The Centre of Policy Studies
and the IMPACT Project
The Centre of Policy Studies (CoPS), incorporating the Impact Project, specializes in
computable general equilibrium (CGE) modelling. CoPS undertakes academic/contract research and software development, conducts training courses in CGE modelling and offers graduate student supervision.
MONASH, a detailed, dynamic CGE model of Australia,
has been used to analyse many economic policies, including changes in taxes, tariffs,
environmental regulations and competition policy. MONASH simulations also underlie
detailed forecasts of labour market demand and income distribution.
MMRF, a dynamic CGE model of Australia's states and
territories, has been used for a wide range of applications including analyses of
greenhouse issues. MMRF3 is the latest version of the model and has been used recently in
the analysis of the Potential Benefits of the National Reform Agenda.
TERM, a new highly disaggregated model of 57 Australian
sub-state regions, is a useful tool for examining the impacts of shocks that affect
specific regions, e.g., drought.
CoPS has taken its modelling techniques overseas, completing projects in South Africa,
Brazil, Taiwan, Thailand, China and other countries. MONASH-USA, a 500 industry dynamic computable general equilibrium model
of the US economy, is being developed in collaboration with the US International Trade
Commission. A simpler single-country model called ORANI-G has
been created as a pattern on which to base models of other countries.
CoPS modelling relies on the GEMPACK software, developed at
the unit, and used in over 400 other locations in 60 countries.
CoPS runs several training courses in CGE modelling each
year. These courses are aimed at those who need background in CGE modelling to work with
results from CGE models like ORANI-G and MONASH, or who wish to use GEMPACK to
build their own models.
CoPS news
Working Paper No. G-178 Does it Matter Whether Market Distortions are Evaluated Using
Comparative-statics or Dynamics?, by Peter G. Mavromatis and George Verikios (abstract and download) is now available.
Working Paper No. G-177 Welfare effects of unilateral changes in tariffs: the case of
Motor vehicles and parts in Australia, by Peter B. Dixon and Maureen T. Rimmer (abstract and download) is now available.
Philip Adams to deliver 50th Anniversary Public Lecture. As part of Monash's 50th
Anniversary Public Lecture Series, Professor Philip Adams from the Centre of Policy
Studies will be delivering the following lecture at BMW Edge at Federation Square on
Thursday 27 November from 6-7.30pm.
Lecture: Insurance against catastrophic climate change: How much will an Emissions
Trading Scheme cost Australia?
Speaker: Professor Philip Adams An Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is the basis for
the Rudd government's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Economic modelling
by the Centre of Policy Studies has been a key input to the ETS policy debate. Philip
Adams has been directing this modelling, and his presentation will explore the likely
costs and benefits of an ETS for Australian industries and regions.
Registrations.