The Mitchell Institute monitors the performance of Australia's education system, with a specific focus on developing and advocating for policies that reduce inequality.

Our work identifies who is experiencing reduced opportunities in education, the factors driving inequality and the policy solutions that will provide greater opportunities for all young people to succeed in education and their life beyond.

Key contacts

Peter Hurley
Director, Mitchell Institute
Child painting at preschool
Report

Stepping up: New report maps preschool policies & progress in Australia

17 February 2021

In the context of persistent educational inequality, this report explores preschool policies, enrolments and costs around Australia, finding reform is urgently needed.

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News

Preschool enrolment rates decline in the eastern states as families pay double

15 February 2021

Many eastern state families are paying around double what families in other states and territories pay for preschool, our new report finds.

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Opinion

Early childhood educators are leaving in droves. Here are 3 ways to keep them & attract more

15 January 2021

The Conversation: Childcare centres across Australia are suffering staff-shortages, which have been exacerbated by the COVID crisis, but here's how to keep educators and attract more.

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Opinion

2021 is the year Australia’s international student crisis really bites

14 January 2021

The Conversation: While much of the economy is in post-pandemic recovery, the international education sector continues to decline and is yet to reach its lowest point.

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Report

Every early childhood educator matters

21 December 2020

It has never been so important to support Australia’s early childhood workforce. The Mitchell Institute's new report provides evidence for a new early childhood workforce strategy for Australia.

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Opinion

The child-care sector needs an overhaul, not more tinkering

17 November 2020

The Conversation: Several Liberal MPs are calling for child-care costs to be tax-deductible, but will families be better off.

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Opinion

Preschool is shaping up to be a federal election issue

12 November 2020

The Conversation: Victoria has pledged a $169.9 boost for preschool to reduce fees. It comes as there is a growing focus on early childhood education and care more broadly.

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Opinion

300,000 fewer students - it’s not just unis that will feel their loss

10 November 2020

The Conversation: The international student crisis is causing a population shock that is only going to get worse, a new report by the Mitchell Institute has found.

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Report

Australia to lose half its international students by mid 2021

10 November 2020

New report explores the current decline in international students in Australia following COVID-19 restrictions and models potential further falls that could occur if Australia's borders remain closed.

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