This discussion paper responds to the Australian Government's Future Gas Strategy, arguing that the information presented in the analytic report fails to justify gas expansion and would in fact be more consistent with calls for a comprehensive energy transition strategy for the southern regions.

The proposed increase in public funding and restrictions on donations for South Australian elections would unfairly favour major parties and incumbents at the expense of competitive elections. A democracy voucher model of public funding would better meet the stated objectives behind the change, while also providing for fairer elections and empowering South Australian voters.

The growing disparity between inequality of incomes and inequality of wealth is increasing the rich-poor divide in Australian society. This paper argues that rather than reducing this inequality, the tax system has become part of the problem and that tax reform is urgently needed if we are to address it.

According to the Australian Government’s Future Gas Strategy, gas is “critical” to the nation’s economy. In view of this, many Australians might be surprised to learn that a large amount of the country’s gas reserves are essentially being given away for free. This paper provides the details and recommends: a comprehensive inquiry into the mismanagement...

In 2023, approximately 4,000 gigawatt-hours of renewable energy—around 9.3% of utility scale renewable generation — was wasted, or “curtailed”. Much of this energy could be directed to off-peak hot water systems if those systems’ timing could be changed from overnight to daytime peaks. Such a change could provide flexible demand for renewable energy, delivering financial...