McKell Institute NSW

The McKell Institute is a progressive research institute dedicated to providing practical and innovative solutions to contemporary policy challenges.

Meet Our Executive Director

Edward Cavanough

Edward Cavanough joined The McKell Institute as Director of Policy in August 2015.

He has since led the Institute’s research on a variety of issues, including economic inequality, international trade, retirement adequacy, industrial relations, indigenous policy, workplace entitlements, tax reform, infrastructure provision and more.

In addition to his policy work, Edward’s analysis and journalism has been published in Washington Post, Foreign Policy, Al Jazeera, ABC News, the South China Morning Post, The Hill, The Guardian, The Sydney Morning Herald, and others, and includes reporting from Afghanistan, China, Cuba, East Timor, Mongolia and Vanuatu.

He is author of ‘Divided Isles: Solomon Islands and the China Switch’ (Black Inc 2023).

He holds a BA in History & Politics from the University of Adelaide, and Masters of International Relations from the University of Sydney.

Research & Analysis

All
March 2026
// NSW
reports
Private Gain, Public Pain
The privatisation of Newcastle's public bus network has led to poor services, lower pay and...
February 2026
// AUS, NSW, QLD, SA, VIC, WA
reports
Funding Fairer Housing
A levy on unproductive land worth over $20m could deliver a 10 per cent stamp...
November 2024
// NSW
reports
Submission to the NSW Legislative Assembly’s Essential Worker Housing Inquiry
This submission canvasses the crisis in housing availability and affordability for essential workers in New...

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