Canberra and the federal departments of Family and Community Services,

Health and Aged Care, and Employment, Training and Youth Affairs. NATSEM aims to enhance social and economic policy debate and analysis by developing high quality models, applying them in relevant research and supplying consultancy services. NATSEM’s key area of expertise lies in developing and using microdata and microsimulation models for a range of purposes, including analysing the distributional impact of social and economic policy. The NATSEM models are usually based on individual records of real (but unidentifiable) Australians. This base produces great flexibility, as results can be derived for small subgroups of the population or for all of Australia. NATSEM ensures that the results of its work are made widely available by publishing details of its products and research findings. Its technical and discussion papers are produced by NATSEM’s research staff or visitors to the Centre, are the product of collaborative efforts with other organisations and individuals, or arise from commissioned research (such as conferences). Its policy papers are designed to provide rapid input to current policy debates and are not externally refereed. It must be emphasised that NATSEM does not have views on policy: all opinions are the authors ’ own and are not necessarily shared by NATSEM or its core funders