Robert Breunig

Professional Summary: Professor Robert Breunig

Professor Robert Breunig is a distinguished economist and academic at Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, Australia. With a robust background in economics and public policy, he has made significant contributions to the fields of labor economics, social policy, and applied econometrics through research, teaching, and policy engagement.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Breunig holds advanced degrees in economics, reflecting his deep expertise in the field:

• PhD in Economics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA (1999)
• Master of Science in Economics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
• Bachelor of Arts in Economics, University of Puget Sound, USA

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Breunig's research focuses on applied economics with an emphasis on policy-relevant issues. His key areas of interest include:

• Labor economics, particularly wage dynamics and employment outcomes
• Social policy, including welfare systems and income inequality
• Econometrics and data analysis for policy evaluation
• Taxation and public finance
• Migration and its economic impacts

Career History and Appointments

Professor Breunig has held numerous prestigious positions throughout his career:

• Professor of Economics, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University (2008–present)
• Director, Tax and Transfer Policy Institute, ANU (2016–present)
• Senior Lecturer and Lecturer, Australian National University (2002–2008)
• Economist, Australian Treasury, providing policy advice on taxation and social policy (prior to 2002)

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor Breunig has been recognized for his contributions to economics and policy research:

• Fellow, Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia (elected for distinguished contributions to social science research)
• Recipient of multiple research grants from the Australian Research Council (ARC) for projects on taxation and labor market outcomes

Key Publications

Professor Breunig has authored numerous influential papers and reports in leading academic journals and policy publications. A selection of notable works includes:

• 'The Relationship between Immigration to Australia and the Labour Market Outcomes of Australian-Born Workers' (with N. Deutscher), Economic Record (2020)
• 'Child Care Subsidies and Maternal Labor Supply' (with X. Gong), Journal of Human Resources (2014)
• 'The Effect of Survey Design on Household Reporting of Financial Difficulty' (with D. McCarthy), Journal of the Royal Statistical Society (2019)
• 'Fiscal Policy and Inequality in Australia', Tax and Transfer Policy Institute Working Paper (2018)

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Breunig's work has had a profound impact on economic policy in Australia, particularly through his leadership at the Tax and Transfer Policy Institute. His research on taxation, welfare systems, and labor markets has informed government policy and public debate, bridging the gap between academic research and real-world application. His contributions to econometrics have also advanced methodologies for evaluating policy impacts, earning him recognition among peers internationally.

Public Lectures, Committee Roles, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Breunig is actively engaged in the broader academic and policy community:

• Regular speaker at national and international conferences on economics and public policy
• Contributor to public policy discussions through media commentary and government consultations
• Member of editorial boards for journals in economics and policy studies
• Advisor on committees related to taxation and social policy reform in Australia