Our Impact
Read our 2014-15 Annual Report
We keep a bright light shining into the darkest corners of our democracy.
Our work is respected, independent, and fundamental to creating a fairer Australia.
We started the discussion on the two speed economy by pointing out that many of us are actually suffering from the mining boom while the enormously wealthy get even more enormously wealthy.
We’re the ones who know exactly what childcare costs your family, and are making sure that governments do better for you in this area.
We all know that women are often worse off financially than men. Here at TAI we’ve done the research that tells us why, how to fix it, and who can change it.
We took it up to the gas industry for their claims that the farmers who oppose CSG are the ones responsible for higher gas prices, when it’s the move to the export market that is responsible.
We made sure that the Commission of Audit was seen for what it was, and were first to respond to a budget that could impact heavily on our most vulnerable. We also documented where budget savings could be found without impacting on those that can least afford it.
We discovered that Australia was the largest greenhouse gas emitter on a per capita basis, which drove campaigns towards legislated climate action.
Without our research findings, the Senate had no reason to save the renewable energy target, the Climate Change Authority, or the Clean Energy Finance Fund. It is due to our work that Australia still has some of the most effective policies of the carbon price.
We introduced the term ‘affluenza’ to Australia at the peak of the credit bubble of the mid-2000s.
We revealed $17.6 billion in state government subsidies to the mining industry.
Our research has challenged the belief that the mining boom is good for all Australians, by highlighting the declining fortunes of manufacturing, agriculture and tourism.
We even got you some more time with the ones you love on Go Home on Time Day.
When we talk about the ‘research that matters’ we’re talking about making real, tangible changes that wouldn’t have happened if we weren’t there to make them happen.
We are independent, we are progressive, and we are necessary.
If you’ve heard us on the radio or seen us on TV, you will be aware of just how important it is that our voice is out there. Australia is rapidly becoming a divided nation. Inhumanity seems to be underpinning policy decisions on Capital Hill just as fairness underpins all that we do.
The light on the hill may still be shining, but it’s shining on a select few. With your support, we can make it brighter. We can shift it back to brighten the lives of everyone in our community.
Donate to The Australia Institute.
What Others Say About Us
“The research and public education work of The Australia Institute is an invaluable tool for our work in encouraging a shift to a low carbon economy”. Anna McGiure, CAFNEC, Cairns
“It’s hard to get coverage on how unfair the system is. The Australia Institute has done some excellent work...” (In relation to reporting on super tax concessions) Eva Cox, “How Our Super Steals from the Poor to Give to the Rich”
“Thanks to Dr Denniss for his insightful commentary yesterday at the National Press Club - I watched it on ABC1 - but more so for his championing of the ordinary Australian on the average wage(or no wage at all). Too often "Institutes" and "think-tanks" are fronts for far-right-wing ideologues or free-marketeers or are lobby groups for powerful business interests. To have someone actually stand up for the little guy/gal who does not have much political clout was a breath of fresh air.” Supporter
“New research by The Australia Institute shows how 'slowing down the pace of coal exports would actually result in enormous benefits to the Australian economy”. Getup newsletter
“There's just one problem with this neat story: it reveals - or exploits - an ignorance of how markets work. The lobbyists' faulty logic is ably exposed by the Australia Institute's Matt Grudnoff in his paper, Cooking up a price rise.” Ross Gittins