Making Policy in a Changing World: Using Models to Assess the Impact of Policy Reforms  Seminar

In an increasingly complex world, the myriad rules of tax and social security programs interact so extensively that it can be impossible to determine who are the winners and losers from policy change. Microsimulation models are now a widely used methodology for providing answers to questions about who loses, who wins and by how much. In her presentation, Professor Harding reflects upon the developments in microsimulation that have occurred in Australia, with examples of where they have directly influenced subsequent government policy. She also describes the other cutting edge microsimulation models that are being created, including health models of the pharmaceutical, medial and hospital arenas and spatial models and indices to allow assessment of both the national and the regional impact of a policy chance upon the population.