phd in australia melbourne

Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences

Mental Health PhD Program

A multidisciplinary PhD Program in Mental Health

This Program brings together graduate researchers addressing mental health from diverse disciplinary perspectives - psychiatry, psychology, epidemiology and community mental health, history and philosophy of psychiatry, general practice, paediatrics, psychiatric nursing and social work, among others. Launched in March 2018, the Program is a joint initiative of the University of Melbourne's School of Psychological Sciences, Centre for Mental Health and the Department of Psychiatry. These were joined in 2020 by the Centre for Youth Mental Health and the Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health.

Our goal is to provide all University of Melbourne PhD students researching mental health with a platform to connect, share and discover new disciplines so that they can become fully-rounded researchers who can approach the field of mental health from a multi-disciplinary perspective.

Host departments

The  Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences is one of the most highly regarded schools of psychology in Australia. The School attracts some of the best students nationally and internationally to its broad range of APAC-accredited undergraduate, graduate, professional and research programs. The School's teaching is underpinned by excellence in research across a range of fields, including cognitive and behavioural neuroscience, quantitative psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology and clinical science.

The  Centre for Mental Health is part of the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health and aims to improve mental health and mitigate the impact of mental illness at a population level. It does this through high-quality, collaborative, interdisciplinary research, academic teaching, professional and community education, and mental health system development. The Centre contributes to evidence-informed mental health policy and practice in Australia and internationally through the work of its three units:

• Global and Cultural Mental Health
• Mental Health Policy and Practice
• Population Mental Health.

The Centre's three units are involved in active and productive collaborations within the University and beyond. These relationships range from not-for-profit agencies like Mind Australia through to international NGOs such as the World Health Organization, and enables the translation of their research into policy and practice.

The   Department of Psychiatry is committed to the prevention of mental illness and improved quality of life for individuals affected by mental illness, both nationally and internationally. The Department has unique strengths around biological and translational psychiatry research which are internationally recognised. Together with clinical collaborations and involvement in mental health policy and practice, this provides a stimulating environment for learning and research training programs. Their research is driven by pure and applied questions that require cross-disciplinary approaches and partnerships with diverse community organisations - especially those effected with mental illness. The research informs our teaching and clinical training and engagement with the wider community.

The Centre for Youth Mental Health brings together the experience and expertise of world leaders in the field of youth mental health and has become an internationally renowned research centre in this field. The Centre focuses on understanding the biological, psychological and social factors that influence onset, remission and relapse of mental illnesses in young people. Its research findings are actively translated into improved policy, practice and training that inform the development of better interventions, treatments and service systems for young people at different stages of mental ill-health. The multidisciplinary nature of its research provides a diverse and stimulating environment for students. The local and international collaborations with other universities and research institutes link it with a broader research community, with unique global perspectives and the opportunity for an exciting exchange of ideas.

The Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health (The Florey) is the largest brain research group in the southern hemisphere and one of the world’s top brain research centres. It is an independent medical research institute with strong connections to other research groups, globally. Our scientists are found at three research facilities, one on the grounds of the University of Melbourne in Parkville, one in the adjacent Royal Melbourne Hospital and the other at Austin Health in Heidelberg.

Program activities

Mental health is a multidisciplinary, complex and rapidly growing research domain. Your years as a graduate researcher at the University of Melbourne are the perfect time for you to broaden your skill set, build your network and expand your understanding of this dynamic field. At the moment we have over 70 graduate researchers in our community who come from over a dozen different Centres and Schools within the University and we would love for you to join us!

Our online platform

In order for you to get to know others and learn from the MHPP community's wide variety of disciplines and expertise, we have an online platform with different channels offering a host of opportunities:

• PhD Progress and Professional Development Channel: Ask any questions  you might have about all aspects of your PhD, get peer support and develop your research skills by making the most of professional development opportunities such as online workshops and skills training.
• MHPP Events Channel: Find information here about the events organised by the Program , including social get-togethers, webinars and workshops.
• Members and Alumni Channel: Connect with your fellow PhD students across the many different institutes and schools represented in the Program, learn from alumni and build your research network.
• Items of Interest Channel: Be kept up to date about University of Melbourne events related to mental health and get invited to attend colloquium talks  by local and visiting experts across the different academic host units, offering unparalleled access to cutting-edge research in mental health.

And more…

In addition, you can also use the MHPP as a unique opportunity to expand your CV by working on your transferable skills and help run an event or become a Mental Health PhD Program Event Coordinator ( not mandatory ).

Program structure

Mhpp co-directors team.

“This PhD Program provides currently enrolled University of Melbourne PhD students working within the domain of mental health with the opportunity to become accomplished graduate researchers who are not only prepared to engage with their own discipline, but are equipped with the capacity to place their work in a broader multidisciplinary context within mental health.”

Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health

“A PhD position is a big commitment and this program creates a platform to support a true cohort experience and provide a network of support, aimed to help PhD candidates working within the mental health domain through their doctorate and beyond.”

Department of Psychiatry, Melbourne Medical School

“Undertaking a PhD can be one of the most rewarding experiences in your life, yet sometimes, as one buries deeper into their topic, there is risk of feeling quite isolated and disconnected. The Mental Health PhD Program provides a wonderful opportunity to share the journey, connect with others with similar interests, and gain exposure to the broader mental health research landscape.”

Centre for Youth Mental Health

“The Mental Health PhD Program is a vibrant community of post-graduate students who share a common passion and interest in creating new knowledge in the field of mental health, but who come at this through different disciplines, lenses and research methodologies. This program provides a wonderful and unique opportunity for exposure to different ways of thinking about similar problems in a supportive, collaborative and engaging way.”

Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health

“To transform our understandings into mental health and metal ill-health, we really need multifaceted complimentary approaches that span preclinical tools to clinical approaches and services. This PhD Program provides a unique opportunity for students to be exposed to this breadth of multidisciplinary research that is available within Parkville and the University of Melbourne, and to share their PhD journey with a diverse cohort that will get them thinking about all the levels at which we need to tackle research in the mental health field.”

MHPP Operations Manager

The Mental Health PhD Program now has a wonderful Operations Manager: Brendan Pearl (Department of Psychiatry). Brendan is involved in the organisation, coordination and promotion of many of our great events.

MHPP Event Coordinators

The Mental Health PhD Program has a new online platform with a team of Event Coordinators. This is a team of current MHPP PhD students who help organise events and provide a true cohort experience.  The invaluable contributions of these wonderful MHPP members is what makes the Program truly great!

It is also a great way for members to work on their transferable skills, expand their CVs and create a vast multidisciplinary network with the University of Melbourne. If you would like to join the MHPP and are perhaps interested in taking on the role of Event Coordinator for some time during your PhD journey then please visit the application tab here . We would love to hear from you!

Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health

Centre for Mental Health

Department of General Practice

Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry

Department of Psychiatry

Please find below testimonials from some of our current graduate researchers about their experience of the Mental Health PhD Program.

If you are a mental health graduate researcher, this program is a fundamental building block to understanding how dynamic, complex, inspirational, positive and exciting the field of mental health can be.

Tam Dennis - Graduate Researcher at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences

I am very fortunate to be a part of this amazing community and highly recommend it for any PhD student in the area of mental health!

Kavisha Fernando - Graduate Researcher at the Department of Psychiatry

The Mental Health PhD Program (MHPP) is a wonderful program which promotes learning and professional development during your PhD journey.

Carra Simpson - Graduate Researcher at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences

What I like about the MHPP is that it provides a platform which is graduate-researcher driven and truly multidisciplinary; it provides opportunities for developing skills which we identify as useful and are above and beyond the scope of our individual departments.

Brendan Pearl - Graduate Researcher at the Department of Psychiatry

I recommend all students with a project related to mental health join the program, get involved and reap the benefits!

Hannah Savage -Graduate Researcher at the Department of Psychiatry

I highly recommend this program to any PhD students in the field of mental health research.

Phoebe Thomson - Graduate Researcher at the Department of Paediatrics

The Mental Health PhD Program creates an inspiring and supportive community of researchers who are united by a common passion for improving mental health and well-being.

Annai Charlton - Graduate Researcher at The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health

The Mental Health PhD Program provides me with lots of different opportunities; networking, career development and the opportunity to ask experts from interdisciplinary fields for advice.

"The MHPP has helped me develop skills that I otherwise wouldn’t have developed, such as being able to communicate about research to people who work in related fields but use very different research techniques (animal work or qualitative research). It’s also a very social program, and I’ve met a lot of other very friendly PhD students. Being an off-campus PhD student, I sometimes felt a bit disconnected from the university, but this program has helped alleviate this feeling. The new online Teams platform is great, I get to check it whenever I want and there are optional events to join. I’ve found lots of them very useful and I ended spending about 1.5 hours a fortnight engaged with the program (5 minutes a day reading updates and chatting to other students and 1 hour attending an event such as an expert discussion, watching an interview or a coffee moment). I’m hoping to meet you soon and feel free to contact me if you have any questions!"

Yara Toenders - Graduate Researcher at the Centre for Youth Mental Health

Being a part of the MHPP community has been one of the best parts of my PhD.

Anna Ross, Graduate Researcher at the Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health

How to apply?

The Mental Health PhD Program is offered by the University's School of Psychological Sciences, the Centre for Mental Health, the Department of Psychiatry, the Centre for Youth Mental Health and the Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health.

Graduate researchers at any stage of their PhD candidature and in any Department, Centre or School at the University of Melbourne are eligible to participate.

The Mental Health PhD Program is intended to be a supplement to the training graduate researchers receive in their home department. Program participants will remain enrolled in their current faculties and departments.

Eligibility

To be eligible, graduate researchers must be currently enrolled in a PhD, have their primary supervisor based at the University of Melbourne and be undertaking doctoral research on a topic related to mental health.

Prospective graduate researchers

If you are not currently enrolled, you will need to apply separately for entry to a PhD in a relevant field. This will generally involve finding an appropriate supervisor in a suitable academic Department, School or Faculty. Once you have commenced your mental health-related PhD course, you can then register to join the Mental Health PhD Program.

Check that you meet the University's eligibility and entry requirements to undertake a PhD, and find instructions on how to apply on MDHS' Graduate Research pages . You can also read more general information about the MDHS PhD course .

Applications

The application procedure is currently closed. Due to unforeseen technical issues, the opening for 2021 applications has unfortunately been delayed until February 8, 2020. Our apologies for any inconvenience.

Applications to join the Program can be submitted throughout the year and graduate researchers can join the Program at any time during their candidature.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and you are interested in meeting your peers from throughout the University of Melbourne and creating a more multidisciplinary understanding of mental health research then please apply below. We look forward to welcoming you to our community!

Apply for the Program

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us .

Frequently Asked Questions

What will i get out of the program.

It has never been more important for PhD students to be strategic about career moves, build broad networks and master the right skills to get into their career of choice. The Mental Health PhD Program offers you a platform to:

• Increase your understanding of the multidisciplinary field of mental health
• Save you time finding support and learning about events and resources at the University of Melbourne
• Engage in professional development opportunities specific to the domain of mental health
• Expand your CV
• Present your work, to practice your conference talks or poster presentations
• Get access to extra professional development opportunities workshops, lectures and events that are organised within the University of Melbourne PhD Program Network and only advertised to PhD students who are enrolled in one of the University of Melbourne PhD Programs
• Socialise, share, reflect and learn with and from your peers.

What will the time investment be?

We understand that as a PhD student you have a busy schedule and often competing demands, so we have created an online platform that you can access when and where you like. As a member of the MHPP, we kindly ask you to meet the following time commitment of around three hours per month:

• A weekly active contribution to the online platform. This can be done by posting a question, sharing a tip with your peers, replying to a question posted by another member, liking a post, etc (5-10 minutes per week).
• Join our bi-weekly online events. We really encourage you to attend these live online events so you can ask any questions or join the discussion and share your expertise. That way we really can learn with and from each other. However, we understand you might not always be able to make it so we record most of our events so you can access them at a later point (one hour fortnightly).
• Read any emails you get from the MHPP carefully and reply promptly when needed.

Do I need formal approval from my supervisor to be part of the Mental Health PhD Program?

As of 2020, the Mental Health PhD Program has a new model and formal proof of approval from your Primary Supervisor is no longer required. However, we strongly encourage you to discuss your enrolment into this specific program, as well as your professional development in general, with your supervisor before signing up.

Does the Mental Health PhD Program offer PhD positions?

This multidisciplinary PhD Program is an academic and professional development initiative for currently-enrolled PhD students who are researching a topic within Mental Health. Therefore, this program does not directly enrol students.

Eligible students will need to apply separately for entry to a PhD in a relevant field. This will typically involve finding an appropriate supervisor in a suitable academic Department, School or Faculty. Once students have commenced their mental health-related PhD course, they can register to join the Mental Health PhD Program, which is intended to be a supplement to the training that students receive in their home department.

How can I unsubscribe?

If you need to terminate your enrolment you can do so by unsubscribing from the Mental Health PhD Program Newsletter.

Where can I go for further information?

Please email Anna Schroeder at [email protected] with any questions or feedback. I’d love to hear from you.

This interdisciplinary PhD Program provides participants with the opportunity to become accomplished graduate researchers who are not only prepared to engage with their own discipline, but are also equipped with the capacity to place their work in a broader multidisciplinary context within mental health, maximising their graduate career outcomes.

If you have any questions about the Program or our events, please contact the Program Coordinator Anna Schroeder at [email protected] .

Program Co-Directors

Professor Nick Haslam Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences

Professor Jane Pirkis Centre for Mental Health

Professor Chris Davey Department of Psychiatry

Associate Professor Kelly Allot Centre for Youth Mental Health

Professor Andrew Lawrence Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health

Operations Manager

Brendan Pearl Department of Psychiatry

• School of Physics
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PhD studies in Physics

Start your research career in physics here. Our PhD students work on cutting-edge research at the frontier of physics. Join them!

Research projects for PhD and Masters by Research students

The University's Graduate Research Opportunity Tool is a directory of PhD and Masters by Research projects – search by course, field of research or location to find a research project that you're excited to join.

Explore research opportunities

What does a PhD involve?

Over 3 years (or longer if part time), you’ll complete a research project that adds key knowledge to your chosen field. You’ll write up your findings in an 80,000-word thesis.

Throughout your PhD you’ll be guided by a supervisor who’s an expert in their field.

Your research work will be supported by state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure at the School of Physics.

Be sure to read all the general information on the Doctor of Philosophy – Science , in addition to this page.

What can I study?

Some of the areas you can specialise in when you study a PhD with us are:

• Astrophysics
• Atomic, molecular and optical physics
• Complex systems
• Condensed matter physics
• Particle physics
• Physical bioscience
• Quantum information.

We are one of the largest and most successful physics departments in Australia. We have world-class research programs in all areas of modern physics, with our academic staff leading a variety of projects within several Australian Research Council Centres of Excellence.

Melbourne University is consistently one of highest ranked Australian Universities in the Times Higher Education World Rankings and in the Academic Ranking of World Universities.

Read more about research in the School of Physics

Where will this take me?

A PhD is an essential qualification for a research career in physics. It’s also a ticket to international research opportunities.

Our graduates have a strong track record of employment, both in academia and in the private sector. They find rewarding careers in:

• Research and teaching in universities
• Public research organisations such as the CSIRO
• Consulting and professional services firms
• Commercial sectors including the defence, banking, and energy industries.

Pathways to a PhD

Our PhD students come to us after undertaking research training either:

• In a graduate degree – for example the Master of Science (Physics)
• As part of an undergraduate degree – for example via an honours year in the Bachelor of Science (not available at the University of Melbourne).

We're looking for outstanding students, who have a passion for working on problems at the frontier of physics, and who have developed a strong foundation from advanced graduate-level courses in physics, typically in quantum mechanics, electrodynamics and statistical mechanics.

Read more about the PhD entry requirements

How do I find a supervisor?

To find potential supervisors, browse the research areas in the School of Physics or use Find an Expert to search for keywords.

Before submitting an application, you must have the written support of a supervisor. To obtain this you should contact the supervisor directly or email the School of Physics at [email protected] . In both cases, you should provide the following documents and information:

• Your curriculum vitae (CV)
• All higher education transcripts
• A brief summary of your intended area of research
• The names of at least two prospective supervisors that align with your intended area of research.

The School will consider your past academic performance and whether there is an academic available to supervise your study.

How to apply

All the details about how to apply can be found with the general information for the Doctor of Philosophy – Science .

We offer both the Doctor of Philosophy - Science (PhD) and the Master of Philosophy - Science , but most applicants apply directly for a PhD.

Scholarships and fees

Most domestic and international students who are offered a PhD place with us will also be offered a Graduate Research Scholarship .

Receiving this scholarship means you’ll pay no tuition fees. You’ll also receive a living allowance and relocation grant (if relocating to Melbourne).

When you apply for a PhD with us, you’ll be automatically considered for a Graduate Research Scholarship. There’s no need to apply separately.

A huge variety of other scholarships are also available. Search our scholarships to find the ones you’re eligible for.

Before getting in touch, please read this page carefully, plus all the information available for the Doctor of Philosophy (Science) .

If you still have questions, we’ll be happy to help.

Email us at [email protected]

Centre for Cancer Research

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The University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer Research

Driving discovery, innovation and implementation for clinical impact in cancer care

The University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer Research (UMCCR) brings together university leaders committed to improving the outcomes and quality of life for people affected by cancer. We take a personalised, patient-centric approach—with a focus on the application of genomics—targeting key points along the cancer clinical care pathway. Subscribe to our newsletter

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Highlighting cancer research from our groups and invited speakers

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UMCCR news archive

The University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer Research is seeking to improve patient outcomes through improved molecular detection and diagnosis of cancer, improved therapeutic clinical decision-making for patients through computational oncology, and the enabling of innovative programs in personalised cancer care.

Seminar recordings

Watch our weekly seminars on-demand, highlighting the broad range of cancer research undertaken by our groups, and invited guest speakers from across the sector.

• Breast Cancer Research | Professor Christobel Saunders

Improving breast cancer outcomes through translating research into policy and practice.

Cancer Bioinformatics | Professor Lachlan Coin

Interrogating genome and transcriptome data to identify biomarkers and create new diagnostic tools.

Cancer Epigenetics Lab | Professor Mark Dawson

Understanding the role of epigenetic regulators to identify and trial novel cancer therapies.

Cancer Health Services Research

Analysing real-world costs and results of comprehensive cancer care to inform evidence-based health service interventions and improve outcomes for cancer patients.

Cancer in Primary Care | Professor Jon Emery

Exploring the role of primary care across the cancer continuum, including studies on cancer screening, cancer diagnosis and survivorship care.

Colorectal Oncogenomics Group | A/Prof Dan Buchanan

Identifying and investigating clinically and biologically relevant subtypes of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Genomics Platform Group | Professor Oliver Hofmann

Improving the scalability and reliability of sequencing workflows, better detection of changes in cancer genomes, and aiming to make tumour data accessible in real time.

Molecular Biomarkers and Translational Genomics Lab | Professor Sarah-Jane Dawson

Developing improved molecular biomarkers for early detection, risk stratification and disease monitoring in cancer.

Palliative Nexus | Professor Jennifer Philip

Seeking to effect positive and systemic change in palliative care practice, and accelerate the translation of research-generated knowledge to improve patient care.

Precision Oncology | Professor Sean Grimmond

Exploring mutational signatures of DNA and their contributions to individual tumours, through rapid genomic analysis.

Precision Prevention and Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer | Professor Mark Jenkins

Undertaking a comprehensive approach to reduce the burden of colorectal cancer and improve results for patients.

Prostate Cancer Research Group | Professor Chris Hovens & Professor Niall Corcoran

Determining prostate cancer aggressiveness, metastatic potential and the molecular drivers of treatment resistance.

Rare Disease Oncogenomics | A/Prof Richard Tothill

Dedicated to translational research of rare and less common cancers.

Tumour Heterogeneity in Metastatic Cancer | Professor Frédéric Hollande

Understanding the mechanisms that underlie the genetic and non-genetic heterogeneity within individual tumours, and characterising the role it plays on metastatic progression and treatment response.

Cancer of Low Survival and Unmet Need Initiative

Sequencing genomes of the most challenging cancer cases in real-time for personalised clinical treatment and care.

Illumina-University of Melbourne Partnership

The University of Melbourne and Illumina partnership is developing the infrastructure, expertise, systems and analysis to translate and implement genomics into routine clinical care.

SUPER-NEXT: Solving Unknown Primary Cancer

SUPER-NEXT brings together a multidisciplinary team of Australia’s leading cancer experts to improve the diagnosis, care and treatment of people with Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP).

Identifying drivers of treatment resistance in metastatic colorectal cancer

Characterising mechanisms that drive drug tolerance and treatment resistance in colorectal cancer metastases.

PRIMCAT: Predicting the population health economic impact of current and new cancer treatments

Enabling timely and affordable access to new cancer treatments for Australian cancer patients.

Bowel cancer prevention and early detection in primary care

The care plus study: a multi-site implementation of early palliative care in routine practice to improve health outcomes for people with advanced cancer.

A multisite study implementing palliative care for people with cancer to address the gaps between evidence and practice, reduce variation in clinical care, and ensure that best quality care is both timely and delivered routinely for all.

Palliative care provision for people who are prisoners

Engage with the Centre for Cancer Research to contribute to research that is set to improve outcomes for patients with cancer through genome discovery, translation, personalised medicine and quality cancer care.

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Collaborations and international partnerships drive breakthrough research, improving the quality, scale and impact of research outcomes, and increasing the likelihood of major innovations.

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Learn more about the research and infrastructure services offered by the UMCCR, including the Clinical Genomics Platform, Organoid Lab, and Biobanking Lab

Consumers play an important role in assisting researchers, clinicians and educators to better understand the lived-experience of cancer. From research to guiding decision-making, consumer perspectives provide a unique source of knowledge.

Cancer in all its forms, encompasses research, prevention, detection, treatment, care and health system transformation to address this most significant burden of disease.

Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned professional, the University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences has something to suit your needs and schedule.

Current opportunities

Study at the University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer Research

The University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer Research (UMCCR) is driving innovation and implementation for clinical impact in cancer care. Led by Professor Sean Grimmond, the UMCCR brings together leaders in cancer research from across the University to foster collaboration and achieve improved outcomes for people affected by cancer.

Explore the UMCCR's  Research Groups and contact our research group leads directly to enquire about potential projects and supervision, sign up for our newsletter , and keep an eye on our current opportunities.

Contact our research groups

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences

Cancer is a key research theme in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS), with opportunities for honours, graduate research and short course programs within a number of departments, for leaders and future leaders in cancer.

View the University of Melbourne Careers and Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences websites for more information on opportunities at the University of Melbourne, including  Honours projects and PhD opportunities .

MDHS Cancer Research Dashboard

Comprehensive Cancer PhD Program

The University of Melbourne Comprehensive Cancer PhD Program aims to produce graduates ready to conduct world-class cancer research and set them on a path to a broad range of career options by providing students with opportunities to broaden the scope of their research knowledge, professional development and career training.

The Program provides a training and support framework within one of the ten partners organisations of the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) alliance, and is facilitated by the Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology and the University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer Research .

Master of Cancer Sciences

The Master of Cancer Sciences is Australia’s first cancer-specific online program, delivered by world-class experts from the University of Melbourne and the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre . Whether you aspire to move your career in a new direction or revitalise your current skillset, this innovative program will equip you with cutting-edge, specialist knowledge from the forefront of the rapidly evolving fields of clinical care and cancer research.

Anticipating the complex future needs of the cancer sciences industry, this program embraces a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach and is designed for scientists and clinicians from a variety of backgrounds. Students will learn to connect the latest evidence-based theory to practical skills that improve the clinical care of patients with cancer.

The University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer Research (UMCCR) brings together university leaders committed to improving the outcomes and quality of life for people affected by cancer. Led by Professor Sean Grimmond, an international leader in cancer genomics, the UMCCR takes a personalised, patient-centric approach, targeting key points along the cancer clinical care pathway.

Bringing together leading University of Melbourne cancer researchers to enable improved outcomes for cancer patients

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Melbourne Medical School

Md-phd pathway.

While the Melbourne MD already equips students with the necessary skills to commence a career as a clinician-researcher, the pathway allows those with a deep interest in research to explore this exciting opportunity early in their medical training to lay a parallel foundation for their academic career.

The Melbourne MD-PhD is not an accelerated pathway. The minimum duration of the MD-PhD pathway is seven years, comprised of four years MD and three years PhD. Students will find that the research training components of the MD will have synergies with the PhD which will, in turn, inform and enhance their MD experience.

Offering flexibility through a variety of entry points during the MD allows students to commence the MD-PhD pathway at the time most appropriate for them. A unique feature of the Melbourne MD-PhD approach is that each student's pathway is individually tailored in accordance with their needs, preferences, and life circumstances. Diagrams on the timelines page show possible ways of completing the MD-PhD pathway, with other modes also possible. The optimal pathway will vary according to the individual’s needs and the nature of their PhD research activity. However, common to all pathways is that students can only commence their PhD after the first year of the MD.

Eligibility

Md students wishing to enrol in a phd must have completed one of the following:.

• A four-year Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component equivalent to at least 25 percent of one year of full-time study and have achieved a minimum weighted average of 80 percent (University of Melbourne) or equivalent.
• A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component equivalent to at least 25 percent of one year of full-time study and achieved a minimum weighted average of 80 percent (University of Melbourne) or equivalent.
• Successful completion of required MD research coursework from the first three years of the four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree (or equivalent).
• A qualification and professional experience considered to be equivalent.

Applicants must also have completed the following:

• At least the first year of the Melbourne MD.
• An MD-PhD pathway proposal to be completed with the support of the MD-PhD course advisor, and endorsed by a prospective PhD supervisor.

International students who are interested in the MD-PhD should seek advice from the International Admissions Office in relation to their Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and visa implications.

It is important to note that meeting these requirements does not automatically guarantee selection as a PhD candidate. Each application and proposal will be assessed on its individual merits.

Each student will work with their clinical school, course adviser and RTA mentors to identify the right point at which to commence their doctoral research program, to integrate aspects of the two programs, and to ensure good progress in both research and clinical training while maintaining personal well-being.

To assist with application and entry to the program, students will be asked to:

• Have an early consultation with a course advisor to tailor their proposed MD-PhD program to their needs, in consultation with the Director of their clinical school.
• Provide a draft pathway proposal describing their intended program over the duration of the MD-PhD pathway.

Enquiries regarding pathway eligibility and the application process should be submitted to  [email protected].

The Melbourne MD-PhD is not an accelerated pathway. The minimum duration of the MD-PhD pathway is seven years, comprised of four years MD (which may include concurrent part-time enrolment in the PhD in the later years) plus three additional full-time years PhD. MD-PhD students will find however that the research training components of the MD will have synergies with the PhD which will, in turn, inform and enhance their MD experience.

Offering flexibility through a variety of entry points during the MD allows students to join the MD-PhD program at the time most appropriate for them. A unique feature of the Melbourne MD-PhD approach is that each student's pathway is individually tailored in accordance with their needs, preferences, and life circumstances.

Example pathway 1: MD-PhD pathway, with intercalation after MD1

This pathway is recommended for students who have completed Honours or equivalent prior to commencement of the MD.

Example pathway 2: MD-PhD pathway with intercalation after MD2

Example pathway 3: MD-PhD as part of a whole career path

Integration into the MD

As part of the MD-PhD, if required, students will be exempt from enrolling in Discovery subjects in year 3 and 4 of their course, and can use this time to ensure timely completion of the PhD. This will allow for maximum flexibility and support toward successful completion of both the PhD and the MD.

Research Training Academy (RTA)

At the centre of the Melbourne MD-PhD is the Melbourne Medical School Research Training Academy (RTA), a ‘scholarly greenhouse’ that provides a supportive and facilitative community of practice for MD students undertaking joint degree pathways.

The RTA will offer MD joint degree students with access to a range of opportunities and resources including career guidance, mentorship and sponsorship to encourage a supportive environment during their studies.

The Research Training Academy (RTA) will be comprised of:

• Members - MD students undertaking a joint degree (for example: MD-PhD or MD-MPH).
• MACH-Track Fellows - Elite cohort of doctors selected to integrate PhD and research training with completion of their vocational training in accredited hospital specialties, or general practice.
• Alumni - Graduates of MD joint degree programs who are invited to act as junior supervisors and mentors to Members.
• Fellows - Senior clinician-researchers and supervisors, appointed by invitation, who will provide leadership and inspiration to Members and MACH Track-Fellows.

The RTA will provide students a greater understanding of the opportunities and challenges at different stages of their careers and to engage with like-minded clinician-researchers from many different research fields and clinical specialities.

Opportunities will be provided to develop key skills for 21st century researchers including training on:

• maximising research impact
• using social media and other new media
• entrepreneurship and leadership
• knowledge translation
• using emotional intelligence optimally as a clinician-scientist
• career planning
• development of teaching and supervision skills
• science communication

Access to extra learning resources, activities and mentoring will be available to all members of the RTA. However, individuals will determine the level of engagement which is most appropriate to their studies and needs. The right time to engage in these optional opportunities will differ for students, and guidance will be provided through the RTA to ensure students feel inspired and supported, rather than overwhelmed.

Watch the first RTA kick off event for more information.

Associate Professor Margie Danchin

Director, Clinician Scientist Pathways Email: [email protected]

Although every student’s pathway is unique, while you are enroled in the PhD your MD studies will be suspended and then resumed once you return to clinical studies. Depending on your pathway you may be enrolled in a “holding” subject of the MD to allow you to maintain some clinical contact during your PhD.

You can start your PhD anytime after successful completion of the first year of the MD right through to the beginning of the fourth year provided you meet the PhD requirments. The right time for you will depend on many factors which you should discuss with your potential PhD supervisors and members of the MMS Research Training Academy and the Department of Medical Education.

You can take leave from the MD any time after successful completion of the first year to resume and complete your PhD and then return to complete the remaining years of your MD. You may find that after completing the first year of your MD that you may wish to make some modifications to your project to fit your medical career path.

Staying connected with the MD cohort

Many PhD projects allow you to remain connected to clinical medicine while you undertake your research. You will be encouraged to maintain contact with your clinical cohort and engage in some MD clinical opportunities through elective activities. Enrolment in an MD holding subject may be required to undertake these activities so that you remain insured and indemnified.

It is inevitable that the group with whom you start the MD will continue to move through their course while you are spending time on your PhD studies. However you will remain a member of your clinical school so that you can participate in community, social and appropriate learning activities there. MD-PhD students are invited to attend the MD Student Conference and will be given opportunities to present their research, as well as enjoying educational sessions and social networking. In addition to connections with your MD cohort you will develop close connections with other MD-PhD students who are also members of the MMS Research Training Academy through your shared PhD journey. You will also develop new networks through association with senior clinician researchers.

Yes, you are able to undertake postdoctoral research in your chosen area during the MD. Through the MMS Research Training Academy you will have mentors nominated to assist both in the development of a postdoctoral pathway and to guide you during this.

The RTA is a virtual Academy for MD joint degree students. As a member you will be introduced to like-minded peers and mentors, and have the opportunity to be involved in educational events and research workshops. These will be hybrid events with as much face to face contact as possible. You will remain part of the Academy throughout your PhD candidature and then be invited to become part of the alumni community.

Entry to the Academy as a Member will be offered to you as you commence your PhD or other degree at UoM. You’ll earn Alumnus status when you complete both courses, and you will be encouraged to remain part of the RTA and provide guidance and advice to other members as junior supervisors and mentors. Senior leadership within the Academy is provided by the MACH-Track fellows, who are completing PhDs as part of their vocational training after completing their MD, and senior Fellows , who are carefully selected senior academic clinicians and researchers who will actively mentor, supervise and inspire their junior colleagues.

Support and help

Preparing for completion is a critical time for all PhD students and support from the RTA will be maximised.  With guidance from your PhD supervisory team, you will be assisted to submit your thesis, plan for publication of papers, and to prepare for re-entry to the MD with a re-introduction to clinical learning. The intent is to facilitate timely and successful PhD completion for all candidates, as well as a confident, assured return to the MD.

Having your medical degree and research doctorate (in addition to your prior degree/s) under your belt prepares you well for the next phase of your career. Your PhD supervisory team will guide you on decisions around starting your post-doctoral career, supported by mentors within the RTA. As an Alumnus of the Melbourne Medical School RTA, you remain connected to clinical colleagues in the  MACH-Track clinician-scientist pathway who are undertaking postdoctoral research alongside their vocational medical specialist training which will further expand your professional networks.

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• Doctoral Academy

MCDS Doctoral Academy

A campus wide multi-disciplinary program for PhD students using data science in their work.

About the program

The MCDS Doctoral Academy aims to bring together a campus wide multi-disciplinary cohort of PhD students (MCDS Doctoral Academy Fellows) to share their research, domain challenges and thoughts around the use, implementation and application of data science in their fields.

The Academy will support the Fellows through peer-learning opportunities, masterclasses, workshops, discussions, opportunities for presentations and more. Such a mixed environment will expose students to different disciplinary perspectives and stimulate the development of new approaches to the ways in which data science is incorporated in research.

The program is ideal for students who:

• Enjoy engaging in cross-disciplinary research skills development and desire to build practical skills
• Seek to explore ways that data science methodologies can be used and advanced within their research
• Appreciate building a community of young researchers who consider data science matters in their field at the University of Melbourne

Doctoral Academy 2024

Our Doctoral Academy members are like-minded, interdisciplinary PhD students who engage in sessions and workshops discussing data science in different domains, best practice for interdisciplinary research, ethics, research translation, communications, project scope, careers and more.

Are you a 2021 - 2023 Doctoral Academy Member?

Stay tuned for opportunities to collaborate this year!

2023 Doctoral Academy Fellows

Research: Detectability of Climate Change Signals in Observations and Models Supervisors:  Dr Andrew King, Dr Josephine Brown, and A/Prof Ed Hawkins School/Faculty: School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Faculty of Science

Research: Supervisors:   School/Faculty:

Research :  Human-Building Interaction Model for Energy Use of University Student Accommodation in Melbourne Supervisors :  A/Prof Christhina Candido and  A/Prof Hemanta Doloi School/Faculty : School of Architecture, Building and Planning - Melbourne School of Design

Research :  Interaction Matters: Automated Evaluation and Socing of Interactive Ability in Second Language Dialogue Supervisors :  Prof Carsten Roever, Dr Jey Han Lau Schools/Faculty : School of Languages and Linguistics & School of Computing and Information Systems -Natural Language Processing Group

Research:  Supervisors: School/Faculty:

Research:  Supervisors: School/Faculty

Research : Galactic Astronomy Supervisor : Prof Michele Trenti School/Faculty: School of Physics, Faculty of Science

Research : Earth observation and AI for urban building footprint extraction Supervisors : A/Prof Jagannath Aryal and Prof Abbas Rajabifard School/Faculty: School of Electrical, Mechanical and Infrastructure Engineering Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology

Research :  Modelling the impact of mass casualty incidents on the provision and utilisation of emergency department services Supervisors : A/Prof Nic Geard, Dr Daniel Capurro School/Faculty: School of Computing and Information Systems, Faculty of Engineering and IT

Research : Optimising the Laser Direct Infra-Red (LDIR) Chemical Imaging System for microplastics Analysis of environmental and biological samples Supervisors : Dr Brad Clarke and Professor Amanda Ellis School/Faculty: Faculty of Science, Chemistry, Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants

Research: Modelling the transmission and evolution of emerging and re-emerging sexually transmissible pathogens Supervisors: Deborah Williamson, Ben Howden and George Taiaroa School/Faculty: Department of Infectious Diseases - Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences

Research :  Prenatal, birth and early childhood risk and protective factors for infections in children Supervisors: Prof David Burgner, Dr Jessica Miller, Prof Lars Henning Pedersen, Dr Maria Magnus School/Faculty: Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences

Research :  The role of motivational factors, coping, and psychological wellbeing on preservice teachers’ commitment to the teaching profession Supervisors: A/Prof. Gavin Slemp, Prof. Dianne Vella-Brodrick School/Faculty: Centre for Wellbeing Science, Faculty of Education

2022 Doctoral Academy Fellows

Research : Severe convective winds in Australia and their sensitivity to climate change Supervisor: Prof Todd Lane School/Faculty: School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Faculty of Science

Research : Developing and benchmarking methods for multi-omics single-cell quantitative trait locus mapping in complex diseases Supervisors : Dr Davis McCarthy and Dr Heejung Shim School/Faculty: School of Mathematics and Statistics - Biosciences, Faculty of Science

Research :  A Hierarchical Markov-switching Model for Bull and Bear Markets Supervisors: Dr Yong Song and A/Prof Ole Maneesoonthorn School/Faculty: Department of Economics, Faculty of Business and Economics

Research :  Improving practical applications of dynamic occupancy models Supervisors: Dr Gurutzeta Guillera-Arroita and Dr Natalie Briscoe School/Faculty: School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, Faculty of Science

Research:  Explaining the Uncertainty in AI-Assisted Decision Making Supervisors: Prof Tim Miller, Prof Liz Sonenberg and Dr Ronal Singh School/Faculty: School of Computing and Information Systems, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology

Research: Optimising and Improving Species Detections Supervisors: Prof Mick McCarthy and Dr Gurutzeta Guillera-Arroita School/Faculty: School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, Faculty of Science

Research :  Using modern Machine Learning for the probabilistic modelling of dementia Supervisors: Dr Victor Fedyashov, Dr Benjamin Goudey, Dr. Daniel Beck and Dr. Pierrick Bourgeat School/Faculty: Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dental and Health Sciences

School/Faculty:  Quantifying and Mitigating Digital Overdiagnosis Supervisors: Dr Daniel Capurro and Dr Douglas Pires School/Faculty: School of Computing and Information Systems, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology

Research :  Toward better characterisation of restricted and repetitive behaviours in Autistic Youth Supervisors: Dr Mirko Uljarevic and A/Prof Luke Smillie School/Faculty: Complex Human Data Hub School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences

Research :  A data-driven model of urban form evolution: quantitative analysis of long-term spatial transformation in the city centres of Melbourne, Barcelona and New York Supervisors : Prof Justyna Karakiewicz and Dr Fjalar de Haan School/Faculty: Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning

Research :  Continual learning by Efficient Neural Network Synthesis Supervisors : Prof Saman Halgamuge and Prof Denny Oetomo School/Faculty: Department of Mechanical Engineering Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology

Research :  Risk prediction for metachronous colorectal cancer among colorectal cancer survivors Supervisors : Prof Mark Jenkins, A/Prof Aung Ko Win, Dr Amalia Karahalios, and Prof Alex Boussioutas School/Faculty: Melbourne School of Population and Global Health Faculty of Medicine, Dental and Health Sciences

2021 Doctoral Academy Fellows

Research : Spatial causal inference analysis Supervisors: Dr Martin Tomko and Prof Stephan Winter School/Faculty: School of Infrastructure Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology

Research : Non gaussianity and secondary cosmic microwave background anisotropies in the south pole telescope data Supervisor : Dr Christian L. Reichardt School/Faculty: School of Physics, Faculty of Science

Research :  Analysis of an ongoing conflict through the lens of media frames Supervisors: Prof Robert Hassan and Dr Philip Pond School/Faculty: School of Culture and Communication, Faculty of Arts

Research :  Reproducibility and transparency of model-based research in applied ecology and conservation decision-making Supervisors : Dr Libby Rumpff, Prof Fiona Fidler, and Dr Hannah Fraser School/Faculty: School of BioSciences, Faculty of Science

Research :  Natural disturbance-based models for silviculture in the Victorian Central Highlands Supervisors : Prof Patrick Baker and A/Prof Craig Nitschke School/Faculty: School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, Faculty of Science

Research :  Instance space analysis of quantum optimisation algorithms Supervisors : Prof Kate Smith-Miles and Dr Charles Hill School/Faculty: School of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science

Research :  A data driven model of agenda setting in Australian politics Supervisors : Prof Andrew Turpin and Dr Gosia Mikolajczak School/Faculty: School of Computing and Information Systems, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology

Research :  An evidence-based approach to climate change experimentation in international city networks Supervisors : Dr Kathryn Davidson and Prof Michele Acuto School/Faculty: Melbourne School of Design, Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning

Research: An examination of the motivations underlying, and consequences of, social network dynamics for the resolution of environmental collective action problems, using "gamified" experiments and simulations (agent-based models) Supervisors: Prof Yoshihisa Kashima and A/Prof Andrew Perfors School/Faculty: Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences

Research :  Time domain gravitational lensing Supervisor : Prof Rachel Webster School/Faculty: School of Physics, Faculty of Science

Research :  Model-based and Hybrid Multiagent Reinforcement Learning in Internet of Things Supervisors : Prof Tansu Alpcan and Dr Sarah M. Erfani School/Faculty: School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology

Research :  Exploring embodied values in Singaporean paintings through technical examination and data analysis Supervisors : Dr Nicole Tse and Prof Robyn Sloggett School/Faculty: Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation, Faculty of Arts

Research :  Understanding breast cancer risk via an automated measure based on mammographic textural features: Cirrus Supervisors : Prof John Hopper, Dr Shuai Li, Dr Gillian Dite and Dr Tuong Linh Nguyen School/Faculty: Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dental and Health Sciences

• Research degrees
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• Supplementary PhD Programs

Population and Global Health Graduate Research Program

3 Minute read

The Population and Global Health Graduate Research Program is a supplementary learning opportunity to enrich your graduate research experience. The program offers an opportunity to share your research with other disciplines and expand your peer network.

You can find existing Graduate Research courses using our Find a Course search .

The Population and Global Health Graduate Research Program is a multidisciplinary PhD program. It is delivered through the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health.

The program provides an engaging and practical skills-based training environment and cohort experience for our graduate researchers.

As a candidate, the program enables you to maximise the value of your graduate research experience. It also helps you to make informed choices about your future career path.

It will focus on:

• public health
• health policy
• global health
• epidemiology and biostatistics.

The objectives of the program are to provide:

• a supportive and inclusive environment
• improved connection and interaction with peers and faculty
• engagement with the graduate researcher Alumni network
• support for graduate researchers in their transition to the workforce
• guidance and training in preparing for potential career opportunities.
• All workshops and seminars are optional to attend. However, all graduate researchers are highly encouraged to attend as much of the program as possible - both to benefit from the program and to connect with other graduate researchers in the School.
• A Certificate of Attendance can also be provided (on request).

This program will bring together graduate researchers from the following centres:

• Epidemiology and Biostatistics
• Health Equity, Health Policy
• Mental Health
• Nossal Institute for Global Health
• Global Burden of Disease Group.

Graduate researchers in other schools and departments across the University of Melbourne are also welcome to join the program if they find the sessions relevant to their topic of research.

Program structure:

• Workshops that run for 1-1.5 days. These will be conducted throughout the year, with themed sessions that are relevant to graduate researchers at all levels
• Ongoing monthly seminar series on PhD skills and research specialty topics, relevant to population and global health
• Online forum via Teams
• Structured mentoring program.

Participate

All graduate researchers enrolled in a Doctor of Philosophy or Master of Philosophy degree by research at the University of Melbourne are eligible to join the program.

If you’re a current University of Melbourne PhD candidate

All graduate researchers enrolled in a Doctor of Philosophy or Master of Philosophy by research at the School of Population and Global health will be automatically enrolled into the PhD program.

Please fill in this form to update your preferred contact details, your thesis topic, and what you would like to gain from the program.

Contact us with any queries.

If you want to apply for a PhD at the University of Melbourne

• Visit Study to learn how to apply.
• Once you’re accepted as a PhD candidate, contact us to learn more about the program.

First published on 22 February 2022.

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Why Employees Who Work Across Silos Get Burned Out

• Eric Quintane,
• Jung Won Lee,
• Camila Umaña Ruiz,
• Martin Kilduff

And how companies can better support these important cross-functional workers.

When employees collaborate across silos, there are numerous benefits for organizations. But the employees who do this critical work — also known as boundary spanners or network brokers — may end up overwhelmed, burned out, and can even develop abusive behavior toward their fellow employees. Research shows why this can happen, and suggests three key strategies companies can use to mitigate any negative effects: strategically integrating cross-silo collaboration into formal roles, providing adequate resources, and developing check-in mechanisms and opportunities to disengage.

In today’s fast-paced and complex business environment, fostering collaboration across organizational silos, whether between different teams, divisions, or regional offices, is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. It is key to improving performance, unlocking innovation, and speeding up coordination .

• Eric Quintane is an associate professor of organizational behavior at ESMT Berlin. He holds a PhD in management from the University of Melbourne in Australia. His research focuses on understanding the dynamics of interpersonal networks and their consequences for individuals (such as innovative performance or burnout).
• SL Sunny Lee is an Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior and the Deputy Director of Diversity and Inclusion at UCL School of Management. She has a PhD from London Business School. Her research focuses on identifying biases within human resources processes, such as recruitment and promotion, and the psychological implications of workplace behaviors.
• JL Jung Won Lee is an assistant professor of organizational behavior at ESSEC Business School. She has a PhD from UCL School of Management. Her research focuses on psychological antecedents and consequences of interpersonal networks.
• CR Camila Umaña Ruiz is a consultant and Assistant Professor in Organizational Behavior and HR at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. She has a PhD from Universidad de los Andes. Her research focuses on interpersonal and organizational antecedents and consequences of job stress and burnout.
• Martin Kilduff is Professor and Director of Research at UCL School of Management. He has a PhD from Cornell University. His research focuses on interpersonal social networks in organizations.

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Graduate Research

Doctoral Program in Economics

• Arrow-right #8 Globally for graduate employability

Course overview

What is it about.

The Doctoral Program in Economics at the University of Melbourne is the leading PhD program in the region and sits among the world’s top graduate research programs. This program is jointly offered by the Department of Economics and Australia’s pre-eminent economic and social policy research institution, the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research . The diversity and depth of available research advisors and research topics in theoretical and applied economics in Australia is unparalleled in the region.

The Doctoral Program in Economics is made up of a 2-year Master of Commerce coursework program followed by a 3-year PhD.

Generous scholarships are available for high achieving applicants, including full fee waivers and a stipend of AUD 37,000 per year (2024 RTP rate).

Research conference travel funding of AUD$15,000 is available to all confirmed PhD candidates.

Our students have access to state-of-the-art experimental labs, funding support for national and international conference travel and access to all major research databases. Each year’s intake consists of up to 15 domestic and international students, providing a solid cohort learning experience.

In the Doctoral Program in Economics, we provide a collegiate environment in which all aspects of being an economist, from technical skills, the ability to formulate and undertake independent research, and to clearly communicate your findings, are developed to the highest level.

Register to attend an information session

Who is it for?

This program is designed for students with prior training in economics or a related discipline with a strong analytical/mathematical component, who wish to gain advanced skills necessary to practice as a professional economist in the public or private sectors.

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For Australia’s most vulnerable, the budget didn’t do nearly enough

The Albanese government has had three budgets now to show some bravery in addressing unwaged poverty. Its offerings are paltry.

Benjamin Clark

May 17, 2024

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has unapologetically sold his budget as one for “middle Australia”, undoubtedly with an eye towards swing voters at the next election.

But in doing so, he continues a sorry tradition of Australian governments neglecting those not well off enough to qualify as middling. 

What help there is for those on Struggle Street remains shamefully paltry.

Middle-class welfare?

Chalmers’ main pitch to “middle Australia” was his $300 energy payments, available to all Australian households. Some commentators, such as Rachel Withers , denounced this policy and the lack of targeted support for low-income earners as “middle-class welfare”.

I, however, find this particular insult irksome. Genuine “middle-class welfare”, like universal child payments and pensions, for instance, can reduce inequality, administrative burden and build a broad coalition of supporters. The Nordic countries, for instance, have entrenched generous welfare states in part by offering benefits to all classes, so they have a stake in defending said benefits from future cuts.

But not all “middle-class welfare” is created equal. These one-off energy handouts will hardly build long-term solidarity around structural egalitarian change. Rather, they provide a short-term, pre-election sugar hit, then kick the harder stuff down the road.

And in this case, universality does actually undercut the poor, as the interaction of their bill relief and Centrelink’s calculations will likely lead to lower welfare indexation .

Universal basic handouts

I doubt the payments will exert devastating inflationary pressure, as the more hysterical end of the business press are hyperventilating about — though they won’t help. But in finding fiscal room for this cash splash amid an otherwise tightened belt, the government has invited the question: why couldn’t room be found for more impactful changes at the bottom end?

If you could afford this handout that next to no one was calling for, what about the raise to JobSeeker that virtually every sensible economist, charity worker and compassionate individual has been requesting for decades? It’s difficult to cry poor when you’re giving everyone $300.

And if this was what they could afford, could they not have structured the payments differently to deliver more support to those doing it tough? The Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), for instance, suggested targeting $2,000 payments to the almost 90,000 households participating in “hardship programs” offered by energy retailers. The council estimates that would’ve cost $350 million per year — around 10% of what the government’s scheme will cost.

I usually detest means testing, but this was an odd instance to eschew it. The government chose to means-test its payments for tertiary students on placements — a miserly and pointless administrative hurdle . But it chose to embrace universalism on energy, of all things, where some inflationary impact is a higher risk, consumption habits vary across income levels, and added price signals for the wealthy could indeed be a good thing. High energy bills might be the push that Richard from Toorak needs to get solar panels.

There is little policy justification — only an electoral one. As Ross Gittins recently wrote , “any money Labor spends helping one of the most deserving groups in society is money it can’t spend trying to buy the votes of the less deserving”.

An extra $9 for renters

Albanese’s ministers might protest that they did offer one extra crutch for those struggling to afford housing, however. The budget included a 10% rise to Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA), off the back of a 15% rise last year.

This is a welcome relief, but insufficient. ACOSS estimates a single person receiving the maximum rate will be just $9.40 a week better off.

Last year the Grattan Institute proposed a raise of at least 40%. The two recent rises total 25% — still 15% under. And since then, rents have risen another 8.5%. By my reckoning, the government needs to double its prior raises, adding another 25% to the payment to play catch up.

Indexation of the payment has not kept pace with actual rent growth, and the maximum allowance has not kept pace with rents for low-income earning recipients.

Here a dose of universalism could be more helpful. Given most Australian renters have relatively short-term contracts, most have been affected by rising rents either in their hip pocket or via long stretches of home hunting and insecurity. Why not make CRA available to all renters, without the means tests? Any resulting inflation would be negligible and more readily justified on equity grounds.

Stunned silence on JobSeeker

Finally, Chalmers last week flagged that there would be “additional steps in the budget” to adopt some of the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee’s (EIAC) recommendations . Baby steps, perhaps.

But the EIAC’s headline recommendation , that JobSeeker be increased by approximately $17 a day as a “first priority” in the budget, was conveniently ignored. The committee last month described JobSeeker as “seriously inadequate”. It still is.

In 1996, the dole was about 90% of the pension. The 90s were hardly some socialistic aberration; it was when Chalmers’ hero and PhD subject Paul Keating was dolling out otherwise tough economic medicine. They made their mistakes, but at least the Hawke and Keating governments had the reforming zeal to make sweeping changes instead of merely tinkering at the edges; and the social conscience to lift the bottom up instead of cynically playing to the median denominator.

Chalmers has had three fiscal outings now — more than enough time to show some backbone on addressing unwaged poverty. That they haven’t yet substantially increased JobSeeker (aside from one $20-a-week increase last year) is his government’s greatest failure of its first term.

Albanese might have a “three-term plan”, but due to decades of neglect, dole recipients measure their plans in days, even hours. They need immediate help — and with an election due next year, their patience with this government’s prevarication is understandably running out.

About the Author

Columnist @ben_clark56

Benjamin Clark is a writer and media worker based in Melbourne. His work has appeared in Crikey , The Age , Junkee and Kill Your Darlings .

• 2024 federal budget
• cost of living
• energy bills
• middle class welfare
• rental crisis
• welfare payments

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Enough with the social vandalism already. Seems as if these goons imagine they inhabit a different society to the one they’re so effectively sabotaging.

I know, the Coalition has always been atrocious for the poor and disadvantaged. But after the last two years did anyone really believe that this government will ever do enough for those needing help? Labor is going after the voters abandoned by the Coalition when the latter descended into (hopefully terminal) madness. They clearly don’t fear losing the vulnerable demographics, don’t see the need to court them. Neither do they seem to see enough political benefit in courting those they’ve already lost. I really hope that’s a grave miscalculation on their part. Although I wouldn’t be surprised if they sought to govern with the Coalition rather than with the Greens and independents should they not anttract enough votes to govern in their own right at the next election. It’s time for people to abandon wishful thinking and face the reality – Labor is not the Labor from 30 or 40 years ago. They don’t represent the demographics they represented then.

I regard the $300 power rebate as offensive. I do not need it nor do the majority of acquaintances/friends. My vote would cost a great deal more than $300 – if it could be bought. Which it cannot. Meantime thousands of Australians are living in tents, cars & under bridges with no prospect of a power bill to discount.

Ok, but what about all the people for whom it is a substantial help ?

Means testing is complex, inefficient, inconsistent bureaucratic overhead.

We have a progressive tax system that, for all its flaws, does an efficient and mostly effective job of extracting proportionally a lot more money out of higher income earners than lower.

Make assistance – any assistance – universal and let the tax system make things progressive.

I think people forget this. Chalmers has also tried explaining it, but journalists aren’t listening and perpetuating the narrative that the government is just “giving rich people money”.

The establishment loves means testing because it reinforces the “user pays” principle.

There’s a simple way Chalmers could end this accusation. The response to journos should be, “Would you want the ATO to share your income details with all of Austalia’s energy providers?”

The clear answer is no. And that’s why the rebate is going across the board – only the ATO is privy to details of income therefore it comes down to respecting confidentiality.

One would’ve thought that amongst Chalmers’ entourage there would be one bright spark who could’ve nutted out that effective response. Apparently not.

I am sure there are plenty of bright sparks in Chalmers’s office. The problem is with the msm. I can just imagine the headlines: Treasurer threatens to release tax files to energy providers.

So why the miserly means testing of the paltry pay for student placements? It seems they just like to flaunt their hypocrisy and lack of principles. Is that what Charmless’ dopey grin is about?

As ACOSS suggested, give $2K to households in energy providers’ hardship programmes.

This is just outsourcing the means testing to the private sector, and suffers the same issues.

It just creates unnecessary complexity and doubling up of effort. The ATO knows who is poor because the ATO knows how much everyone earns each year.

As a renter, I’m wondering how to spend my extra $9.40. A lettuce, and a couple of pieces of fruit? A fillet of free-range chicken? The luxury of a coffee and a home-made biscuit in a decent cafe? Oh, wait; it’s all been swallowed by rent increases and cost of living.

Why not make CRA available to all renters, without the means tests? This sounds like the First Home Buyers Grant, but for renters. Wouldn’t landlords just put up the rent?

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