Provide Expert Advice to Government

The University of Newcastle delivers evidence-based research, strategic advice, and policy evaluation that supports government decision-making at local, regional, and state/federal levels. During 2025, our researchers contributed technical findings, regional datasets and policy recommendations to government decision-making. This work reached from practical advice to councils through to submissions addressing national education reform.

Expert advice provided in 2025

Local government – coastal safety and risk management

Following prolonged heavy rainfall in May 2025, researchers from the Centre for Geotechnical Science and Engineering identified instability in the cliffs at South Newcastle Beach and worked with City of Newcastle on monitoring and remediation. Their analysis of changing cliff conditions and rockfall hazards informed Council decisions about public safety, land management and the economic viability of coastal risk responses.

Regional evidence – Hunter Insight Dashboard

In July 2025, our Institute for Regional Futures (IRF) released a Hunter Insight Dashboard economic update to support government, industry and community decision-makers. Drawing on a regional databank developed over more than 60 years, it combined economic and social indicators for the Hunter with current analysis of employment, housing, building approvals and greenhouse gas emissions. The July update reported Hunter unemployment at 4.3% in April 2025, alongside a 5.4% annual rise in median Greater Newcastle house-sale prices. This accessible regional evidence helps inform public planning, policy priorities and resource allocation.

State government – evidence to a parliamentary committee

On 24 February 2025, University researchers including members of the Name.Narrate.Navigate team provided evidence to the NSW Legislative Assembly Committee on Law and Safety on community safety in regional and rural communities. The presentation brought research experience in youth violence prevention and community-informed responses into a parliamentary inquiry.

National government – education and workforce policy

Our Teachers and Teaching Research Centre provided specific advice to the Australian Government through two research-led policy submissions in 2025. A July 2025 submission to the Economic Reform Roundtable set out recommendations on education and national productivity. In September 2025, its submission to the Productivity Commission on the interim report Building a skilled and adaptable workforce proposed five actions, including evidence-based evaluation of classroom resources and education technology, national adoption of Quality Teaching Rounds, improved access to free professional learning and sustainable funding for vocational and higher education.

Ongoing partnerships and earlier government advice

Planning, service delivery and organisational improvement

The Institute for Regional Futures works in partnership with councils, government agencies, industry bodies and communities to inform policy, strategy, governance, and planning in areas such as regional development, environmental management, infrastructure, service delivery, and socio-economic wellbeing.

Among its established projects, the Institute undertook an economic development strategy background study for Dantia, Lake Macquarie City Council’s economic development organisation, using demographic research and stakeholder interviews to inform its 2022–2036 strategy. The Institute also helped Dungog Shire Council design a service delivery framework, making 41 recommendations to address service gaps, and evaluated the governance of the Western Sydney City Deal, a partnership involving the Australian, NSW and local governments. These examples demonstrate the breadth of the University’s practical advisory role; they are not presented as new 2025 commissions.

Community engagement and environmental planning

The Institute has helped Bellingen Shire Council understand community perspectives on disaster resilience through a deliberative panel, and worked with the Hunter Joint Organisation—representing the Hunter’s 10 local councils—to identify regional priorities associated with an international airport. It also designed a community-values process for Port of Newcastle, ensuring local and First Nations perspectives could inform diversification planning.

For the proposed Great Koala National Park, the Institute undertook an economic impact assessment and environmental benefit analysis with Bellingen Shire Council, Coffs Harbour City Council, Destination North Coast NSW and project partners. The study projected $1.2 billion in additional regional economic output over 15 years and $1.7 billion in national biodiversity value, supplying evidence for public advocacy and decision-making. This remains a valuable earlier example of applied government advice.

Law reform and parliamentary participation

The Centre for Law and Social Justice has also provided expert recommendations to parliamentary inquiries. In 2024, researchers contributed to the Inquiry into the Truth and Justice Commission Bill, working with the Wakul Yabang Aboriginal Health Research Community Panel, and to the federal Inquiry into Australia’s Human Rights Framework. These earlier submissions addressed truth-telling, oversight, protection of vulnerable communities and the case for a comprehensive Australian Human Rights Act. They demonstrate continuing policy expertise without being attributed to the 2025 reporting year.

By connecting specialist research with government needs, the University helps decision-makers assess risk, plan for regional change and develop policies informed by reliable evidence. Our work across councils, parliamentary forums and national consultations contributes to stronger, more responsive public institutions.