The great political upset
Yesterday's deal to save ARENA and stop the cuts to welfare proves a simple point: Parliament responds to public pressure.
Yesterday's deal to save ARENA and stop the cuts to welfare proves a simple point: Parliament responds to public pressure.
The Australia Institute is part of the big policy debates in Australia. We have challenged the flawed thinking behind Australia's over-reliance on resource extraction, the economic dangers of climate change, the economic and social costs of inequality, and the need for a fairer tax system, among other issues.
We lead debates, we help drive change and with your help our impact is growing every day. Now we are taking another big step.
Welcome to The Australia Institute's 2016 Budget Review.
Firstly, the good news. No, really! In the space of one election cycle superannuation tax concessions went from bi-partisan sacred cow, to bi-partisan race to reform. The Australia Institute has put out a stack of reports calling for an overhaul of what has become one of Australia's most expensive tax breaks. The changes announced by the Treasurer last night don't go as far as we have recommended, but it's a step in the right direction, and we welcome it.
The 1st of July 2014 seems like a long time ago. We've been busy. Our research has led debates, laid out the facts, busted myths, challenged corporate and mining giants, upset more than a few lobbyists and conservatives, and changed minds.
Thank you everyone who has read our work, shared or talked about us, or chipped in to help us do what we do. We exist because you support us. To catch up on the goings on at The Australia Institute, you can now download a copy of our Annual report here.
The Australia Institute is excited to announce we are merging with Jubilee Australia Research Centre.
Jubilee Australia works to raise awareness about harmful government policies and irresponsible behaviour of Australian companies operating overseas, particularly mining companies. Jubilee began as the Australian arm of the world-wide Jubilee movement working for debt cancellation and its research examines practices that violate human rights, environmental and economic well-being in impoverished nations.
The Monthly is one of Australia’s premier political current affairs magazines. The Australia Institute’s Richard Denniss provided the cover article for the current edition, titled 'Of clowns and treasurers'.
A message from the Chair of the Board
The Australia Institute has some exciting news to announce. After 8 years at the helm Richard Denniss has decided to step down from the role of Executive Director of the Australia Institute. On behalf of the Board I would like to express my appreciation to Richard and his family for the effort he has put in, and for the results that he has achieved.
It’s amazing how controversial decisions just happen to be made in the days before Christmas. It’s almost as if decision makers didn’t want anyone to notice. So we thought we’d wait until February, once everyone is good and ready, to bring you December’s big New South Wales coal stories.