Former NSW Treasurer, Michael Costa, has accepted the position of conjoint associate professor to conduct research with the University of Newcastle's Australian Competition Policy Research Alliance (ACPRA).

A partnership between the business and academic communities, ACPRA researches alternatives to existing regulations and public sector practice to support a more efficient and effective economic environment.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) and ACPRA Chair, Professor Barney Glover, said the appointment was a coup for the Alliance and the University.

"Conjoint Associate Professor Costa is a published researcher, particularly in the areas of economic and industry reform," Professor Glover said. "His academic background teamed with more than 20 years public sector expertise will be invaluable to ACPRA and to the University.

"Through his research, Associate Professor Costa will offer unique insight and understanding to ACPRA's agenda focusing on improving policy and regulatory environments."

Associate Professor Costa said his research and professional interests aligned strongly with the aims of ACPRA and the University.

"Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of our policy and regulatory environments is something that I have long fought for," Associate Professor Costa said.

"Through my research with ACPRA, I will be able to continue my focus on these areas as well as give the business community a voice on local and national issues that affect them.

"This conjoint appointment at the University of Newcastle provides me the opportunity to work in the higher education, and research and development sectors - areas I am very passionate about."

The appointment of a person as a conjoint academic is an honorary position that recognises their significant contribution to the teaching, research and academic activities.

ACPRA's research agenda is set by an academic board and members of the private sector. ACPRA's most recent research was Housing Affordability in Australia: A Supply-Side Analysis, a comprehensive review of a range of regulatory and other factors impacting housing affordability in Australia, in particular in NSW.

For more information on ACPRA visit www.newcastle.edu.au/research/ACPRA.html