As the NSW government considers marine management reforms, this report finds that marine parks already provide significant economic benefits, but it is too early to judge their environmental effectiveness. This short paper presents compelling evidence that: NSW marine parks are already delivering clear and demonstrable economic benefits for local communities and businesses. The protected areas...

NB The full compilation of this series was launched on 26 June 2014, called "False economies: unpacking public service efficiency" and available here > • CPD’s public service research director Christopher Stone contends that despite rhetoric to the contrary, the Australian public sector is efficient. Investigation of Australian public sector in terms of results against...

Too many ports in a storm provides a comprehensive overview of the perverse incentives and weaknesses in Queensland’s current approach to port development. As the mining investment boom turns to bust, Queensland’s port capacity has already shifted from a shortfall to a surplus. Coal ports are operating at 65 per cent capacity, well below the...

NB The full compilation of this series was launched on 26 June 2014, called "False economies: unpacking public service efficiency" and available here > • In Doing less with less, CPD public service Research Director Christopher Stone contends that sometimes cutting can cost more than it saves. Shifting responsibility to the private sector is not...

Recent debates around electricity prices and renewable energy policy have ignored the crucial factors of rapidly dropping solar technology costs, and the critical risks involved in continuing with 'business as usual'. Going solar is the first economic assessment of future electricity price shocks if fossil fuels continue to dominate. The report takes a close look...