Report
Heartland - why the bush needs its ABC
Overview Regional media is viewed as an essential democratic institution by regional Australians, with 95 per cent accessing some type of local content each week. Regional media is an important source of news, weather, and emergency information. It also contributes to a sense of community and identity within a region.
Report
Switching off gas: an examination of declining gas demand in eastern Australia
Examines the future of domestic gas across the interconnected eastern-Australian gas market. Executive Summary Following on from our research into “domestic gas” demand specific to New South Wales, the University of Melbourne Energy Institute (MEI) have examined the future of domestic gas across the entire interconnected eastern-Australian gas market. Dramatic changes in the eastern- Australian...
Report
Passing gas: economic myths around the Northern Territory's North East Gas Interconnector pipeline
Overview The North East Gas Interconnector (NEGI) is a proposed gas pipeline between the Northern Territory and the eastern states. The project is strongly endorsed by gas companies, the Territory government and governments in other states, but analysis is lacking as to the actual benefits to Territorians and the rest of Australia. While there is...
Report
The role of ridesharing in addressing Canberra’s transport challenges
Overview The emergence of ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a potentially useful addition to Canberra’s urban transport options. Canberra faces unique transport challenges. Car ownership rates are higher in the ACT than in most states, despite almost all of the population living in the Canberra urban area. But with population predicted to almost...
Report
Establishing a gas community benefits fund
The NSW Government is considering how to establish a community benefits fund from the potential development of a coal seam gas (CSG) industry in the state. The Australia Institute made a submission. Key points: Gas company contributions to a Community Benefits Fund must be compulsory, as recommended by the Chief Scientist, not voluntary, as currently...