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The South Australian Centre for Economic Studies (SACES) is an applied economics and public policy research unit located in the School of Economics and Public Policy at the University of Adelaide.
SACES was established in 1982 with a principal role to review, research and report on economic and public policy issues of relevance to South Australia and Australia as a whole.
Consulting services
Provision of specialist economic research and advice on a fee-for-service basis to both private sector and government clients.
Independent research fund
The independent research fund supports our research capacity in making a contribution to public policy debate.
Corporate membership
Regular provision to Members of economic briefing reports with a detailed assessment of economic conditions and the outlook for Australia and South Australia.
Economic & social indicators
Selection of indicators for South Australia providing a snapshot of recent economic and social trends in the State.
Publications
Results of independent applied research, particularly on issues relevant to regional and national economic growth and development.
Independent Gambling Research Consortium (IGRC)
Learn more about our expertise and research on the impact of gambling activities.
Economic policy forum
Public commentary on economic, social and fiscal issues and trends.
Latest from the Economic policy forum
Economy continues recovery despite trade chaos, but risks remain
South Australia’s economy is expected to strengthen in 2025/26, despite facing a difficult trading environment overseas. Final spending in the State has picked up and the labour market is strong. A rebound in the upcoming winter grain crop – driven by more favourable seasonal conditions – an easing of cost of living pressures and stronger growth in the Australian economy will support South Australia in the year ahead.
However, there are two main risks to the economic outlook for South Australia: the potential for the United States to proceed with aggressive tariff increases which may provoke retaliatory measures from key trading partners, and the ongoing challenge of restoring stronger productivity growth across the Australian economy.
These findings are outlined in the latest Economic Briefing Report from the SA Centre for Economic Studies.
Subdued growth for SA, while cost of living crisis eases
South Australia's economy grew weakly in 2023/24 due to capacity constraints and subdued household spending, according to the latest SACES Economic Briefing Report from SACES. While the labour market remained resilient with low unemployment, households faced severe cost-of-living pressures, with real per capita disposable incomes declining for a second consecutive year. Looking ahead, a modest recovery in household spending and easing inflation are expected, but challenges like a smaller winter grain crop and global trade risks may dampen growth prospects.
Read more about Subdued growth for SA, while cost of living crisis eases
SA’s labour force participation likely to worsen
Current pressures on South Australia’s labour force and housing markets are likely to worsen over the next few decades due to the rapid ageing of the population, according to economists from the University of Adelaide’s SA Centre for Economic Studies (SACES).
Read more about SA’s labour force participation likely to worsen