Briefing paper
The economic challenges ahead for government
This paper discusses some of the major economic challenges facing the re-elected Australian Government: budget repair, fiscal reform, productivity growth and housing. It finds that many of the government's fiscal and policy problems are unlikely to resolve without decisive reform. The paper argues that the government must now take fiscal discipline, productivity growth and housing...
Report
The ties that bind: reconciling value pluralism and national identity
This report explores whether value pluralism – the recognition that people will continue to hold fundamentally different moral, religious and cultural beliefs – is compatible with a cohesive national identity in a liberal democracy. It argues that Australia’s future cohesion depends not on suppressing disagreement, but on managing it fairly. The report proposes five policy...
Briefing paper
How to vandalise savings: the new superannuation tax
This paper argues against the Government's proposed new tax on individuals’ total superannuation balances. It focuses on critiquing three key design features: the absence of indexation; the taxation of unrealised capital gains; and the treatment of defined benefit schemes.
Report
Riches from royalties: how Australia’s states and territories depend on mining
Australian states and territories are set to earn over $73 billion in mining royalties between 2024–25 and 2027–28. This report highlights the role of mining royalties in funding public services and infrastructure and warns against jeopardising this revenue stream. It provides policy recommendations and examines alternative mechanisms for capturing resource value.
Report
Rooftop solar: paradise lost
Rooftop solar has been lauded by energy market bodies, policymakers, the media and environmental groups as a great way to lower bills, help the environment and help the grid. While rooftop solar may have lowered bills for homeowners able to install it, this paper posits that it has done so by increasing bills for everyone...