The Centre for Policy Development (CPD) is an independent, not-for-profit policy institute with staff in Sydney, Melbourne, and Jakarta.
Our work is driven by a vision of a fair, sustainable society and wellbeing economy that serves the needs of current and future generations across Australia and Southeast Asia.
Our mission is to help create transformative systems change by developing practical solutions to complex policy challenges. We are committed to tackling the hard questions; working toward systemic, long-term change that makes a tangible difference in people’s lives and the health of our planet.
Through our work, we seek to build and contribute to governments that are coordinated, collaborative, and effective, with an eye to both the near and longer term. We strive to create a social services system that helps people and communities to thrive now and in the future, and we aim to drive shifts in policy making practice with a focus on wellbeing and sustainability rather than primarily economic growth.
We drive impact by transforming how government works as well as improving government policy and practice in specific areas. CPD uses a distinctive Create-Connect-Convince methodology to inform and influence government policy and policymaking, and achieve lasting change.
The challenges of our time are too great to be solved with current ways of thinking or a business as usual approach. We seek to build governments that work in coordinated, collaborative, and effective ways, with an eye to both the near and the longer term.
We know that different regions and communities have different needs, and our current one-size-fits-all approach to social service delivery is leaving people behind. We aim to build a people- and place-centred social services system that helps people and communities to thrive now and in the future.
Our reliance on traditional economic measures of progress has led to government decision-making that fails to consider what our goals as a nation really should be. We aim to drive shifts in policy making practice, reflected in a focus on wellbeing and sustainability rather than primarily on economic growth.
Learn more about our vision, mission and focus areas for the next 3 years.
Through a unique methodology, bringing together the ‘what’ and the ‘how’ of policy and policymaking, we are driven to solve the most complex policy challenges facing Australia, Indonesia and the region.
A country respected for its leadership and cooperation
A government that is active and effective
An economy that is clean, innovative and productive
A society that expands opportunity and social justice
Building a sustainable, prosperous and peaceful region through leadership and collaboration. Includes the Asia Dialogue on Forced Migration, the Alternatives to Child Detention Peer Learning Platform, and the Australia-Indonesia Energy Transition Policy Dialogue.
Aligning progress with sustainability to create enduring prosperity. Includes the 2035 Climate Initiative and our work on Directors Duties and Climate Risk.
Tackling long-term government policy challenges and instilling confidence in public institutions. Includes the Early Childhood Initiative and Early Childhood Development Council.
Shaping government services to meet people’s needs with local, community-focused solutions. Includes the Resilient People & Places Program.
Changing the way governments make decisions for the benefit of people, communities and the environment. Includes the Wellbeing Government Initiative.
The Centre for Policy Development’s unique Create Connect Convince method sits at the core of our work.
The elements of this method are closely intertwined and mutually dependent, and allows us to develop practical policy solutions to intractable challenges.
Over many years we have forged trusting relationships and honed and refined this method.
The people who bring Create Connect Convince to life share a special bond.
Our experts, advisors, fellows, and board work together to drive innovative policy solutions that tackle the most pressing challenges facing our society.
As our team grows across Australia and beyond, we are holding onto the unique culture that guides our collaboration.
Search Centre for Policy Development reports, submissions, presentations and roundtable briefings
Explore the Centre for Policy Development’s interconnected research programs, initiatives and collaborations
The Centre for Policy Development is a registered charity and donations to our work are tax-deductible.
We run on the contributions of people and organisations who invest in the wellbeing of current and future generations.
Our funding policy ensures the independence of our research.
Please join us in solving the toughest policy challenges facing Australia and our region.
Be the first to receive the Centre for Policy Development’s latest research, news and information on upcoming events
