Latest Reports
10 September 2017
Next Generation: the long-term future of the National Electricity Market
Australia’s electricity system is under pressure like never before. Work should start immediately on a new ‘capacity mechanism’ in case it is needed to ensure reliable supplies in future.
2 August 2017
Regional patterns of Australia’s economy and population
The popular idea that the economic divide between Australia’s cities and regions is getting bigger is a misconception. Beneath the oft-told ‘tale of two Australias’ is a more nuanced story.
21 May 2017
Powering through: how to restore confidence in the National Electricity Market
Urgent action is needed to reduce the risk of power blackouts this summer. But the danger is politicians panicking and rushing to decisions that push up electricity prices and make it harder to cut emissions. What’s needed is market reform, not government investments in generation.
1 May 2017
Building better foundations for primary care
Simple reforms to Australia’s health system could help save more than $320 million a year on avoidable hospital admissions and provide better care for people with diabetes, asthma, heart disease and other chronic conditions.
19 March 2017
What price value capture?
State governments should be wary of following the Turnbull Government’s advice to introduce “value capture” schemes to fund major new transport projects. A broad-based, low-rate land tax may be a better option.
13 March 2017
Price shock: Is the retail electricity market failing consumers?
Competition in electricity retailing has failed to deliver lower prices and better services for consumers. Governments will need to step in and re-regulate prices if the industry does not lift its game.
5 March 2017
Cutting a better drug deal
Australians pay more than $500 million a year too much for their prescription drugs. Taxpayers and patients would pay less if the Federal Government made simple changes to the way prices are set under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
26 February 2017
Stagnation nation? Australian investment in a low-growth world
Is Australia at risk of economic stagnation as the mining investment boom fades? While the decline in business investment is no cause for panic, policymakers must do more to ensure we remain a dynamic, growing economy.
5 February 2017
Engaging students: creating classrooms that improve learning
Forty per cent of Australian school students are unproductive in a given year. The education system needs comprehensive reform to tackle widespread student disengagement in class.
4 December 2016
Shared interest: a universal loan fee for HELP
A 15 per cent loan fee on all new tertiary education lending could save the Commonwealth $700 million a year and make HELP fairer and stronger.