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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.

About us

Consulting services

Provision of specialist economic research and advice on a fee-for-service basis to both private sector and government clients.

Our expertise

Independent research fund

The independent research fund supports our research capacity in making a contribution to public policy debate.

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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.

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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.

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Latest from the Economic policy forum

Record decline in purchasing power for SA households

South Australian households have experienced an unprecedented decline in their purchasing power over the past year. In our latest Economic Briefing Report, SACES estimates that households’ gross disposable incomes on a real per capita basis fell by around 7 per cent in 2022/23. Consequently, households are finding it increasingly difficult to sustain their spending levels. This situation will continue to suppress household spending in 2024, which will lead to a slowdown in South Australia’s economic growth next year.

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Demography not policy may dictate which SA job sectors grow

A new report from the SA Centre for Economic Studies suggests that South Australia’s healthcare sector may experience the biggest growth in employment in the state, in the near future. The demand for people in this sector will create problems for others sectors such as defence that will be competing for scarce skilled labour.

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SA household spending loses momentum as cost-of-living weighs heavy

Aggregate spending in South Australia has lost momentum over the past year as cost of living issues have weighed on household spending. Nonetheless, the State has enjoyed an especially strong recovery from the pandemic, and many areas of the economy are now operating at very high levels of capacity. These conclusions are contained in the latest Economic Briefing Report from the SA Centre for Economic Studies. 

Read more about SA household spending loses momentum as cost-of-living weighs heavy