A proposed levy on tech giants could deliver hundreds of millions for Australian journalism, but current settings risk directing the funds to large media companies rather than independent media. (more…)
Category: Policy
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Rethinking Australia’s place in the world in an era of fracture
As part of our Foreign Policy Rethink series, Joseph Camilleri sets out the case for breaking with a militarised, US-aligned mindset and building a more independent, cooperative approach to security and global engagement. (more…)
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Supercharging our AI Safety Institute now could make all the difference
A modest increase in funding for Australia’s AI Safety Institute could position the country as a global leader in a fast-growing industry, while managing risks and unlocking major economic gains. (more…)
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Multiculturalism should shape Australia’s foreign policy
In the latest of our Foreign Policy Rethink series, Jocelyn Chey argues that Australia’s foreign policy must better reflect its multicultural society and leverage its diversity in international engagement. (more…)
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It’s time to tax gas exports in the national interest
The best way to stop the massive under-taxation of Australian LNG would be to fix the petroleum resource rent tax, but a quick second best would be a tax on export revenue. (more…)
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Australia can’t have self-reliant defence and nuclear submarines
In the latest in our Foreign Policy Rethink series, Mike Gilligan argues that Australia’s renewed focus on defence self-reliance is incompatible with its deepening commitment to AUKUS and nuclear submarines. (more…)
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Time for Premier Minns to “move on” his anti-protest laws
Court rulings have struck down NSW protest laws as unconstitutional, reaffirming that peaceful protest is a vital component of democratic life and cannot be curtailed by government overreach. (more…)
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Australia’s foreign policy needs renovation, not demolition
In the latest of our Foreign Policy Rethink series, Peter Varghese outlines how alliance, region and multilateralism must be recalibrated for a more contested and uncertain global order. (more…)
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The NDIS reform is a real test of Labor’s courage
The proposed NDIS overhaul marks a rare moment of substantive reform – and a test of whether the Albanese government is willing to follow through in the face of political pressure. (more…)
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We could have had fuel security by now. Let’s not make the same mistake twice
Electric vehicles are now cost-competitive and critical to reducing exposure to global fuel shocks, making faster adoption a matter of economic and national security. (more…)
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We may be making Australia’s fire problem worse – not better
Research shows that logging, thinning and prescribed burning can increase forest flammability, challenging long-held assumptions about bushfire risk reduction. (more…)
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Climate policy must work for everyday Australians
In a new book out today, Thom Woodroofe argues that climate and energy policy must connect with everyday economic pressures if it is to build lasting public support.
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NDIS and the moment Labor blinked
The NDIS overhaul is not just about costs and governance – it is a test of whether Labor still believes in the social guarantees that have defined its reformist tradition.
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Fuel security needs a rethink – and rail is part of it
Australia’s reliance on imported fuel, declining reserves and road-heavy transport system have created vulnerabilities that require urgent policy reform.
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Tune in, turn on, and drop out: the case for legalising psychedelics is stronger than ever
Decades of prohibition have failed to stop psychedelic drug use while blocking research and treatment options, raising questions about the basis of current laws.
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Non-discrimination is a core Australian value. We must defend it
Policies which link migration to “values” undermine a fundamental principle of Australia’s immigration system – fairness without discrimination.
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It takes two to make alliances and the US may run away first
As US commitment to alliances wavers, Australia faces urgent questions about its security, independence, and place in a rapidly shifting global order. (more…)
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Australia’s school system is driving inequality – not fixing it
Australia’s school system has become a self-reinforcing cycle of inequality, and without structural reform, the divide between advantaged and disadvantaged students will continue to widen.
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Shock, horror! An effective parliament in our time?
An ACT Legislative Assembly committee has strengthened proposed sentencing laws by listening to expert evidence and improving the legislation. (more…)
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Electoral laws versus free political speech
The High Court has struck down a Victorian law favouring major parties, but the bigger test lies ahead – whether federal electoral changes unlawfully entrench incumbency and disadvantage challengers. (more…)
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Values-based citizenship is vague, selective and dangerous
Angus Taylor’s plan to tie citizenship to “Australian values” rely on vague definitions and risk embedding double standards, exclusion and anti-foreign sentiment. (more…)
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Private health insurance is a painfully bad deal – and a costly one
Australia’s private health insurance system is heavily subsidised, increasingly unaffordable and delivers poor value – especially for those on lower incomes.
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Climate change, the community and the Coalition: going slower
The Coalition’s abandonment of net zero by 2050 marks a retreat from climate action, putting it at odds with public opinion and weakening Australia’s long-term response. (more…)
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By avoiding means testing, the government is giving handouts to the rich
Australia’s highly targeted tax and transfer system is being eroded by a shift toward universal benefits – redirecting support away from those who need it most.
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Albo’s signature secrecy will ultimately bring him down
A court-ordered release of the Pezzullo report is a win for transparency – but it exposes a deeper culture of secrecy and institutional failure.
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Australia’s pre-emptive strike against Iranian asylum seekers
A new law allows Australia to block entire groups of visa holders from entering the country – a sharp break from past practice with major consequences for asylum policy.
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A costly rewrite of R&D – with no price tag
Proposed changes to Australia’s R&D tax system would expand eligibility beyond genuine research, concentrate benefits among a narrow group of firms, and proceed without clear costings.
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When the world changes, economic policy must too
A new geopolitical shock is exposing the limits of economic orthodoxy, echoing past crises where sticking to old rules only deepened the damage. (more…)
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Job-ready Graduates has failed – a first step to fixing it is on the table
The Job-ready Graduates reforms have increased student debt, failed to shift enrolments, and entrenched inequality across Australia’s higher education system. (more…)
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Why “drill baby drill” won’t solve Australia’s energy problem
Calls to expand fossil fuel production ignore Australia’s real energy vulnerabilities, while electrification and renewables offer a clearer path to lower costs and greater security.