Professor of Economics, Australian National University
Robert Breunig conducts research in three main areas: economics of the household; empirical industrial organisation; and statistical and econometric theory. In recent work, he has studied the inter-generational transmission of dependence on government assistance; he has examined the relationship between women’s labour supply and child care policy and studied optimal child care subsidy policies; he has examined the complex relationship between outsourcing and innovation; and he has evaluated new econometric techniques for analysing panel data models of binary outcomes.
He publishes regularly in respected, international journals. His research is motivated by important social policy issues and debates. His work is characterised by careful empirical study and appropriate use of statistical technique.
Robert Breunig’s research agenda have led to many partnerships with government organisations in Australia and overseas. He works regularly with the Australian Treasury, the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and the Department of Innovation as well as many other agencies. He has been a consultant to private sector on marketing, mergers, bank competition and customer loyalty programs.
Robert Breunig particularly enjoys interaction outside of typical academic circles and takes pleasure in helping those who don’t usually use economics or statistical analysis to better understand and make use of these tools in their work. He has an extensive track record of helping the public service to build research capacity which he views as a particularly important activity.
He has received grant support from the United States Department of Agriculture and the Australian Research Council.
It's time to end Western Australia's $4 billion-per-year GST bonus
Jun 01, 2023 11:38 am UTC| Economy
The Morrison governments decision to give a special deal to Western Australia for the distribution of the income from the goods and service tax is one of the worst public policy decisions made in Australia in the past two...
Tax breaks cost a reported $250 billion, but handle these new figures with care
Mar 04, 2023 11:57 am UTC| Economy
Treasurer Jim Chalmers promised a Tax Expenditures Statement by the end of February and he delivered this week, just in time, on Tuesday February 28. The statement contains many headline-grabbing figures about the cost...
Feb 14, 2023 12:57 pm UTC| Insights & Views Life
The notion of the fair go is meant to be central to Australias national ethos. Its not easy to define, but most of us would agree it means the chance to reach your full potential, regardless of your background. This...
We need to restart immigration quickly to drive economic growth. Here's one way to do it safely
Oct 15, 2020 14:24 pm UTC| Economy
Faced with a difficult economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia needs to act quickly with creative solutions to reestablish immigration into the country, even before a potential vaccine is found. Over the...
Progressive in theory, regressive in practice: that's how we tax income from savings
Jul 21, 2020 14:24 pm UTC| Investing Economy
Were told Australia has a progressive tax system the more you earn, the higher the rate. And thats certainly the case for earnings from wages. An Australian on A$35,000 sacrifices 21 cents out of each extra dollar they...
Sep 02, 2019 23:18 pm UTC| Insights & Views Life
No biggie. Most of us who overwork like the jobs we are in. Those who dont change jobs fairly quickly Overwork? Most of us who work long hours like our jobs. Those who dont, move on We are forever being told that we...
Traditional culture may help Indigenous households manage money better
Oct 31, 2018 13:01 pm UTC| Insights & Views Real Estate
Few areas of public policy are as hotly debated as how to close the income gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. There are some uncontroversial goals, such as improving job opportunities and reducing the...