Matthew Ericson

Background

About Matthew Ericson

I’m a specialist in policy analysis and program evaluation, and particularly in the use of econometric and geographic information systems. I have a special interest in quantitative measures of socio-economic disadvantage, principally related to education, health and social services programs and policy. Prior to my affiliation with the School in 2014, I had undertaken extensive work supporting government and industry to advocate, develop, implement and evaluate programs and policy. This included undertaking a review of postgraduate policy and politics programs offered by Deakin University, and working in a policy role with the World Health Organisation. I became affiliated with the School while gathering data and developing the analytical framework for the widely-used Dropping Off the Edge report (with my colleague Assoc Prof Margot Rawsthorne). More recently, I have been retained as an expert witness for commercial law proceedings in the Supreme Court by the Australian Government Solicitor, the Commonwealth Department of Education and Training, and others. My current work includes developing health and socio-economic analysis of evidentiary standard in response to the High Court’s landmark decision in Bugmy v The Queen [2013] HCA 37. The High Court’s decision established the sentencing precedent that conditions of “profound deprivation,” including alcohol abuse and violence, do not diminish over time. I am currently identifying and preparing evidentiary research material for the Judicial Information Research System of the Judicial Commission. This includes identifying high quality research material relating to health, education and economic welfare for use by the courts and government agencies.