A survey report of more than 1,100 Australian business owners and decision-making managers. It makes clear that the pressures on small businesses have intensified. Rising costs, workforce shortages, mounting compliance obligations and mental health strain are stretching owners to their limits. The report provides both a warning and a call to action for policymakers.

Australia’s reliance on incarceration for a wide range of offences has come at a significant financial cost to taxpayers while failing to improve community safety. This report outlines the cost of prisons, trends in incarnation, the incarceration of non-violent offenders and recommendations for reform. It finds the reliance on incarcerating non-violent offenders is straining prison...

This analysis reveals there is no financial crisis at the Australian National University (ANU). Audited financial statements show that the ANU generated a $90 million surplus in 2024. The paper outlines items the auditor included and that the ANU leadership rejected. It finds the underlying declared deficit changes the audited result in ways that cannot...

This paper argues that once wind and solar push beyond roughly one-fifth of total energy supply, costs and grid difficulties begin to rise sharply – spelling the end of the renewables honeymoon in Australia. The paper explores the nature of the challenges posed in three different ways, examining the relationship between electricity prices and weather-dependent...

This research quantifies the cost and scope of the $213 million annual compliance, regulatory and red tape burden on the productivity and profitability of Australian vegetable growers. The report identifies numerous opportunities to substantially reduce compliance costs. Major challenges mainly relate to duplication of effort and other process inefficiencies. It makes 34 recommendations for change.