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Research Associates

Research Associates of the Centre are mainly academic economists who have an ongoing relationship with the Centre. They offer expertise that is particularly pertinent and valuable to the research and consulting activities of the Centre, and they are available to make regular contributions to the activities of the Centre.

They are mainly based within the two parent universities.

Associate Professor Owen Covick

Mr Kevin Kirchner

Dr Penny Neal

Associate Professor Colin Rogers

Associate Professor Paul Delfabbro

Professor Cliff Walsh

Owen Covick is Associate Professor in the School of Economics at the Flinders University of South Australia and Deputy Head of the Faculty of Social Sciences. His academic publications are principally in the areas of productivity analysis, labour costs and finance. As a member of the INDECS team of economists he is co-author of the best-selling State of Play series of books on Australian economic policy. He was economic advisor to a series of senior Cabinet Economics Ministers in the Federal Government from 1986 to March 1996: Peter Walsh, 1986 to 1990; Kim Beazley, 1990 to 1992, and again from 1994 to March 1996; John Dawkins, 1992 to 1993; Ralph Willis, 1994.

Kevin Kirchner is a lecturer in the School of Business Economics, Flinders University, South Australia. Immediately prior to taking up his appointment at Flinders University Kevin was Senior Economist for the SA Centre for Economic Studies from 1994 through to 2002. In total Kevin has almost 20 years experience as an applied economist, working not only in universities, but also in the Commonwealth public service, in consulting and in the finance industry. In these roles he has researched and provided advice to both the public and private sectors on a variety of issues, including economic development issues, industry analysis, cost benefit analysis, investment and financial matters, risk management issues, macroeconomic issues, and strategic business issues. He has been the Editor of the Centre's Economic Briefing Report for several years and retains this role while at Flinders University. His research interests at Flinders University are focused on contemporary economic policy issues, efficiency issues in relation to the private business sector, and the role of small business, entrepreneurship and innovation in fostering economic growth.

Dr Penny Neal, B.Com, M.Com, PHD

Dr Penny Neal is a lecturer in the School of Business Economics, Flinders University. Penny was Senior Research Economist at the SA Centre for Economic Studies in 2005 prior to returning to her lecturing position at Flinders University in 2006. Penny has authored a number of research papers, a textbook titled Macroeconomics and the Australian Economy (with Colin Rogers) and a number of study guides to accompany this and other texts. Her principal research interests are in the area of macroeconomics and monetary policy. Penny has a long involvement with the Centre as an author of chapters in its periodic Briefing Report.

Penny contributed to a number of national studies while at the Centre including for Gambling Research Australia for the Ministerial Council on Gambling (Problem Gambling and Harm: Towards a National Definition), and a longitudinal evaluation of agricultural and structural change programs (e.g., AAA Farm Help - Supporting Families Through Change program). She conducted an evaluation of labour market initiatives for the Victorian Government including an international literature review of "active labour market policies".

Penny will continue an involvement with the Centre on at least two projects throughout 2006 and beyond.

Associate Professor Colin Rogers (University of Adelaide)

Colin Rogers is an Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Adelaide's School of Economics. His principal research interests are in the areas of monetary theory, Keynesian economics and macroeconomic policy more generally. He has published extensively in these areas. Previously he has worked at the University of South Africa, the University of Natal, De Montfort University in the United Kingdom and Carleton University in Canada.

Associate Professor Paul Delfabbro (University of Adelaide)

Paul Delfabbro is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Adelaide's School of Psychology.  Paul has collaorated with the Centre on a range of gambling projects.  His research interests include gambling and the role of cognitive and behavioural factors in the maintenance of within-session behaviour.  Although many studies have suggested that cognitive factors (irrational thoughts, heuristics and biases) may play a role in gambling, less attention has been given to the role of learning principles in gambling.  Using computer simulations, his current research is examining how variations in reinforcement schedules, reinforcement frequency and magnitudes influence decision-making and behaviour.  He has also conducted research into adolescent gambling and the relationship between early adolescent adjustment, attitudes and early employment outcomes.  Further information is available here.

Professor Cliff Walsh (University of Adelaide)

Cliff Walsh is Professor Emeritus at the University of Adelaide and a Visiting Research Fellow in the Department of Economics and in the South Australian Centre for Economic Studies. His principle areas of interest and expertise include public sector economics, regional economic development and federal, state and local financial, administrative and political relationships. He has extensive experience in advising businesses as well as Commonwealth, State and Local Governments, Ministers and CEO's and he has been a member of a number of committees of review of the Commonwealth and State Governments.