In NSW, groundwater users must pay to take groundwater which is traded in a market. However, in Queensland there is generally no cost for the take of groundwater beyond , a nominal fee to obtain a licence. The provision of access to a public resource like groundwater without payment can function as a hidden subsidy...

Between 16 Sept and 28 Sept 2016, the Australia Institute conducted a national survey of 1443 people selected to form a representative sample by gender, age and state. Results are shown here by gender, location, House of Representatives voting intention and income. Options were presented in randomized orders. “Coalition” combines separate results for Liberal and...

Summary A new report by the Australia Institute shows that employment and jobs growth fell in regional Queensland during the mining construction boom. Despite an unprecedented 400 percent increase in mining investment from 2010 to 2013, by 2015 employment in regional Queensland fell to below 2010 levels. While employment increased in a few mining intensive...

As the world works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it will need to burn less coal. As a result, the world will need less coal mines. In the lead up to the Paris climate talks in December 2015, President Anote Tong of Kiribati and other Pacific leaders called for a global moratorium on new coal...

This paper reflects on legislative measures that address human rights issues in global supply chains and argues that the Australian government and companies should learn from measures taken in other jurisdictions in the face of urgent human rights abuses.