Policy Monographs
Policy Monographs (PM) are pieces directly commenting on government policy, new programs or legislation.
Categories
A Fair Go: Fact or Fiction?
The Australian ideal of a fair go is fact rather than fiction. By offering all individuals the opportunity to capitalise on their ambition and natural ability, Australia’s dynamic and socially mobile... Read More
Future Submarine Project Should Raise Periscope for Another Look
Australia should not spend $40 billion to repeat the mistakes of the Collins Class submarine. Nuclear submarines, such as the US Navy’s Virginia Class submarine, would provide a much greater capability... Read More
Working Towards Self-Reliance: Three Lessons for Disability Pension Reform
To successful reduce the number of pensioners on disability support, policymakers must apply the lessons of other welfare reforms. Disability pensioners must be categorised based on their ability to work;... Read More
Australia’s Angry Mayors: How Population Growth Frustrates Local Councils
To understand the effects of a growing population on Australia’s councils, CIS surveyed local authorities from all over the country. The results are alarming. The level of frustration with inadequate... Read More
Democracy and Money: The Dangers of Campaign Finance Reform
Campaign finance reform is presented as improving Australian democracy and government by limiting ‘undue influence’. Yet the practical effect of banning, capping or disclosing political donations is... Read More
Alcohol Policy and the Politics of Moral Panic
New Zealand’s proposed liquor legislation marks a return to old attitudes towards alcohol regulation that perversely believe, in part due to dubious economic analyses, that placing restrictions on access,... Read More
Populate and Perish? Modelling Australia's Demographic Future
Since the publication of the 2010 Intergenerational Report, Australia has been debating its demographic future and whether it is desirable for the nation to grow to more than 35 million people by 2050.... Read More
Behind the Moral Curtain: The Politics of a Charter of Rights
Elise Parham argues that a federal charter of rights would be used by special interest groups as a powerful political tool. Evidence emerging in the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria – which... Read More
A Streak of Hypocrisy: Reactions to the Global Financial Crisis and Generational Debt
Dr Jeremy Sammut says that ‘household savings have collapsed due to an unnecessary dependence on welfare handouts. A new era of thrift is overdue!’ Read More
Fiscal Illusion: How Big Government Makes Tax Look Small
Sinclair Davidson in this paper canvasses an issue that cuts across all taxes and all levels of government: fiscal illusion and how it contributes to the growth of the state. Exposing the policies and... Read More
Will You Still Vote for Me in the Morning? Why Politicians Aren’t Rushing to Increase Taxes
Norton’s review of the evidence does not indicate the existence of a population keen to pay more tax. The politicians know this, which is why the Coalition delivered limited tax cuts (as well as a lot... Read More
Ten Advantages of a Federal Constitution: And How to Make the Most of Them
Australia’s federal system is being attacked and undermined with debate focussing solely on its disadvantages. Ten Advantages of a Federal Constitution: And How to Make the Most of Them sheds new light... Read More
How Much Government
Why does government continue to grow despite the declared wishes of politicians of all parties? Read More
Initiative and Referendum: The People's Law
Geoffrey Walker examines the history of direct legislation, how it is used in different countires, whether it favours the left or right, how it works and what it costs,why some politicians are so against... Read More
On Buying a Job: The Regulation of a Taxicab in Canberra
Throughout the world, the taxi industry attracts government regulation. Government agencies determine what vehicles may be used, who is eligible to receive a driver's oran owner's licence, where and how... Read More
