BIS, School for International Training; PhD (University of California Riverside)
,
Economics
2022
Robert Breunig is the director of the Tax and Transfer Policy Institute at the Crawford School of Public Policy. From 2015 to 2016 he was the Director of the Crawford School of Public Policy.
Professor Breunig’s research focuses on the impact of policy in Australia. He uses survey and administrative data and careful empirical study and appropriate use of statistical technique. Professor Breunig’s work on the U.S. Food Stamp Program contributed to the decision to use a cashless card rather than switch the benefits to cash. Professor Breunig’s research in Australia on women’s labour supply and childcare has formed the basis for Productivity Commission modelling and has impacted government policy. His estimates are widely used by those who comment on childcare policy. Professor Breunig’s research on immigration and the wage effects on Australians have informed government policy. Professor Breunig has a wide range of recent research using Australian administrative tax records to examine taxpayer responses to the Australian tax system.
Professor Breunig is one of Australia’s leading Public Policy Economists. He has published in over 60 international academic journals in economics and public policy. His research interests are wide and his publications include research in theoretical econometrics, labour economics, public finance, tax policy, innovation behaviour, research and development policy, productivity, income support policy, bibliometrics, inequality and economic growth and racialized voting in the election of Donald Trump.
Professor Breunig’s research is motivated by important social policy issues and debates. Professor Breunig’s research agenda has led to many partnerships with government organizations in Australia and overseas. He works regularly with a wide range of government departments. He has been a consultant to the 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 Australian public service to build research capacity which he views as a particularly important activity.
Director, Tax and Transfer Policy Institute
Chair of Tax Policy and Public Finance
Professor of Economics, Crawford School of Public Policy, ANU
Research Affiliate, IZA Institute of Labour Economics
Member, American Economic Association
Member, Econometric Society
Member, Economic Society of Australia
1. Fabian, M., R. Breunig and J. De Neve (2022), ``Explaining the Return of Racial Voting: Economic Anxiety, Psychological Wellbeing, and Identity" European Journal of Social Psychology, forthcoming.
2. Carter, A. and R. Breunig (2019), ``Do earned income tax credits for older workers prolong labor market participation and boost earned income? Evidence from Australia's Mature Age Worker Tax Offset'' Economic Record, Volume 95, Number 309, pp. 220--226.
3. Hasan, S., S. Shakur and R. Breunig (2021) ``Exchange rates and expenditure of households with foreign-born members: evidence from Australia'' Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, Volume 188, pp. 977-997.
4. Breunig, R. and O. Majeed (2020), ``Inequality, Poverty and Economic Growth'', International Economics, Volume 161, May, pp. 83-99.
5. X. Gong and R. Breunig (2017), ``Child Care Assistance: Are subsidies or tax credits better?" Fiscal Studies, Volume 38, Number 1, pp. 7-48.