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This study uses stated preference experiments to examine labour market preferences of 309 workers retrenched by the Australian automotive industry for non‐pecuniary job attributes denoting job quality and meaningfulness. We find that autonomy and employer reputation for good work policies and practices are the two most important non‐pecuniary job attributes, with compensating wage differentials of roughly $5 per hour for greater autonomy and better employer reputation. Job security and skill utilisation are also important, but less so, with compensating wage differentials between $1 and $3 per hour for greater security and fewer training requirements. Workers' strongest preference is not for a particular type of work, but rather for a particular type of employer, suggesting that labour market policy might pay more attention to regulating the quality of workplaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stated preference surveys and qualitative engagement were used to examine the potential for change in Australian urban growth dynamics. We found that residents with strong preferences for large and mid-sized cities appear unlikely to change their preferences. However, 21 percent of individuals currently living in large cities were open to moving to mid-sized cities. 54 percent of respondents placed a high importance on quality of life, local healthcare, and affordable housing. Employment is a pivotal barrier to relocation. To encourage regional growth, we recommend: developing local employment, supporting remote work, investing in post-retirement living infrastructure, and increasing local educational services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]