Economic modelling can and often does make a useful contribution to policy debates, but the fact that it sometimes can should not be confused with the conclusion that it always will. Economic modelling has, for many people involved in Australian policy debates, become synonymous with the process of serious policy development. Proponents of policy change...

Industry claims that poker machine reform will cost $5 billion can only be described as fanciful, with a new analysis by The Australia Institute showing that the cost is likely to be between $171 million and $342 million.

The most common problem with the way that economic modelling used is Australian policy debates in Australia is when good modelling is used out of context to suggest that the case for a particular policy position is stronger than the modelling actually suggests. This technical report helps explain how to read claims based on economic...

Cask wine produced from grapes grown along the Murray River is being sold for less than the cost of bottled water, this report reveals. With up to 960 litres of water used to make a single litre of cask wine, and bottled water retailing for up to $3.00 for 500ml, the Institute is concerned that...

"The future is in our hands, and it will be defined by the way we handle the current minerals boom. Get it wrong, and we falter. Get it right, and we set the nation up for decades to come."Prime Minister, the Hon. Julia Gillard