Research
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‘It’s the Thought That Counts’ – $980m of Christmas gifts will go to waste: The Australia Institute New research from The Australia Institute has revealed that nearly one third of Australians (30%) are expecting to receive a gift that they will never use this Christmas. Three in ten (30%), or approximately 7.3 million Australians will receive gifts they expect they will never use or wear this Christmas, representing a total value of $980 million in wasted presents (see Method section for calculations).Key resultsThree in four Austral...
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New Study Shows Majority Support Christmas Boost for Newstart Recipients New Research from The Australia Institute has revealed that a majority of Australians would like to see Newstart recipients receive a bonus payment to help meet the increased costs of the holiday period. Key findings; Two in three Australians (63%) support a holiday supplement for Newstart recipients. Only 25% oppose a supplement A majority of Australians in each income group support a holiday supplement, except for those in...
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The National Climate Disaster FundA National Climate Disaster Fund should be established to reduce the cost burden of natural disaster response and recovery to Australian households and taxpayers.It should be funded by a levy on coal, gas and oil production, as multinational fossil fuel companies profit from climate change but make a very small contribution to the communities that bear its costs. -
Disinformation is the real winner in government’s light touch response to the ACCC Digital Platforms InquiryThis briefing note from the Australia Institute's Centre for Responsible Technology examines the government's response to the ACCC Digital Platforms Inquiry.The landmark ACCC Digital Platform Inquiry was a great opportunity for the Australian government to lead much needed reform in the online media and advertising industry.However, the Government chose to deliver a light touch response on the issues which have been clearly and thorough...
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Murray Darling ‘top cop’ blind to Basin’s problems As Murray Darling Basin Water Ministers meet today to discuss the future of the Basin management, new research by the Australia Institute shows that the Murray-Darling Basin's new Inspector General, former AFP Commissioner Mick Keelty, has ignored key issues in his first annual report on the Northern Basin.The ministerial council is likely to work on the details of the Inspector General role, expanding from the original role, despite the fla...
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HeatWatch - Extreme heat in the KimberleyIncreases in extreme heat events in the Kimberley region will have severe impacts on the wellbeing of people in the region, particularly indigenous communities. It will also impact key industries, including tourism and agriculture, and damage natural ecosystems.
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No Legal Basis for Australia’s Use of Kyoto Credits According to a new report released today, rather than reduce its emissions today Australia is claiming it can rely on ‘credits’ generated decades ago under old accounting rules in a separate treaty that have no place in the Paris regime. The report commissioned by the Australia Institute from Climate Analytics, examines the nature, scale and legal implications of Australia’s proposed use of ‘Kyoto carryover’ credits to meet its obligations under...
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Majority Support for National Net-Zero Emissions by 2050 New Research from The Australia Institute has revealed that a majority (62%) of Australians support a national target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 or earlier. While every Australian State and Territory already has a target of reaching net zero emissions by 2050, the Federal Government has refused to commit to the policy. The research has been released ahead of Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor’s appearance at the Un...
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South Australians Overwhelmingly Reject Allowing Poker Machines to Accept Notes New research from The Australia Institute has revealed that four in five South Australians (80%) believe that allowing poker machines to accept notes will increase harm in the community. Key findings; - 4 in 5 South Australians (80%) believe allowing poker machines to accept notes would increase the level of harm that results from poker machine addiction - ...
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Secondary boycotts in Australia - History and contextAustralia has a long history of secondary boycotts, which have been widely used for causes now generally accepted. Expanding laws primarily intended to limit union power to outlaw advocacy campaigns is illiberal, and would require significant changes to the law.