Policy experts often think alike, even when the evidence contradicts them. CIS researchers Jennifer Buckingham, Andrew Norton, Phil Rennie, Jeremy Sammut, and Peter Saunders argue that this is how billions of dollars are spent on government programs that don't work. The CIS social policy 'mythbusting team' refute six myths that have led to poor policymaking...

New political expenditure disclosure rules, aimed at organisations that run no candidates in elections but may nevertheless influence public opinion, could have a 'chilling effect' on political expression.New political expenditure disclosure rules, aimed at organisations that run no candidates in elections but may nevertheless influence public opinion, could have a 'chilling effect' on political expression...

Australia’s centrally-controlled system of allocating university places has failed to adjust to either student or labour market demand argues Andrew Norton. A market system, in which universities set the number of places and student fees, would do a better job of supplying Australia’s workforce. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Politicians and academics argue that we need more people...

In this paper Andrew Norton argues that a more realistic loan cap needs to be implemented so that the federal government’s FEE-HELP scheme can achieve its stated objectives of reducing unmet demand and assisting students to access their preferred course. FEE-HELP has the potential to reform higher education radically, as it extends loans to all...

The federal government plans to introduce 'voluntary student unionism' into Australia's universities by banning the current compulsory fee for non-academic services. This paper argues that market-based policies offer a practical alternative to the current VSU policy and the non-political services fee suggested by the ALP and the National Party.