The Australia Institute
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| Abbreviation | TAI |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1994 |
| Type | Public policy think tank |
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Director
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Ben Oquist |
| Website | tai.org.au |
The Australia Institute is an Australian think tank conducting public policy research, funded by grants from philanthropic trusts, memberships and commissioned research.
The institute began in 1994 in order to construct and commission research and policy analysis on public debates and political and social issues and trends. The institute is based in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. When it was founded the institute used a sprig of golden wattle for its logo with the motto "For a just, sustainable, peaceful future."
The current Executive Director is Ben Oquist. The previous Executive Director was Richard Denniss who is currently the chief economist. Denniss' immediate predecessor was Clive Hamilton.
The institute is left leaning and describes itself as "the country’s most influential progressive think tank" as well as saying that:
"The Institute is determined to push public debate beyond the simplistic question of whether markets or governments have all the answers to more important questions: When does government need to intervene in the market? When should it stand back? And when regulation is needed, what form should it take?"
The institute's researchers are prominent commentators on public policy issues, including work on climate change and emissions trading, taxation policy, paid parental leave and unemployment. The institute is also known for its work on environment, taxation, health, consumer affairs and trade practices.
The institute is active in promoting global warming mitigation measures, and has been critical of the Australian federal government's perceived lack of action on climate change. The institute was critical of the Howard Government's decision to refuse to ratify the . It claims that the former Prime Minister and some senior ministers deny the scientific evidence for global warming and that the resources sector drives government energy policy. Leaked minutes of a meeting between the Energy Minister, the Prime Minister and fossil fuel lobbyists provide evidence for these claims.
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