Working Draft — LGIT framework unpublished. Shared for feedback only. Please do not cite or distribute without permission.
Future Directions
Extending the HILDA × LGIT evidence layer for deeper analysis and broader impact
What We Have Built
The current evidence layer demonstrates what's possible with publicly available HILDA data. The extensions below would significantly expand analytical capabilities and impact.
HILDA Microdata Access
PlannedApply for HILDA microdata access to enable individual-level regression, panel analysis, and causal inference studies.
- Submit ethics application to DSS
- Individual-level K10 trajectory analysis
- Causal identification via panel methods
- Subgroup heterogeneity analysis
- Identify causal mechanisms behind distress persistence
- Track individual transitions between distress states
- Control for confounding variables
Historical Backfill (2009-2017)
Ready to StartExtend the evidence layer backward using earlier HILDA Statistical Reports to establish pre-GFC baseline and long-run trends.
- Digitize tables from 2009-2017 reports
- Harmonize variable definitions across periods
- Establish pre-GFC distress baseline
- Track 15-year legitimacy trajectory
- Compare COVID response to GFC response
- Identify structural breaks in trajectories
- Longer time series for forecasting
Cross-Survey Integration
PlannedLink HILDA evidence with Scanlon Mapping Social Cohesion data to connect individual wellbeing with social trust indicators.
- Align temporal coverage (2015-2023)
- Map LGIT constructs across surveys
- Develop composite legitimacy index
- Test cross-survey validation
- Unified Australian legitimacy indicator
- Individual-collective linkage analysis
- Stronger LGIT empirical foundation
Real-Time Monitoring
FutureBuild automated ingestion pipeline for new HILDA releases and supplementary surveys to enable near-real-time tracking.
- Automated PDF table extraction
- Annual report ingestion pipeline
- Supplementary survey integration (COVID modules)
- Alert system for trend changes
- Reduce publication lag from months to days
- Early warning system for legitimacy shifts
- Continuous evidence layer updates
International Comparison
FutureBenchmark Australian trajectories against comparable OECD panel surveys (SOEP, BHPS/UKHLS, PSID).
- Identify comparable measures in SOEP (Germany)
- Map to UKHLS (UK) and PSID (US)
- Harmonize measurement approaches
- Cross-national legitimacy comparison
- Australia in global context
- Identify common vs. country-specific patterns
- Policy learning across jurisdictions
Policy Brief Series
Ready to StartTranslate LGIT findings into actionable policy briefs for government departments, NGOs, and research partners.
- Executive summaries for policymakers
- Department-specific briefs (Treasury, DSS, Health)
- NGO sector guidance documents
- Media-ready data visualizations
- Bridge research-policy gap
- Influence policy discourse
- Establish IRSA as thought leader
Suggested Priority Sequence
Collaborate With Us
The LGIT evidence layer is designed to be extended. We welcome collaborations with researchers, policy analysts, and organizations interested in legitimacy measurement.