David Johnston

Professor (Research), Centre for Health Economics

Core expertise

Health economics
Labour economics
Microeconomics

Biography

David's broad research interests are in health economics, labour economics, and microeconometrics; but he has a particular interest in the economics of mental health and wellbeing, and the economic impacts of people's environment. His current research is funded by an ARC Discovery Projects titled "Microeconomic Impacts of Australian Natural Disasters" and "Microeconometric Analysis of Socioeconomic Inequity in Mental Healthcare", an ARC Linkage Project with Beyond Blue titled "Insecure Work and the Mental Health of Workers and their Families", and a Wellcome Trust grant titled "Health and Economic Benefits of Water-Sensitive Revitalisation in Informal Urban Settlements".

articles

A woman pushing a trolley in a supermarket aisle

Undernourished, stressed and overworked: Cost-of-living pressures are taking a toll on Australians’ health

Despite signs that inflation is levelling off, Australians could feel the health impacts of high prices for some time.

Business and economy

Bushfire-damaged trees regrowing in a forest

Disaster survivors feel more prepared for the next one, but are often left out of planning

Research suggests one of the greatest assets following a disaster is the people who experience them. But this asset is hugely under-utilised.

Medicine and health

I get locked down, I get up again ...

Research on the UK's COVID-19 lockdown shows that those who coped best with the challenge have high levels of self-efficacy – a self-belief in their ability to successfully accomplish goals and solve difficult problems.

Business and economy

The hidden cost of disasters

Buildings can be replaced, but how do events such as devastating bushfires and floods affect our mental and financial resilience?

Environment