South Australian Centre for Economic Studies

Independent research advancing economic insight and public policy debate nationally.

The South Australian Centre for Economic Studies (SACES) is an applied economics and public policy research unit based in the School of Economics at Adelaide University. Established in 1982, SACES reviews, researches and reports on economic and public policy issues relevant to South Australia and the nation. Our mission is to strengthen the quality of economic analysis and informed public debate within South Australia and beyond.

SACES combines a dedicated in-house team of economists with leading academic experts from across the University to deliver tailored research for each project. We work collaboratively with government, industry and community partners to address complex policy challenges. Reflecting the interconnected nature of modern policy issues, SACES frequently leads multidisciplinary collaborations spanning fields such as sociology, law, psychology, environmental science and engineering. Through rigorous analysis and cross-disciplinary expertise we provide independent insights that support better policy development and decision-making.

Explore our research

We analyse complex economic, social and public policy issues. Our technical expertise spans conceptual and data analysis skills.

Engage with us

Partner with SACES through contract research, consulting, or corporate membership to access expert economic analysis, policy insight, and briefing reports.

Explore the South Australian Centre for Economic Studies

SACES provides contract research and consulting services across a broad range of applied economic and public policy issues, working with clients from all levels of government and the private sector.

Since establishment, we have built a strong reputation for independent analysis, rigorous research and trusted policy advice. Our in-house team brings together diverse expertise, skills and experience in applied economics and policy analysis.

This capability is strengthened through collaboration with academic economists in the School of Economics, Research Associates and specialists from across the University. Together, these partnerships enable SACES to deliver high-quality, evidence-based insights and manage complex consulting projects addressing real-world policy challenges.

Research capabilities Research capabilities
Research impact Research impact
Our people Our people
Corporate membership Corporate membership

Sustainable green transition

Focused on analysing the policy frameworks, instruments and technologies required to support a sustainable green transition of the Australian economy

Economic and financial appraisal of projects, events, programs and policy proposals

SACES conducts economic and financial appraisals using methodologies including benefit cost analysis, cost effectiveness analysis, financial analysis and multi-criteria analysis. SACES also models economic impacts using input-output multipliers and CGE analysis, estimating employment, income and production effects of policies, investments and projects.

Evaluation of government programs and strategic reviews of government policy

SACES evaluates government programs and public policies, with experience in employment initiatives, labour markets, workforce participation and gambling harm minimisation.

Personal and societal health and welfare

We provide evidence-based social policy analysis, addressing labour markets, disability, Indigenous issues, housing, policing and gambling, including consultation with vulnerable communities.

Gambling, including its economic and social impact

SACES undertakes independent research on gambling’s economic and social impacts, evaluating harm minimisation strategies and policy effectiveness.

Employment, training and the labour market

SACES evaluates labour market needs, employment programs, and workforce participation, considering superannuation, welfare, taxation, population ageing, and migration policy impacts.

Specialised industry studies including mining, critical minerals, heavy industry, manufacturing, agriculture, space, water and electricity

We analyse industry sectors to assess economic contribution, employment, skills needs, growth constraints, and emerging industry issues, providing evidence-based insights for economic and policy decision-making.

Statistical modelling and assessment tools

SACES creates statistical models and assessment tools to support policy analysis, program administration, and performance monitoring across diverse sectors.

Regulatory economics

Our experts advise on regulatory matters, covering pricing, market access, and the performance of regulated entities.

Innovation, science and technology

SACES researches innovation, science, and technology, creating frameworks to understand how innovation occurs, its role, and its broader impacts.

Demography and migration

We have expertise in analysing and modelling demographic issues, including population ageing, migration and socio-economic patterns.

Independent research fund

The Independent Research Fund (IRF) was established in 2018 as an initiative of the South Australian Business Community who approached SACES with a desire to support independent, broad-based, public policy research of benefit to the South Australian economy and the wider community.

Purpose of the fund

The purpose of the fund is to expand SACES’ current economic research, including:

deepening, widening and stimulating publication and economic debate
commissioning and subsidising research into economic, industry and social policy issues of importance to the economic, industrial and social development of South Australia
providing evidence-based research and public discussion on issues that underpin or impede economic, industrial, and social policy development in South Australia.

Publications

Enquiries

If you would like further information on the Independent Research Fund (IRF), please get in touch.

Briefing reports

SACES publishes Economic Briefing Reports on current and prospective economic conditions twice per year. Key themes are presented to corporate members at a lunch event.

The Briefing Reports focus on the South Australian economy but also consider Australian and international trends for context. Forecasts of key economic variables for the South Australian and national economies are provided.

To provide prospective corporate members with an insight into the scope of the Economic Briefing Report, we have made the July 2025 edition of the report publicly available as a sample. Access to current editions remains an exclusive benefit for corporate members.

Local Government Price Index

The Local Government Price Index (LGPI) measures changes in the prices of goods and services purchased by Local Government in South Australia.

The South Australian Local Government Financial Management Group commissioned the ABS to develop the LGPI as an independent and reliable measure of price movements faced by Local Government in South Australia. SACES took over responsibility for preparing the LGPI from the September quarter 2009.

View the latest LGPI data

SACES comprises a core team of in-house researchers and support staff, alongside long-standing research associates. We also draw on academic experts from economics and related disciplines at Adelaide University, as well as contracted research associates, to deliver commissioned research, consultancy projects, and economic briefings for corporate members.

Research and support staff:

Jim Hancock, Executive Director
Michael O'Neil, Honorary Research Fellow
Anthony Kosturjak, Senior Research Economist
Genevieve Knight, Senior Research Fellow
Tinh Doan, Senior Research Economist
Suraya Abdul Halim, Senior Research Economist
Hammed Musibau, Research Economist
Wenxi Lu, Research Fellow

Research associates:

Kym Anderson, George Gollin Professor Emeritus (Adelaide University)
Andreas Cebulla, Research Fellow
Anna Chur-Hansen, Professor, School of Psychology (Adelaide University)
Owen Covick, Research Fellow
Paul Delfabbro, Professor, School of Psychology (Adelaide University)
Diana Dorstyn, Associate Professor, School of Psychology (Adelaide University)
Peter Gill, Research Fellow
Darryl Gobbett, Research Fellow
Anne Hewitt, Associate Professor, School of Law (Adelaide University)
Laurence Lester, Senior Research Fellow, Australian Centre for Housing Research (Adelaide University)
Stephane Mahuteau, Associate Professor (Adelaide University)
Megan Moskos, Associate Professor, School of Society and Culture (Adelaide University)
Colin Rogers, Research Fellow

Join our corporate membership program

Corporate members enjoy benefits such as receipt of SACES’ bi-annual briefing reports, which provide a detailed assessment of the situation and outlook for the South Australian and Australian economies, together with commentary on topical economic issues. Corporate membership is open to private companies, public sector agencies, and other organisations.

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Contact us

South Australian Centre for Economic Studies

Location
South Australian Centre for Economic Studies
Adelaide University
Level 3, 10 Pulteney Street, City Campus East, Adelaide SA 5005

Phone: +61 8 8313 5555

Email: saces@adelaide.edu.au