Bayesian analysis of individual decisions in health and labour economics. This project aims to exploit emerging Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo methods to develop new approaches to modelling economic decision making. These methods will generate insights into two current and important policy debates. This includes (i) marijuana, alcohol and tobacco use and legalisation of marijuana use; and (ii) parental leave policies, maternity leave decisions and mothers' labour market dynamics. Although p ....Bayesian analysis of individual decisions in health and labour economics. This project aims to exploit emerging Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo methods to develop new approaches to modelling economic decision making. These methods will generate insights into two current and important policy debates. This includes (i) marijuana, alcohol and tobacco use and legalisation of marijuana use; and (ii) parental leave policies, maternity leave decisions and mothers' labour market dynamics. Although policies play an important role in observed health and labour market behaviours, their exact effects on individuals' decisions and outcomes are often difficult to quantify due to the complex nature of the decision process. Outcomes from the project will include new evidence of changes in substance uses under different legal scenarios and provide benefits such as yielding vital evidence on labour market and health behaviour impacts to support policy makers and strengthen Australia's research capacity in Bayesian analysis.Read moreRead less
Incentives and performance in the health care system. Changes in financial incentives for health care providers will have direct effects on their behaviour, which in turn influences patients' health outcomes, quality of care, and access to health care for the population. The research will provide a richer understanding of the effects of incentives, and will influence policy on the design of incentives for health care providers in Australia. Changes in incentives will ensure patients receive mo ....Incentives and performance in the health care system. Changes in financial incentives for health care providers will have direct effects on their behaviour, which in turn influences patients' health outcomes, quality of care, and access to health care for the population. The research will provide a richer understanding of the effects of incentives, and will influence policy on the design of incentives for health care providers in Australia. Changes in incentives will ensure patients receive more appropriate, higher quality, and less costly health care, in the most appropriate settings, and delivered by the most appropriate health care providers. This will have direct effects on population health and well-being and the capacity of individuals to lead healthy and productive lives.Read moreRead less
New Perspectives on the Socioeconomic Determinants and Dynamics of Mental Health and Wellbeing using Panel, Cohort and Internet Search Data. This project will provide new evidence on the determinants and dynamics of mental health and wellbeing using a range of survey data that tracks individuals for up to 50 years, as well as real-time information from internet search data. Mental health problems often start early in life and reoccur throughout adulthood, which makes a better understanding of th ....New Perspectives on the Socioeconomic Determinants and Dynamics of Mental Health and Wellbeing using Panel, Cohort and Internet Search Data. This project will provide new evidence on the determinants and dynamics of mental health and wellbeing using a range of survey data that tracks individuals for up to 50 years, as well as real-time information from internet search data. Mental health problems often start early in life and reoccur throughout adulthood, which makes a better understanding of the relationship between childhood socioeconomic conditions and mental health outcomes throughout the life-course important for designing policies aimed at early prevention, and therefore reducing socioeconomic inequalities.Read moreRead less