Policy in the Pub: What happens when economists go to prison?

Synopsis 

The 2015 Harper inquiry made far reaching recommendations for reform of human services. At the same time, the Economic Regulation Authority of WA was inquiring into the operation and costs of the WA prison system. In this talk, Professor Stephen King, who Chaired the prison review, will talk about its findings. In particular, he will consider how applying basic economic principles, such as the relationship between information and incentives, can lead to big gains in prisons and human services more generally. 

About the speaker

Stephen King is Professor of Economics and Co-director of the Business Policy Forum at Monash University. He is also a Member of the Western Australian Economic Regulation Authority and a Member of the National Competition Council. He is currently chairing the federal government review of pharmacy remuneration and regulation. Prior to joining Monash, Stephen was a Member of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, and in July this year will take up the appointment of Commissioner with the Productivity Commission. Stephen’s main areas of expertise are in competition economics, regulation and industrial organization. Stephen has advised numerous government agencies and private businesses and has provided expert testimony to the courts on regulation and competition economics.