Celebrating 50 Years of the Centre of Policy Studies: A Legacy of Rigour, Innovation and Public Policy Impact

This year marks a remarkable milestone: 50 years of continuous academic achievement and public policy contribution from the Centre of Policy Studies at Victoria University.

Since our founding in 1975, CoPS has been at the forefront of applied economic modelling, producing world-leading computable general equilibrium (CGE) models, undertaking high-impact policy analysis, and supporting governments and institutions in Australia and across the globe. Some of that history is recorded here.

Alongside our modelling innovations, CoPS researchers also developed and maintain GEMPACK, the software suite now used to solve large-scale economic models at more than 700 sites in over 95 countries — a testament to the global reach and trust placed in our tools and methods.

Over five decades, our researchers have:

• advanced the frontier of economic modelling methodology,
• shaped major policy debates in taxation, trade, industry transformation and regional development,
• trained generations of CGE economists who now work in universities, government departments, international organisations and consulting firms the world over, and
• contributed thousands of peer-reviewed publications, commissioned reports and public-good models.

What has endured across all fifty years is our commitment to rigour, independence, and real-world impact. The tools may evolve — from ORANI to MONASH to MMRF, TERM, VURM, and VURMTAX, and now new frontiers like small group monopolistic competition modelling — but our mission remains the same: equipping decision-makers with evidence that matters.

To every current and former staff member, student, collaborator, and partner agency: thank you. CoPS’ achievements are your achievements.

Here’s to our first 50 years — and to the next 50 of curiosity, innovation and policy insight.

Happy Birthday, CoPS! 🎂📊