Steve is a recent Bachelor of Economics (Hons) graduate from the University of Queensland where he majored in Natural Resources and Environment. He recently completed his honours thesis where he investigated the behaviour of self-reporting firms in a credit-based carbon offset scheme. His research involved the design and testing of a model of a market-based instrument using both monetary (fine) and disqualification penalties. He found that, in an experimental setting with probabilistic monitoring and verification, different penalty structures influenced reporting levels in a predictable way.
As a new addition to the team at Natural Capital Economics, Steve looks forward to using evidence-based approaches to inform decision-making and has already made meaningful contributions to various projects. This has included undertaking an options assessment for a major water infrastructure project in Queensland, analysis of regulatory requirements for intensive horticulture on the Sunshine Coast and data stocktake for socio-economic reporting in the Murray-Darling Basin. Prior to finishing his studies, Steve interned at Deloitte Access Economics in Brisbane where he provided research and analytic support for projects in the areas of natural resources, tourism and transport.