INCOME: WHAT ROLE OCCUPATIONAL SUPERANNUATION?', Australian Journal on Ageing, 6, pp. 3 - 13, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-6612.1987.tb00949.x
  • Working Papers | 2007
    Whiteford P; Adema W, 2007, What Works Best in Reducing Child Poverty: A Benefit or Work Strategy?, OECD, Paris, OECD Social Employment and Migration Working Papers, OECD Social Employment and Migration Working Papers No. 51, http://dx.doi.orghttp://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/30/44/38227981.pdf
  • Preprints | 2021
    Griffiths D; Sheehan L; Petrie D; van Vreden C; Whiteford P; Collie A, 2021, The health impacts of a 4-month long community-wide COVID-19 lockdown: Findings from a prospective longitudinal study in the state of Victoria, Australia, , http://dx.doi.org/10.1101/2021.06.28.21259672
    Preprints | 2021
    Griffiths D; Sheehan L; van Vreden C; Petrie D; Whiteford P; Sim MR; Collie A, 2021, Changes in work and health of Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal cohort study, , http://dx.doi.org/10.1101/2021.05.02.21256492
    Preprints | 2021
    Griffiths D; Sheehan L; van Vreden C; Whiteford P; Collie A, 2021, Returning to the workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic: The concerns of Australian workers, , http://dx.doi.org/10.1101/2021.03.28.21254520
    Preprints | 2020
    Collie A; Sheehan L; Vreden CV; Grant G; Whiteford P; Petrie D; Sim MR, 2020, Psychological Distress Among People Losing Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Australia, , http://dx.doi.org/10.1101/2020.05.06.20093773
    Preprints | 2020
    Griffiths D; Sheehan L; van Vreden C; Petrie D; Grant G; Whiteford P; R Sim M; Collie A, 2020, The impact of work loss on mental and physical health during the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings from a prospective cohort study, , http://dx.doi.org/10.1101/2020.09.06.20189514
    Reports | 2012
    Davidson PG; Whiteford P, 2012, An overview of Australia's system of income and employment assistance for the unemployed ,, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Paris, Working Papers, 129, http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/5k8zk8q40lbw-en, http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/social-issues-migration-health/an-overview-of-australia-s-system-of-income-and-employment-assistance-for-the-unemployed_5k8zk8q40lbw-en;jsessionid=8lw3xkq2lh8s.x-oecd-live-02
    Reports | 2011
    Zhu A; Brennan DJ; Adamson E; Whiteford P, 2011, Leave Patterns of Australian Mothers, Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
    Reports | 2009
    Sawrikar P; Whiteford P; Michail S; O''connor A, 2009, Child poverty and disparities in the Pacific: Study of child-centered policy analysis in Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu; Draft report
    Conference Papers | 2009
    Tannous KW; Whiteford P, 2009, 'Family-centred research on employment for jobless families in three disadvantaged areas in Australia', in 11th Path of Full Employment Conference and 16th National Conference on Unemployment, University of Newcastle, University of Newcastle, Newcastle
    Conference Papers | 2009
    Whiteford P, 2009, 'Family joblessness, child poverty and welfare state design', in Family joblessness, child poverty and welfare state design, 11th Path of Full Employment Conference and 16th National Conference on Unemployment, University of Newcastle, presented at 11th Path of Full Employment Conference and 16th National Conference on Unemployment, University of Newcastle, 03 December 2009 - 04 December 2009
    Reports | 2008
    Sawrikar P; Whiteford P, 2008, Child poverty/hardship in the Pacific: Study on child-centered policy analysis and child-centered budgeting in Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu; Phase 1: Travel plan and work plan
    Conference Presentations | 2007
    Whiteford P, 2007, 'Child Poverty in Europe: Trends, Causal Factors and Policy Responses', presented at 6th European Round Table on Poverty and Social Exclusion - Minimum Social Standards: A Strategy for Protection and Empowerment, Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Azores, 16 October 2007 - 17 October 2007
    Conference Presentations | 2007
    Whiteford P, 2007, 'The Active Social Policy Agenda: An OECD Perspective', presented at the European Regional Meeting of the International Social Security Association, Oslo, 15 May 2007 - 16 May 2007
    Conference Presentations | 2005
    Whiteford P, 2005, 'Innovation: The key to social security progress', presented at Meeting of Directors of Social Security Organizations in Asia and the Pacific, Seoul, 09 November 2005 - 11 November 2005
    Conference Presentations | 2005
    Whiteford P, 2005, 'Reconciling Work and Family Life: A Comparative Analysis of OECD Countries', presented at Finnish Social Policy Association, Turku, 27 October 2005 - 28 October 2005
    Conference Presentations | 2004
    Whiteford P; Adema W; Gornick J, 2004, 'Family Policy and the Restructuring of the Welfare State: A Comparative Analysis of OECD Countries', presented at European Social Policy Network Meeting, Oxford, 09 September 2004 - 11 September 2004
    Conference Presentations | 2004
    Whiteford P, 2004, 'Managing the social consequences of economic reform: Issues in designing social safety nets', presented at EUROMED Expert Meeting on Managing the Social Consequences of Economic Reform, Marrakech, Morocco, 20 May 2004 - 21 May 2004
    Preprints |
    Millar J; Whiteford P, Timing It Right or Timing It Wrong: How Should Income-Tested Benefits Deal With Changes in Circumstances?, , http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3886265
    Preprints |
    Whiteford P, Australia: Inequality and Prosperity and their Impacts in a Radical Welfare State, , http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2415593
    Preprints |
    Whiteford P, Social Security and Welfare Spending in Australia: Assessing Long-Term Trends, , http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3886255

My Teaching

HDR Supervision:: He is keen to supervise PhD candidates with an interest in Australian social security policy and international comparisons of social policy. Peter Whiteford currently is co-supervising Sherman Chan, Ioana Oprea, Timothy Murton, K. M. Kabirul Islam and Peter Davidson.

He has contributed to study trips and training courses for members of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the Chinese State Planning Commission, as well as for the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, both in Australia and China. He taught training courses for officials of the Romanian Ministry for Social Protection and the Department of Labour and Social Protection of the Slovak Republic, and contributed to Asian Development Bank conferences and training courses in Mexico, Manila, Tokyo and Cambodia, and to a World Bank conference on pension reform in India. Between 2000 and 2008, he taught on annual training courses for officials from Former Soviet Union and Asian transition countries at the Joint Vienna Institute.

He was an invited keynote speaker at the Australian Institute of Family Studies conference in 2008, and also as a keynote speaker for various international seminars organised by the International Social Security Association in Budapest, Oslo and Seoul between 2001 and 2007.