Bankwest and Curtin University renew support for Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre

Bankwest and Curtin University have extended their Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre partnership with the signing of a new head funding agreement, which extends support for the BCEC’s independent research program for a further three years.

Founded in 2012, BCEC has been delivering impactful research for over 13 years. With the support of our founding partners, BCEC has built a strong reputation as a WA-based national social and economic research centre over this time.

The Centre’s research shines a light on challenges and solutions to key public policy areas like housing affordability, gender equity, poverty, and economic diversification.

BCEC Director Professor Alan Duncan said the funding renewal matters for both Western Australia and the nation.

“Perth may be at the edge of the nation, but our research puts WA at the centre of national policy conversations,” Professor Duncan said. “From housing affordability to workforce planning, we are helping ensure local evidence informs decisions that affect communities across the country.”

BCEC’s governance is strengthened by Advisory Board Chair Ralph Addis, former Director General of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and CEO of Lotterywest and Healthway.

“What sets the BCEC apart is its commitment to independence and its discipline in keeping evidence at the centre of public decision-making,” Mr Addis said.

“This partnership renewal gives the Centre the stability it needs to keep doing that work well – investing in capability, tackling emerging issues early and giving policymakers across Australia access to analysis they can rely on.”

Urban Development Institute of Australia (WA) CEO Tanya Steinbeck said that BCEC’s research informs real-world decisions for developers, planners and policymakers. 

“BCEC’s evidence-based insights offer developers, planners and policymakers a trusted data source to support more impactful decisions, tackling WA’s housing challenges and shaping communities that are more affordable, sustainable and liveable for everyone.”

The renewed BCEC agreement reflects a shared commitment to using trusted evidence-based research to help shape tangible outcomes for Australians, and Bankwest and Curtin University are excited to continue backing the Centre’s work and the transformational impact its research is making across the community.